Typically, a speedway rider has a choice of two primary modes of headgear: the skid lid and the customary sponsor’s baseball cap. But what if – metaphorically speaking – the choice is far wider; where influence, interest and inspiration provide a greater variety of choice. There was only one way to solve this riddle — by shooting the breeze with Scott Nicholls, the man of many hats, and taking a keen focus on arguably the three most dominant talents of his speedway persona: fashion, passion, and punditry.
A stalwart of the sport since the early 90s, Scott has graced the shale stage both domestically and internationally and has latterly become a familiar face on the television, where his trend setting choice of shirts once became an issue of heated debate; however, upon meeting Scott, foremost in my mind was a desire to know more about his infectious sporting passion.
Who would you credit as your chief influence during your early years?
Scott was quick to pay tribute to the nurturing support he received from his family, acknowledging: “Without your parents you are pretty limited as to what you can do.” But Nicholls senior was chief coach – a keen motorcyclist himself but never a racer. Strict, pragmatic, and unrelenting, he nevertheless had a powerful and natural awareness of performance psychology, even though he would much prefer to call it common sense. Scott explained: “I had an early career crash – quite a nasty one, albeit I didn’t hurt myself massively – and dad immediately encouraged me to get back on the bike just for a lap, quite rightly pointing out that if I didn’t, next time would be adversely affected by this experience.”
As Scott pursued his professional career there were many other racing coaches, but without doubt his first idol was the ultimate showman – American superstar John “the Cowboy” Cook.
What career highlights to date still send a tingle down your spine?
Scott bought himself a little time and in doing so uttered a journalist’s utopia, “That’s a good one!”
“A mix really. Being so close to winning the Grand Prix in Australia is one of them. Such a big moment, and any GP rider will tell you that it’s a lot harder than you may give it credit for. Trust me, it’s tough!” In describing the intensity of this feeling Scott was philosophical, “It is almost like telling someone who hasn’t had kids what it is like to be a parent. The moment that baby pops into the world the love you have for that child is different to any other love you have experienced, and you can’t describe it. Only a parent will understand. It’s the same with GP racing. There’s a totally different dynamic – the pressure and demand.”
As dads we reflected together momentarily on the notion that having a child ultimately introduces you to the person you never knew existed within your own persona. Although we can both claim this incredible position, a GP appearance is probably out of my grasp!
Of the incredible haul of seven British Final wins Scott picked out the 2011 victory, when he rode for Swindon Robins, as a significant highlight. “I’d had a shocker of a season. It had been a really tough year. My home average, especially, was woeful, but that championship success reinforced to me that I could still do it – even during a crappy year.”
We have all seen your passion on track and occasionally after the chequered flag. I can think of one particular example when you had a high-octane discussion with Emil Sayfutdinov. What triggers that sort of emotion?
Scott was emphatic, “That’s Grand Prix racing!” Adding, “That was my last year in the GP, and we were polar opposites. I was having a nightmare of a year in the World Championship and you just can’t afford to be off your game. There is no hiding in the GP’s. For Emil it was different as he had jumped onto the World stage in sensational style.”
“We were both having a tough night. Every point is vital, and we were scrapping for third place. It wasn’t a hard move and I think Emil was just frustrated, especially being beaten by me who was having a terrible year.”
Scott captured the pure emotion, “You have less than a minute to achieve your goal. Adrenalin is pulsing through your veins from the start to the end, and clearly afterwards too! Neither of us were going to give in and it was a battle to the end.”
Smiling, Scotty summed up the concluding conflict as more like “handbags at dawn!” Although a forceful example of how winning is instilled within the opposing camps.
Have you and Emil made up?
Of course they have, and Scott was quick to point out that Emil is daughter Maya’s favourite rider.
How would you sum up the experience as captain of the Oxford Cheetahs in their triumphant return to the track after an absence of fifteen years?
An excited Scott was simply bursting, “It’s been awesome!”
Recognising that it’s been a tough year performance-wise as captain, he is proud of what’s been achieved at Cowley. “It’s unreal that the Cheetahs are back, and it was incredibly special to be captain. The work and effort put in by everyone has been amazing. Pretty much everything was great – the racing and the crowds. The only downside was that as a team we didn’t achieve what I genuinely thought we were capable of; but overall, it has been a huge success.”
And Scott will be back at the Cheetahs lair in 2023 with a real feeling that the team will be challenging for honours on all fronts.
Switching channel to Scott’s TV career …
What was your breakthrough moment?
