The last speedway action in Workington was 1,657 days ago – but that changes this afternoon at Northside.
The reformed Workington Comets are ready to blast off again with a National Development League debut against Edinburgh (tapes up 3pm).
A huge effort has gone in to upgrade the former training venue to bring a Comets team back to the track following their closure at the nearby Derwent Park nearly five years ago.
That effort is now set to be rewarded with the first competitive meeting at the stadium, with several big events to come later in the season.
Promoter Andrew Bain said: “The construction of the track itself has always been our first priority and while we believe the surrounding spectator areas offer superb viewing, we appreciate that the arena is a work in progress which we can develop over time into a facility the club and indeed the town can be proud of.
“We believe we have put together a very competitive team which will provide superb entertainment, a young team with a blend of future stars of the sport and riders experienced at this level.
“We didn’t have to tempt any of them to be here, they and many others contacted us to see if we could fit them into the team.
“All the indications show that both locally and nationally, the re-emergence of the Comets is being received enthusiastically, and we must offer our thanks to the governing body, British Speedway Promoters’ Limited, for their help and support.”
The Comets will line-up: 1, Connor Bailey; 2, Ace Pijper; 3, Sam McGurk; 4, Harry McGurk; 5, Luke Crang (capt); 6, Kelsey Dugard; 7, Elliot Kelly.
Edinburgh will be captained by their number one Kyle Bickley, a Workington youngster who was a Comet in their successful 2018 campaign.
Another former Comet, the very experienced Adam Roynon will ride at four for the visitors.
Their line-up is: 1, Kyle Bickley; 2, Mickie Simpson; 3, Alex Spooner; 4, Adam Roynon; 5, Jacob Hook; 6, Dayle Wood; 7, Kyran Lyden.
Number one Bailey was in action for Redcar Bears last night when they pulled off their first win at Edinburgh for 10 years.
Bailey scored four points which included a win in his first outing when he and former Comet Charles Wright completed a 5-1 in heat three.
The Bears had been pegged back by a maximum for the Monarchs in Heat 14 but Wright and Danny King secured a 47-43 Cab Direct Championship victory as they held off ex-Workington star Craig Cook and guest Justin Sedgmen in the finale.
Visiting skipper Wright kept up his blistering form so far this season with a 13+2 paid maximum and King added 13, whilst Cook top-scored for the home side with 12.
