Troy Batchelor was the fans choice as Rider of the Year for the Workington Comets.
At the club’s presentation night in the Waverley Hotel the Australian revealed how the new Workington track had rejuvenated his passion for the sport.
He also praised the team spirit throughout the season – commenting on how the fans, promotion and everyone associated with the club had made this year memorable.
The event was sold-out and the fans had chance to chat to their heroes who received the awards.
Two of them, however, had to appear by video link – Tate Zischke from Australia and Antti Vuolas from Finland.
Zischke, who first season in the UK was cut-short by injury, won two awards – for the most exciting race of the season and as the Supporters Club’s Rider of the Year.
Vuolas picked up the award given to Mr Entertainment of the Year.
Skipper Craig Cook earned most bonus points during the season while Claus Vissing received the trophy as the Riders’ Rider of the Year.
Celina Liebmann made her way over from Germany and rejoined her 2024 team mates for the night and picked up the Riders Recognition award for her time with the GT Tyres Comets and also in recognition of her world championship success..
There was also the presentation of medals and trophies to the Workington Meteors, who were 2024 Northern Junior League Champions.
Laylen Richardson, Ben Rathbone and Charlie Luckman were in attendance and Richardson picked up most improved Comet of the year, as his NJL performances with the Snif-Snax Meteors earned him his first chance at Championship speedway with the Comets at Edinburgh.
2024 Workington GT Tyres Comets Roll of Honour:
- Most Improved Rider – Laylen Richardson
- Most Exciting Race – Tate Zischke (Heat 8 vs Oxford, May 25)
- Riders’ Rider of the Year – Claus Vissing
- Riders’ Recognition – Celina Liebmann
- Most Bonus Points – Craig Cook
- Mr Entertainer of the Year – Antti Vuolas
- 2024 Rider of the Year – Troy Batchelor
There was also a special Volunteer of the Year award given out.
Last year it was won by Paul Haughin for his efforts commercially for the Workington Comets, but this year it was won by Anne and Greg Irving.
Anne and Greg visit the track daily to check on the arena, as well as staying behind after every meeting for hours to tidy up and clean.
The promoters acknowledged that without people and volunteers like Anne and Greg there wouldn’t be speedway back in Workington.
