The clock is ticking down to the relaunch of league speedway in Workington with just two months to press and practice.
The new-look Workington Comets are to compete in the National Development League against seven rivals – and were one of the first teams to be put together before Christmas.
Promoter Andrew Bain says: “There’s still plenty to do before the first meeting. Changing rooms need built, cabling needs put in around the track, seating installed and we have just put up the handrails.
“The response has been really good. There is a big buzz about Workington making a return. The governing body from the sport – Speedway Control Bureau – have been really good too.
“All I want is the riders to enjoy the season with us and the fans to get behind them so we will see what happens. Who knows it would be nice to finish in the top three but it’s going to be a learning curve for us all.”
Meanwhile one of the teams to declare late their participation in the NDL, Edinburgh have appointed Scott Wilson as team manager of the newly rebranded Monarchs Academy.
Wilson was a founding committee member of the Monarchs Fans Trust, and then, after time out to focus on his chartered accountancy exams, he increased his involvement again last season through the Monarchs Community Initiative.
He said: “As a kid I didn’t ever dream of becoming a speedway rider, but I always knew I wanted to be part of the Edinburgh Monarchs in some capacity. After 22 years as a supporter, and completing a programme at every meeting, I know my way around the tactical side of speedway.
“In my view there are two key outcomes the Edinburgh Monarchs Academy should seek to achieve – rider development as a feeder team to the senior Monarchs team, and to win!
“There hasn’t been enough of either in the past two years, but we are hopeful that a rebrand, freshening up and change of approach in a few areas will see this change.
“We’re building an exciting team which aligns with both of these goals, and I can’t wait to get going!”
