Glasgow has kicked off its 2016 team-building by securing the return of captain and Rider of the Year Aaron Summers.
The popular Australian, who was on Saturday named as the club’s Home and Away Rider of the Year for 2015, is the first name on the team sheet at the Peugeot Ashfield Stadium.
Summers, 27, signed as an asset of the club last winter on a full transfer from Redcar and went on to be a major success – adding half-a-point to his average and proving to be one of the Premier League’s top riders.
The former Australian Under-16 Champion is no stranger to success on these shores, having won the league and Premier Trophy with Edinburgh in 2008, and the Elite League title with Coventry in 2010.
He led the Tigers to two finals last season, meeting Edinburgh in both the League Cup final and the Premier League Championship final – a meeting in which his season ended when he crashed and broke his hand.
Glasgow ended as runners-up in both competitions but Summers is determined to be the one on top of the podium next season.
He said: “I had such a good season, I’ve really enjoyed my time at Glasgow, and it’s been a good move for me. I snapped up the opportunity to ride here again next season.
“I had told Glasgow I was interested straight away and that I wanted to get things sorted out as soon as possible.
“We didn’t come back with any trophies last season so that’s definitely our main aim – to do the business next year. We got to the finals this year, we just didn’t have enough bite in the final push, so next year we’ll make that difference and get the trophies.”
Summers finished the 2015 campaign in sensational form, scoring a couple of home maximums ahead of the play-off final, and the Glasgow track record holder feels he can get even faster.
He said: “We’ve got a little bit of testing to do and a couple of things to try out, as soon as my hand is out of its cast, and then start up a training programme and be fitter than I ever have been before a season.
“I think that’s one of my keys to being faster next year and going that step better.”
Team manager Stewart Dickson says he believes Summers can keep progressing at Glasgow.
He said: “I’m very happy to have him back, and I actually think there’s more to come. I still think he can kick on and he’s a rider I’m looking to put half-a-point or so onto his average.
“Aaron is always very professional, does what he’s asked and I’m looking forward to working with him again next season.”
He added: “The plan is to have a bit more entertainment next year. Results are obviously important but I also aim to put together a team of racers. Hopefully that will show on the track.”
Summers will start 2016 on an average of 8.37.