Scunthorpe Scorpions will provide Workington with a stern test tonight in the Comets return to the second tier of British speedway.
The two sides meet in the BSN Series at 5.30pm as both clubs get their competitive season underway.
The Scorpions have brought in two ex-Comets in Kyle Howarth and youngster Luke Harrison as they look to build on a positive 2023 campaign, which saw them lift the KO Cup, and they also have club legend David Howe making his debut as team manager.
Meanwhile the Comets return to the second tier for the first time since 2018, and there will be much interest in the performances of UK debutants Tate Zischke, Antti Vuolas and female racer Celina Liebmann.
Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey said: “We are looking to pick up where we left off in 2023 as Knockout Cup winners and keep that going.
“Most of the team is intact and we’ve only made two changes from last year, whereas some of the other teams have made a lot more.
“Kyle is a quality act, while we don’t want to put any pressure on Luke, but I do think he will be scoring points from the word go.
“We get started against Workington and how good is it to see the Comets back at second division level where they belong!”
Comets manager James Denham said: “Competing at a higher level will mean this year will be massively different from last.
“We will focus on home wins and turning Workington into a fortress, but I think we will surprise a few people and also pick up a few scalps on the road.”
Last season’s Comets captain Luke Crang makes his Belle Vue debut this afternoon as he lines-up for the Colts in the WSRA National Development League.
Comets team-mate Harry McGurk is returning to the Colts and lines-up against Leicester.Both sides enjoyed strong campaigns in 2023 with the Lion Cubs going all the way to the Grand Final – but this year’s NDL is decided on league results only.