The humble beginning of Scott’s TV career took place at The East of England Showground, home of the Peterborough Panthers, when the injured ace was asked to be the professional guest contributor during a four-team tournament. Recalling the event, Scott’s appraisal was less than convincing, “I was as nervous as hell and probably stumbled over my words!” But the TV hierarchy disagreed, and he began to do the odd spot on Sky Sports as a studio pundit.
His next big break came when Eurosport took over the TV rights, although the modest racer is keen point out, “It was a stroke of fortune really and I am very lucky to be part of it.”
How do you prepare for your punditry?
“When I was in the studio, I was provided with a stat-pack in advance. I usually travelled in by train, especially if I had been racing the night before, and would read the information and take notes.” His insider knowledge also helped significantly, although he would never break confidentialities.
“TV work is not as easy as people think. Having an almost constant chatter in your ears can be quite off putting at times, although the studio work was easier as essentially I was answering questions. Later, technical developments such as the touch screen stuff were really cool.”
“Working with Discovery is a whole new world, and although I still get a pack, I have to do research on each individual rider. This is especially useful during the inevitable hold-ups in the racing when I’m required to conduct a spur-of-the- moment trackside interview. It can be nerve-wracking, but all the riders have been very respectful of the position I hold on these occasions. It’s also great fun, as often I’m left to my own devices.”
We have seen more of you on the GP scene interviewing your peers. Which riders, if any, have tried to put you off your stride?
Scott laughed and confirmed that all his rider interviewees have been brilliant.
However, a curve ball was once delivered by ex-multiple world champion Jason Crump, as Scott disclosed, “Crumpy threw in a sentence then walked away! He was right in what he said, but I wasn’t expecting him to simply disappear into Robert Lambert’s pit lane – leaving me thinking ‘what do I say here!’”
Scott is always tough on his own performances, whether on track or on television, but is flattered by the positive feedback bestowed upon him. Moreso because, as a shy kid, he didn’t even like having his photograph taken.
What’s next for your TV career and would you do “I’m a celebrity…get me out of here!” if you got the call?
In terms of the future Scott is keen to continue his trackside tales in front of the cameras, although he has other goals within the entertainment industry. “I would love to do something new, even outside the sport. I love to travel, and it would be great to host such a show, or a magazine type production, although I realise there is a lot of competition out there!”
As for the jungle, Scott is up for a rumble. “I would probably vomit at half the stuff they have to eat but I would give it a crack.” I didn’t clarify with Scott if his last remark related to the anus of any particular creature.
In bringing our chat to a conclusion I was keen to get a handle on Scott’s fashion sense, especially as I am Gok Wan’s alter ego …
You are one cool dude Scott — tell me where your sense of style originates from?
“I really have no idea! I like different types of fashion. Maybe some of the concussions I’ve suffered in speedway have had an effect on my preferred style!”
Tell me all about your shirts?
Scott explained that this fashion opportunity arrived by chance. “When I first started doing the studio work I had to provide my own clothing and thought that I couldn’t appear in the same stuff over twelve shows as I would look like a real scruff-bag! Since there wasn’t a wardrobe budget, I bought a competitively priced blue number with little pug dogs on it. It got an instant reaction so I looked up the manufacturer and contacted them. They liked my style and we developed an ongoing relationship.”
Scott proudly added, “I was really chuffed when they brought out a range dedicated to speedway and subsequently sold out in record time!”
Have you a favourite?
Where can I purchase one from?
“Claudio Lugli – based in London. A great family business that I’m proud to be associated with.”
Football shirts have become a fashion statement. In your opinion where is speedway in the fashion stakes?
“Not very high up!” was Scott’s verdict. And I have to agree. Speedway could learn a few commercial lessons from football; I recall the savvy business sense of Lord Sugar, once chairman of Tottenham Hotspur, when the German striker Jurgen Klinsmann was a marquee signing in 1994. “Klinsmania” struck North London, with the club apparently earning back his transfer fee and season’s salary on replica shirt sales within two weeks.
Have you bought a onesie to counter the cost-of-living crisis?
There was little doubt on this one. “No! I would rather freeze!”
Wherever Scott lays his helmet in future seasons he will always be the consummate team player with his trademark guts and determination – but let’s watch out for more of him on the television with, perhaps, the speedway equivalent of the top BBC show Top Gear – ‘No Gears’!
Thanks Scott!
Photographs reproduced by kind permission of Scott Nicholls
© Ian Kirke 2022
@ianjkirke