After two successful years riding in the UK, Heddon-Greta speedway ace Josh Pickering has signed to ride with Polish team Wilki Krosno.
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The Polish second division team confirmed Pickering’s signing earlier this month and the soon to turn 22-year-old will also ride in the UK in 2019.
Details of his British deal are being finalised, but Pickering said scheduling should not prove a problem with his Polish team generally competing on Sunday.
However, it will be an expensive exercise for the young rider as it will mean setting up two new bikes in Poland to be able to compete on an even-footing.
Pickering said the cost was likely to be in the vicinity of $14,000 a bike and he would be looking for sponsors to help defray the costs.
“It’s a big investment, but if I have success and continue in Poland beyond this year it is the best option as trying to ship them about soon costs more,” he said.
“I’ll be there racing on Sundays and racing in the UK..
“I’ve got bikes in the UK and will have to do the same in Poland. It’s a massive expense and I’m probably getting to this point quicker than I thought I would but while the opportunity is there I’m going to grab it.
“It’s an investment that has to be made, it’s tough.
“There are no payments for signing with the club, you only get paid if you ride, but Poland is where the money is made and where every rider wants to be.
There are no payments for signing with the club, you only get paid if you ride, but Poland is where the money is made and where every rider wants to be.
- Josh Pickering
“It’s a risk I’ve got to take, I’ve got to set up bikes and then I’ve got to perform because if I don’t I will not be named in the team.
“I’m not worried about the pressure, I just want to set up and get into it.”
Pickering said he had good mate fellow Hunter rider Rohan Tungate to thank for the opportunity to ride in Poland.
The current Australian solo champion from Pelaw Main put Pickering in touch with several club figures in Poland and they were impressed with Pickering’s performance in an international team event with Tungate.
“It’s an amazing to mate like that who is really looking out for you even it is such a competitive business,” he said.
Pickering heads to Cowra on the weekend for the NSW Solo Championship, an event his finished second in behind Tungate last year.
“I’m home working flat out to save as much as I can and still ride as much as I can.
“When you ride out here it still costs you a lot of money. It’s hard finding that balance where you are covering all your costs and still saving enough money to set yourself up when you go back over there.”
Any businesses or individuals interested in sponsoring Pickering can contact him via his racing Facebook page Joshie Pickering or on his Instagram Page.
