There will be some familiar faces in the Scunthorpe Scorpions squad tonight when Workington Comets fans travel to the Eddie Wright Raceway.
The first of three-in-three days meetings for the Comets sees them open the new campaign at a higher level in the BSN Series with tapes up at 5.30pm.
The hosts feature three former Comets in teenager Luke Harrison, who was a member of the Comets National Development side. He will be at reserve, while ex-Workington rider Simon Lambert is their captain in the number three heat leader berth.
The trio is topped-off by Kyle Howarth who spearheads the side at number one on his senior Scorpions debut.
Boasting a solid strength in depth side, the Scorpions are backed up by 28-year-old Australian Jake Allen at number five and Michael Palm Toft, a popular guest for Workington over the years, who will be lining up at number four for the Scorpions.
Two young British prospects fill the rest of the lineup for the Scorpions with Nathan Ablitt, who will also ride for the Scunthorpe/Sheffield National League team, lining-up alongside Harrison at reserve.
Another great prospect for British Speedway, Connor Mountain will line up at two after a very good effort in the recent Peter Craven Memorial meeting at Belle Cue.
The Comets will be spearheaded by local hero Craig Cook at number one while the final signing Claus Vissing, will also make his second Workington debut – last riding for the Comets in 2016 at Derwent Park.
Troy Batchelor is a former GP rider and he feels the composition of the team this year has the makings of success.
The Comets latest Flying Finn, Antti Vuolas, will be hoping for a dream and has already impressed in practice with his smooth style suggesting his potential as one of the newest riders in the Championship.
There was also equal potential shown by young 18-year-old Australian rider, Tate Zischke at Saturday’s Press and Practice. This won’t be his first laps at the Eddie Wright Raceway with him putting in some practice laps there a few weeks ago.
History-making Celina Liebmann, will make history on Friday at Scunthorpe. She will be the first female rider to compete in the professional British Leagues.
Her recent very competitive display at the star-studded Peter Craven Memorial hasn’t gone unnoticed with initial critics’ opinions soon being dismissed.
Sam McGurk has also been putting in some considerable winter practice at the GT Tyres Arena at Northside recently.
Although this will be his debut in the Championship he has practiced and rode at Scunthorpe numerous times during his British youth career.
