Workington Comets will announce their seventh and final member of the 2024 Championship side tonight when their fans meet the team at the Waverley Hotel.
Promoter Andrew Bain has admitted it being a struggle to secure the final signature but the deal has been done ahead of Tuesday’s declaration deadline.
“We are going to have a two-way video link between the rider’s home and the Waverley so the fans will be able to see and hear from him.
“I’m just so pleased to get the team finally sorted. We’ve had a few twists and turns on the way but it has now finally been agreed and we will be ready for the first Championship match on Friday,” he said.
Bain was speaking at the Comets’ press and practice session held earlier today at the Northside track.
The other six signed riders were all there and team manager James Denham believes the Comets will shock a few people this season.
“I think a lot think we will be heading for the wooden spoon but I don’t agree. We will shock a few teams I am sure, and our big aim is to make sure we make the best of home advantages.
“I think we have a good mix of experience and youthful potential, and now we have the last rider I’m happy with the make-up of the side,” he said.
Skipper Craig Cook says he is putting the traumatic events of last season behind him and looking forward to a successful season at the Comets.
“Years of travelling have taken it out of me and I’m just looking forward to it without the pressure. The lads have done a great job on this track at Northside and it should suit me,” he said.
Celina Liebmann, the history-making German rider; highly promising Finnish youngster Antti Vuolas; talented young Aussie Tate Zischke and experienced Australian Troy Batchelor make-up the overseas contingent in the 2024 line-up.
Sam McGurk is back from last year, a member of the Comets’ side that returned to track action in the National Development League.
Liebmann, Vuolas and Zischke took part in a team-building exercise at the indoor karting track on Thursday, along with members of the Comets staff and supporters. It was Celina, who is making history this year by being the first female rider competing in professional UK speedway, who left them all in her wake.
Cumbria Crack’s John Walsh went along to the practice session and spoke to some of the riders and management, and you can hear his conversations below:
