Local rider Callum Foy will be the Workington Comets’ number eight for the 2023 season.
Callum, 26, of Maryport, is being given the opportunity to ride for the Comets in their debut season in the National Development League as well as help kick off the new era of speedway in Workington.
Comets promoter Andrew Bain said: “Behind every good team there should be a good number eight and on Saturday’s press and practice event Callum proved he could keep up with the big boys, which is why we believe he is more than capable of being able to step into the team if needed.”
As well as taking up the number eight role for the Comets, Callum will also be part of the Workington Meteors Northern Junior League team. This will give him even more valuable racing experience and extra laps around the new Northside circuit.
The Comets are preparing for their debut in the National Development League with Saturday’s home meeting against Edinburgh.
Several of their rivals have been riding for a week or two now but Oxford Chargers started their campaign just a little earlier by racing for the first time last night.
They opened their National Development League campaign with a hard-fought 50-39 win over champions Leicester at Cowley.
Reserve Luke Killeen starred for the Chargers with 13+1 while skipper Jordan Jenkins (12) had four wins and a fall on the last bend of Heat 6 when chasing Lion Cubs skipper Joe Thompson.
New signing Ryan Kinsley picked up 10+1 for the home side whilst the Cubs led at the halfway stage but fell away in the second half, although winter signing Ashton Boughen impressed with 8+2 in a meeting which went ahead despite a heavy downpour an hour before start time.
Oxford boss Peter Schroeck said: “Leicester are a solid team capable of being a big player at the end of the season, so tonight was a good indicator that we’re heading in the right direction.
“It’s important we use our home track knowledge to our advantage as the Chargers did last season, and tonight that happened. We’re very pleased but at the same time remain focused ahead of two big away meetings before the close of the week.”
Cubs boss Dave Howard said: “It was a difficult night on a difficult track after the heavy shower.
“Everybody gave it their all, and looking at the aggregate situation we have confidence in what we can do on our home track. It was just one of those nights in the last few heats.”
