SCOTT Nicholls' success is a family affair. His father Tommy tunes his engines – and he was reduced to tears when the Ipswich Evening Star sponsored rider finished second in the Australian speedway Grand Prix.

By Elvin King

SCOTT Nicholls' success is a family affair. His father Tommy tunes his engines – and he was reduced to tears when the Ipswich Evening Star sponsored rider finished second in the Australian speedway Grand Prix.

"I have to admit that I did cry. I had to leave the room at the end," said Nicholls senior today.

"This was the first GP I have watched live on television and Scott did really well."

While Scott takes a couple of weeks off to enjoy the Australian sunshine with girlfriend Anna, Tommy will be working on next year's engines.

He took a break from his workshop duties to reflect on his part of the success. "I have learned as we have gone along. The engine Scott used on Saturday was the same one he used in the previous two GPs.

"I think we have found the magic formula now. Top riders can afford to tune an engine especially for one GP. We have to use engines that Scott has ridden in the Elite League with Ipswich."

Tommy revealed that his son's first GP series had cost the family money. "And we are talking thousands of pounds," he said.

"It is not right but what can we do. The organisers say that we should find more sponsorship – but it is not easy. Scott would not be able to carry on in the series without the income he gets from his league racing."

Tommy also confirmed the affect his wife Gina's illness had on Scott. "Gina is battling bravely with cancer, and it has certainly played on Scott's mind," added Tommy.

"It is not a coincidence that his best GP before Saturday was in Sweden when Gina was present. Scott was also very nervous in the early rounds, but he has mastered that now.

"It was the Slovenian GP where he began to conquer his nerves – and he got run-down by a mechanic in the pits and broke his ankle.

"He had to miss one GP and was far from fit in the next. Otherwise he could have claimed a top ten place. We are gutted that he did not finish in the top ten."

Proud mum Gina, who watched the Australian meeting with Tommy round a friend's house, said: "Scott has worked so hard. So many hours. He has had to do things the hard way, mainly through no fault of his own.

"He is tough on himself, but will never give up. He is a fighter."