There are few riders in British Speedway who command the respect that Scott Nicholls does. Nearly three decades after making his professional debut, the 48-year-old continues to prove why he remains one of the sport's fiercest competitors.
Week after week, Scott has been leading from the front for the Gladiators. His rolling average of 8.52 tells only part of the story. Time and again he has delivered when his team has needed him most, earning the admiration of supporters and becoming a regular winner of the Fans' Rider of the Night award.
With speculation continuing that 2026 could be his final season, many supporters are beginning to ask the same question: with form like this, could there still be another chapter to come?
We caught up with Scott to discuss his excellent season, the mentality that has kept him competing at the highest level, helping Plymouth's younger riders and whether retirement really is on the horizon.
Scott, you're having another outstanding season for Plymouth. Did you expect to be riding at this level when the year began?
Scott Nicholls: I've got to be honest, I've had some performances this season that have been below my own standards, so I don't want to get too carried away. I always want to perform at the highest level possible, but I'm realistic enough to know I'm not riding at the level I was many years ago.
At this stage of my career and at my age, though, I have to be pleased with how things are going. I wanted to have a good season and, as long as I'm winning more races than I'm losing, that's what makes it enjoyable. Once that balance starts changing, that's when you begin asking yourself some difficult questions.
You're regularly topping the score chart and have become a firm favourite with the Gladiators supporters. What has clicked for you this season?
Scott Nicholls: That's the million-dollar question! Speedway has always been like that—sometimes everything clicks and sometimes it doesn't. Whether it's me, the bike or a bit of bad luck, nobody has ever found the perfect formula. If someone could write that script, they'd be a millionaire.
The biggest thing for me has simply been enjoying my racing and appreciating all the moments, good and bad. I think that's been the key.
Your average continues to climb and you're producing big scores week after week. Has anything changed with your preparation or equipment?
Scott Nicholls: Not really. It's the same equipment and very much the same approach I've had over the last few years. I think that's one of the reasons I'm still racing at 48.
I try to be serious when I need to be, but not take everything too seriously. It's about finding the right balance. Of course, I still get frustrated when things aren't going well, but if you enjoy what you're doing it makes the whole process much easier.
Experience is often talked about in Speedway. What's the biggest lesson you've learned over such a long career?
Scott Nicholls: Appreciate the good times because the bad times usually sort themselves out.
Even now, I still get frustrated and question myself when things aren't going right, especially if you've had mechanical problems or a run of bad luck. But I've learned that sometimes you just need patience.
When results dip, it's easy to start chasing problems that aren't really there—changing engines, changing set-ups, looking for answers everywhere. Sometimes things simply aren't clicking and you have to trust yourself, stay disciplined and keep working. Eventually it comes back around.
There are several younger riders in the Plymouth team this year. Do you enjoy helping them develop?
Scott Nicholls: I do. It's something I've always enjoyed.
There's a fine line though. You can give too much information just as easily as too little. If you overload a young rider, they'll go to the tapes thinking about everything you've said instead of just racing.
Sometimes it's better to drip-feed advice, especially during the season. Then over the winter you can spend more time working on the finer details. Seeing something you've suggested suddenly click for a young rider is incredibly satisfying because they're the future of the sport.
Supporters don't always see what happens in the pits. How much of your role is about mentoring and helping keep the team focused?
Scott Nicholls: Everyone's different. Some riders are naturally relaxed while others need routines and structure.
I've learned over the years where I need to be mentally during a meeting, but every rider is different. Garry's role as team manager is important because he knows when to say something and, just as importantly, when not to.
You need to keep everyone focused without overloading them. If people are overthinking every race, their minds become frazzled. Sometimes a calm approach is the best approach.
Supporters often see you, Danny King and Garry May discussing key moments during meetings. How important is that relationship?
Scott Nicholls: It's very important. There's a lot of mutual trust and respect between us.
Sometimes, particularly before Heat 15, Danny and I will simply say to Garry, "You decide." We're both pretty relaxed when it comes to gate choices if it's the right decision for the team.
That doesn't mean we always agree. The other week Danny and I both felt we should be off gates two and four, while Garry wanted one and three—and he was right! Sometimes you've just got to trust the people around you and go with the flow.
There has been plenty of speculation that this could be your final season. Has your form made you rethink that?
Scott Nicholls: Who knows?
I'm certainly not making any decisions right now.
Like anything, when things are going well you naturally want to carry on. When things aren't flowing and you're frustrated, there have been moments this season where I've thought, "I've had enough."
I'll make that decision at the end of the year. For now, I'm simply enjoying my racing and concentrating on doing the best job I can.
You've regularly been voted Fans' Rider of the Night. What does the Plymouth support mean to you?
Scott Nicholls: The support has been fantastic.
Winning Rider of the Night is always appreciated because it's recognition for the effort you've put in. More than that though, the supporters at Plymouth have been brilliant.
They travel to away meetings as well, which doesn't happen as much these days, and that means a lot. The atmosphere at the Coliseum is special. It's a compact stadium and the supporters are right on top of the action. It's got a really good vibe and I love riding there.
You've raced against several generations of riders. Is there anything you miss from the early days of your career?
Scott Nicholls: I don't think there's much I enjoy more now than I did back then, although I probably appreciate it more because of my experience.
What I do miss is how relaxed things used to be. Riders would spend time together after meetings, there was more camaraderie and those long northern tours created plenty of memories.
The sport is much more serious these days and everyone moves on quickly after a meeting. I understand why, but I do miss some of that social side.