The latest British Speedway debutant Fraser Bowes is gearing up for an action-packed 2025 season as he joins Workington Comets in the Cab Direct Championship.
The 23-year-old Adelaide native is eager to make his mark in the UK after years of preparation and is ready to build on his extensive experience racing in Poland and Sweden.
Bowes’ journey into speedway began as a curious 12-year-old, spurred on by a desire to try the sport and also following in the legacy of his father, Shane, who most notably rode for Glasgow with our very own Steve Lawson in the late 80s to early 90s.
He said: “I told my dad I wanted to try, so he took me to a come-and-try day down at Sidewinders, the junior track here in Adelaide.”
“My dad invests a lot of time into trying new setups inside my engines and understanding how things work. If something goes wrong, he’s there figuring out the issue.”
Bowes has been eyeing a UK move for several seasons, but various challenges delayed his plans. He added: “I had been in contact with James Denham and Steve Lawson for a while about coming over.
“There was someone behind the scenes advising me where to go and we said that with Steve’s knowledge, it’s a no-brainer to go to Workington and I couldn’t be in better hands.”
In addition to competing in the UK, Bowes will continue racing for Motor Lublin in Poland and Karlstad in Sweden. So with commitments across three leagues, Bowes faces a packed schedule but knows it may well be ‘organised chaos’ in 2025.
“This year will be very hectic,” he admitted. “It all comes down to organisation, but I’m very excited about it.”
Bowes believes his time in Sweden, where the tracks are smaller and more challenging, has prepared him for the UK’s similarly demanding and diverse tracks.
He said: “Racing in Sweden would hopefully help me adapt to the different types of tracks in the UK. The tracks are rougher there compared to the Polish tracks that are over 350 meters, slick, and smooth.”
Joining the Comets brings Bowes into a young and hungry team, but he also sees the value in learning from experienced teammates like former Grand Prix rider and new captain, Troy Batchelor.
He said: “Having Troy in the team will be great. He’s a former GP rider and been there and done it, so he comes with a lot of knowledge, and I’ll be able to get advice from him.”
For Bowes, 2025 is not just about proving himself but also staying fit and seeing what the new season will bring.
He said: “I think the team looks strong. We’re a young team, so I’m sure everyone will have the desire to win, but on a personal note the main thing will be getting through the season unscathed.”
The 2025 Cab Direct Championship fixtures have recently been released and fans will be able to see Fraser make his home debut for Workington Comets on Saturday, April 19 against the Edinburgh Monarchs, with tapes up at the earlier than usual time of 1pm at the GT Tyres Arena.
