[T]he experienced Aussie racer Ty Proctor will be the Workington Comets captain for the new speedway season.
Thirty-year-old Ty has been given the job by the Comets management after an impressive first season at the club, which culminated in him being named as the club’s Rider of the Year.
He replaces the outgoing, GP bound, Craig Cook in the role and “was the obvious choice for team captain” according to club owner Laura Morgan.
Morgan said: “It makes perfect sense as I was impressed with his support for his teammates last season and he certainly has the experience.
“He also has the drive to motivate his team-mates and crucially to ensure that the two youngest guys in the side get the support they need.
“This is the first time Ty has been named as captain of a side, but it is a role that he is confident that he can do well.”
Having had a couple of seasons away from the UK Ty returned to these shores last season and rode solely for the Comets where he achieved a very respectable 7.15 average, which is a figure both rider and club are confident that he can build on.
However, this year will see him much busier as he will also be ‘doubling-up’ with Premiership side King’s Lynn as well as getting in some outings for a Polish club when Comets fixtures allow; all of which will help keep him much sharper and race-fit.
Speaking to the ‘News & Star’ Proctor said he felt ready to take on the captaincy and that leading and helping others comes naturally to him.
“It’s not a role I’ve ever had before in speedway,” he admitted.
“I feel I’ve always been someone that likes to help out the young lads and team-mates. It’s normally the older guys who get the nod and I’m definitely not young any more.”
Having remained in the UK throughout this close season he is now busy preparing both himself and his machinery for what promises to be a very busy campaign ahead.
He added: “I started off building my fitness up and now I’m at the stage where I’m in the gym twice a day, six days a week.
“I’m also working with my existing sponsors and trying to attract some new ones which is difficult and now we’re just starting to head in the direction of building up the bikes.”
The Comets season gets underway at Derwent Park on Saturday 31st March when the club stages the Cumberland Open Championship.
