Workington Comets have parted company with skipper Craig Cook for the 2025 season.
West Cumbria-based Cook was the Comets number one in the season just ended, finishing the campaign top of the team averages on 9.02.
Cook, 37, a former British champion, has expressed his surprise at the decision by the Comets not to re-sign him for next year.
On his Facebook page Cook wrote: “I certainly felt that I had done a good job on my return for the Comets as they came back into the Championship.
“It had been a difficult end to the previous season but I came back stronger as I promised I would.
“We had a really good season, in my opinion. To reach the play-offs in our first year back in the Championship was a great achievement.
“Personally, if we hadn’t suffered injuries to Tate, Claus and myself, I really believe we could have made the Grand Final.
“As far as I was concerned, after agreeing verbally I would be back in 2025 I since learnt that was never going to be the case. It seemed to be the perfect fit with me at Workington.
“I believe it was great for the club to have a born and bred Cumbrian at No.1. I was massively passionate about getting the best results for the management and fans. I wish the Comets all the best in 2025.
“It’s a great club and the management and fans deserve success in the future. Thanks also to all my local sponsors for the amazing support.
“Next year will bring me new challenges now but the disappointment will only put fuel on the fire and give me even more reason to be better in every department in 2025.
“Once again thank you all for the support.”
James Denham, the Workington team manager said: “We wish Craig all the best for the 2025 season and we were happy that we could allow him to enjoy his speedway again during the season just ended.
“We hope to bring the Workington fans some news in the upcoming weeks regarding next season.”
