Ace Pijper will be chasing back-to-back British Under-19 titles when the national Championship takes place at Workington next month.
The Redcar youngster triumphed at Oxford last season and is in the list of competitors named by the Young Lions for the 2025 event at the GT Tyres Arena, Northside on Sunday September 28 (1pm).
As well as the in-form Pijper, who rode for the Comets Development League side two years ago, there are seven other riders regularly competing at Championship level.
They include Workington’s own Vinnie Foord, and the top eight Under-19 riders from the September averages of the National Development League.
Two other original Comets from the revived 2023 side, Sam McGurk and Luke Harrison are also taking part.
Young Lions boss Neil Vatcher said: “This is such an exciting line up, so much talent on show and at such a great venue.
“At a track with many racing lines this is sure to be a fantastic event and one I know we are all looking forward to.”
The draw will be confirmed next month.
BRITISH U19 RIDERS: William Cairns, Jamie Etherington, Vinnie Foord, Luke Harrison, Freddy Hodder, Ryan Ingram, Max James, Jordy Loftus, Sam McGurk, Max Perry, Ace Pijper, Stene Pijper, Cooper Rushen, Jody Scott, Ben Trigger, Ashton Vale.
Fraser Bowes picks up two points
Meanwhile current Comets rider Fraser Bowes picked up just two points and a bonus guesting for Glasgow at Poole last night.
The Pirates fought back from a narrow deficit to build a 52-38 advantage over the Tigers at the halfway stage of their MAXiCab KO Cup semi-final.
After seven races at Wimborne Road the Tigers led 22-20, but the Pirates took the second half of the meeting by a 16-point margin, meaning 14 is their margin to take to Scotland a week on Sunday (September 7).
The Pirates secured two vital 5-1s in the last two races to extend their lead, with Zach Cook and ex-Comet Paul Starke combining in Heat 14 after Leon Flint had crashed out, whilst captain Cook was involved again in Heat 15, this time with Richard Lawson as they overcame former Workington rider Kyle Howarth and Chris Harris.
Lawson raced to his fifth home maximum of the season, going through the card with 15, whilst Cook added 12+1. Harris was top scorer for the Tigers with 10.
West Cumbrian Lawson, who started his successful career at the Comets, said: “I had to do it the hard way tonight. But when you come to these semi-finals and finals you’ve really got to work hard.
“I hit the ground, I didn’t make starts, I did make starts. It kind of had all sorts, but I was just glad we came through it as a team.
“Fair play to Zach in Heat 15. I was checking on his whereabouts and that was probably one of the best rides I have seen him do this season. When you’ve got both Bomber (Harris) and Howarth right behind you it is not easy.”
