NICHOLLS TO MISS START OF 2025 SEASON

Seven-time British champion Scott Nicholls has confirmed he will not be fit to start the 2025 season as he faces shoulder surgery.

Nicholls dislocated his shoulder when he crashed out of Cab Direct Championship club Oxford Cheetahs’ Knockout Cup Final, first leg at home to Poole on October 17.

Despite being hopeful of resuming racing in the spring, Nicholls took to Facebook on Monday to confirm he will undergo an operation on Tuesday, which will rule him out of the start of next season.

He was due to race for the Cheetahs in the Championship once again but admits they will now have to build their team without him.

Nicholls posted: “Hey all, not really the news I wanted to be delivering, but I’d like to share where I’m at. As you’ll know my season ended with an unfortunate crash where I dislocated my left shoulder. 

“As we all do, I was sure it would just be a case of a couple weeks rest and a bit of physio, and I’d be back to business. Sadly, that isn’t the case, and I have to have surgery on November 26. 

“It’s a race against time to be fit and I will work hard to be back as soon as I can, but sadly, I won’t be ready to start the season. 

“I have informed Oxford Speedway of the situation, and they will be doing what they can build the best team possible for the start of the season without my presence. I’m truly devastated by my current situation, but as you all know, I’ll do my best to be back to my best ASAP. Thank you for all the love and support this year. Had a cracking year; just a shame to round it out like this.”

Nicholls’ absence comes as a further blow to the Cheetahs, who confirmed British teenager Ashton Boughen will not return for 2025, despite previously naming the King’s Lynn recruit in their Championship septet.

Everyone involved in FIM Speedway wishes Scott a speedy recovery.