There’s great excitement building for the return of the Workington Comets in May to a revamped Northside track.
Back in 1999 the new number one was Carl Stonehewer and this time it’s a 20-year-old Aussie Connor Bailey who dons the race jacket. I thought we should catch up with him for his thoughts on his career and the season ahead.
Just to start off Connor can you tell me about how you started in the sport and where?
I started my racing career in motocross. One day at one of the last meetings of the season, there was a static display of speedway bikes. I was so intrigued by the bikes that I convinced my Mum and Dad to let me have a go on one.
Ever since stepping on a speedway bike for the very first time, I have loved it! The feeling of a speedway bike underneath you is like nothing else. You can’t replicate it on any other bike, and it is a truly unique experience.
Although born in Australia you have strong British connections – through whom, and when did you first visit the UK?
My Mum was originally born in the UK, and emigrated at a young age to Australia – Where she eventually had me. Because of this connection to the UK through mum, I qualify for a British passport, and choose to ride under the British banner.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career so far and why?
It’s hard to say what has been the biggest influence There’ve been a few big moments for me throughout my career.
I would say the single biggest defining moment for me as a speedway rider was being signed by Glasgow to ride in the UK professionally for the first time. It had always been a goal of mine to race motorbikes for a living.
Actually sitting down with a contract in front of me made everything very real, and pushed me harder to try my very best to succeed.
When and where did you have your first meetings in Britain and how did they go?
My very first meeting on UK soil was actually for the Belle Vue Colts in the National League, in 2019. I scored 9 points which I was definitely happy with!
My first meeting for Glasgow was tougher, against much harder opposition. I spent a few meetings adjusting, and eventually started putting some decent points on the board in the Championship League.
You have ridden in all three tiers of British speedway. What was the experience like with the Belle Vue Aces in the Premiership?
Despite being signed for Belle Vue Aces in 2022, I never actually got to ride for them. There were a couple of potential opportunities, but for one reason or another, a guest was used in my place, rather than bringing me in as the No.8 Rider.
I can definitely say, regarding the championship league – which shares a fair few riders with the premiership league anyway – that it’s tough going. Every point is fought for, tooth and nail. I believe I have grown as a rider over the last few seasons, and become a lot tougher on track. I think it was a necessary change, which has helped me score many more points than in past seasons.
Had you heard much about the town of Workington before you actually signed for the Comets?
I’ve only heard what I’ve been told, and seen in pictures. The new track they have built looks simply immense. I can’t wait to get out and practice on it. I think the racing that it will produce is going to be amazing, even for the national league.
There is so much room to manoeuvre, and to allow for tough, yet tidy racing. I’m really looking forward to the season.
You have signed for Redcar Bears in the Championship this year as well so will have a busy campaign. What are your targets for both the Bears and the Comets?
This season, I’m signed with Workington, Redcar, and Sparta Wroclaw in Poland. It’s going to be a very busy season, which will be a contrast from my last two seasons. I’m ready to finally be racing in multiple leagues, hopefully multiple times a week.
I think that it will keep me sharp, and increase my rate of improvement. My immediate goal with Workington is to establish myself around the circuit. I want to know everything about it, and be as close to unbeatable at home as possible. I really want to have a strong year in the National league, and finish up the season in the pointy end of the averages sheet.
My immediate goal with Redcar is to maintain – if not increase – my average. I will be starting the season at number 2, and I aim to keep myself there, and then improve from there onwards.
Can you tell supporters about your bikes, gear and sponsors?
I’ve been working tirelessly throughout the winter, going over, and building new machinery ahead of the ‘23 season. I always strive to keep my equipment in the highest working order, to minimize breakdowns, and DNFs.
This of course is not a cheap exercise, and I’m always on the lookout for sponsorship either personally, or via my Tartan Tornado Support Squad. I have a good group of people surrounding me, and supporting my racing dreams.
As I grow, unfortunately so too do the costs. If anyone is looking to support myself for ‘23, I would be greatly appreciative. Sponsorship is definitely not as expensive as it can seem from the outside!
Workington closed after a treble-winning season in 2018. Had you any experience of Derwent Park and what do you think of the revamped Northside track?
I’ve never actually ridden the old Workington track. It closed a year before I first came to the UK. As I’ve said, the new circuit looks amazing, and I just can’t wait to get out on it for some testing!
Team spirit is often key to any success in sport. How well do you know the other riders with the 2023 Comets team?
I think team spirit is practically the most important thing relating to success in Speedway. Even one rider or manager with a bad attitude can upset the whole flow of the team. I get on well with all the boys on the team, and I’m really looking forward to getting together, and just seeing what we can accomplish together this season.
