Finnish flyer Nike Lunna says he’s ready to get “better and faster” after he became Glasgow’s latest signing on a full transfer.
The 19-year-old is relishing the challenge of stepping up with the big boys in 2016 as he prepares to start the season in the main body of the Tigers team – having spent 2015 at reserve for Scunthorpe in his debut season.
The two-time Finnish Under-21 Champion has only been racing 500cc speedway bikes for two years, but is already targeting silverware for Glasgow and a challenge in the world junior speedway championships next term.
Lunna said: ” I feel very good. Glasgow is a good club and I’m very happy that I can ride for them.
“I think the first thing that attracted me to Glasgow was that I really like the track – and, of course, everyone there has been very nice to me. We made a good deal and here we are.”
Lunna started riding ‘mini speedway’ in 2011 in Sweden before moving on to the full machinery in 2013. In both 2014 and 2015 he won the Finnish Under-21 Championship and he has also raced in Poland, Denmark and Sweden.
He has already signed a contract to ride in Sweden next season too – but plans to base himself in Glasgow to start the campaign.
He said: “Of course, my aim is to raise my 4.50 average and make my best contribution to my teams in every league. I will also try and make my way to the under-21 World Championship final.
“Glasgow are going to have a very strong team, full of nice guys, and I can see us making some finals.
“I think that moving into the main body of the team can be very good for me. It’s not going to be easy, but that’s how I get better and faster.”
Lunna is currently undertaking national service in his home country. He added: “I’m in the army at the moment so I will spend my winter here.
“We have a lot of practice time where I am, so when we start the season I will be in better shape than I have ever been.”