Workington Comets have announced their third signing ahead of their return to the Championship in 2024.
Highly-rated Australian youngster Tate Zischke, 18, joins captain Craig Cook and the returning Sam McGurk as the first recruits for next season’s team.
Despite being on the radar of numerous Championship clubs he has elected to make the Northside Arena his home for the 2024 season.
Last season Zischke rode in Poland for Unia Leszno in the Under-24 Ekstralinga but also has experience at international level for Australia in the 2023 Under-21s Speedway of Nations.
Zischke, a protege of Darcy Ward, was actually recommended to the Comets by Ward himself.
For a number of years, Zischke has been progressing through the ranks of 125cc and 250cc under the guidance and mentoring of Darcy and since progressing into 500cc was crowned 2022 NSW Under-21 Champion.
Zischke is also under the watchful eye and guidance of former Comet Mick Powell, who said: “Tate is a great kid with huge potential. He has the right attitude and listens when his superiors are talking and with the backing of one of the greats, Darcy Ward, he is improving with every race.
“His major sponsor in Australia, Ivor Harm, also started my career off. He will be a great asset to the Comets and I can’t wait to see his results!”
Workington Speedway promoter Andrew Bain is equally thrilled at the signing of the exciting young Australian.
He said: “We’re delighted Tate is a Comet for 2024! When Darcy Ward calls you and tells you about a ‘wonder kid’ – you can’t ignore that.
“Everything we’ve seen and heard about Tate is exceptional. His progress in just a few short years is unbelievable and I’m sure the wide bends and open spaces at the Northside track will suit him down to the ground.”
Tate will come into the 2024 Comets team with a 5.00 assessed average and will also become a Workington asset.
