30th May 2008 - STONEY DOUBT & REIMA DEBUT - PRESS RELEASE - WORKINGTON Comets’ legend Carl Stonehewer will give it as long as possible before deciding whether he will be fit to ride tomorrow night.

The long-serving former Grand Prix star is rated doubtful but he is desperate to be involved against his former club Sheffield Tigers.

Stonehewer sent back-word on two guest bookings this week to give himself every chance of making the Premier League clash at Derwent Park (7pm).

“I’m still very stiff and sore from the pounding I took on the Stoke track last Saturday and there has been little improvement since I pulled-out of my last two races on Monday.

“But Ian can’t book a guest, he will have to use rider replacement, and if need be he could go up to half an hour before the start before deciding. I’ll make a decision before then, of course, and I honestly don’t know which way it’s going to go.

“I wasn’t fit last Monday, which is why I had to give-up my last two rides, and I was in absolute agony. I haven’t cracked or broken any ribs but they are battered and bruised, and I can tell you, they are very sore,” he said.

Stonehewer tried to ride through the pain barrier in Monday’s Bank Holiday clash with the Potters and was seen at his best beating Barrie Evans for his second win of the night before being forced to withdraw.

Team manager Ian Thomas said: “That was typical Stoney. He rode when far from fit and somehow conjured a win out of an impossible situation.

“I know he really has struggled this week but he’s been in the game long enough to know what he should and shouldn’t do with regard to injuries. I’m happy to leave it to him.”

If Stoney misses-out Workington would operate rider replacement which means everyone except number one Daniel Nermark would be eligible for a ride.

That includes new number two Tomi Reima who has been cleared to ride by both the BSPA and the Finnish authorities.

Workington skipper Kauko Nieminen has played a key role in negotiations with his fellow countryman which were completed by owner Keith Denham and team manager Ian Thomas last week-end.

Ironically, back in 2001, when Reima and Nieminen rode for a Finnish Select in a four team tournament at Derwent Park it was the latest recruit who was being tipped then as Workington’s next signing.

But Thomas had been tracking Nieminen and went over to Finland soon afterwards to watch him in action before signing him for the Comets.

“Tomi scored eight points when he rode at Derwent Park and he’s ridden in World Cup matches for Finland so he’s had plenty of experience.

“We are not signing a super-star, and I’m sure people don’t expect that knowing the points we have to play with, but I think Tomi is capable of doing us a solid job.

“We have looked at every option and have spoken to several riders before Kauko helped us out to set-up the deal with Tomi.”

Denham said: “We had until May 27 to sign a rider which would give us just five points to play with. If we had gone beyond that date without signing anyone we would only have had just over three points.”

Reima’s arrival will mean the team has a new look from Sunday with the Finn slotting in at number two; Joe Haines moving up to number four and Charles Wright slotting in at reserve.

“There are some big matches ahead, and they don’t get much tougher than Sheffield because the Tigers really are smarting from that home defeat we inflicted on Thursday.

“Then we have King’s Lynn away and that is always a tough match but we are going to places now a lot more confident than we have been for a while,” said Denham.

Workington completed their safe passage to the quarter-finals of the Premier League Knockout Cup last night when they beat Stoke Potters 54-36 at Derwent Park for a 30-point aggregate victory.

They will now race home and away against the Isle of Wight for a place in the semi-final.

Reima has been signed to replace the injured Barry Burchatt who faces a long recovery process after his grass-tracking smash.

Thomas said: “I spoke to his dad on Friday and he says that he is making progress, but still very slowly. They are talking about moving him to Stoke Mandeville hospital over the week-end.”

23rd May 2008 - SHEFFIELD TIGERS 40 WORKINGTON COMETS 50 - nDaniel Nermark 13, Kauko Nieminen 9, Charles Wright 4, Carl Stonehewer 12+2, Joe Haines 10+2, John Branney 2+1 - PRESS RELEASE - Workington Comets served notice on their intentions of winning the Premier League with a sensational win at Sheffield last night.

The Tigers lose very few at Owlerton so the scale of the Comets’ 50-40 win puts the performance up there with the very best in the club’s history.

Owner Keith Denham was expressing his satisfaction at the best win of his short reign at Derwent Park while team manager Ian Thomas thought it was the best win since the Comets were re-launched in 1999.

In either event it was a remarkable effort, spear-headed by number one Daniel Nermark (13), ex-Sheffield star Carl Stonehewer (12) and teenage sensation Joe Haines (20).

But it was essentially a team performance by the Comets, still using rider replacement for the injured Barry Burchatt, with all six riders either collecting a race win or a paid win.

It means that if Workington can go to Stoke on Saturday night and repeat their Knockout Cup win of last month they will go top of the League.

“We’ve made a positive start and the Sheffield win was our second away from home. With three points for an away victory and no bonus points this season that’s going to be so important,” said Denham.

It was especially satisfying to see Nermark among the points again following his return to the saddle on Saturday. He had apologised to the fans, his team-mates and the Comets management – and responded in the best possible way with a 15-point maximum against Scunthorpe Scorpions.

He followed-up impressively at Owlerton and is just looking forward to the rest of the season with the Comets.

“We had our discussion, Daniel apologised and we have all drawn a line under the whole episode and moved on. He’s a class rider, which is why we signed him and we just want to see him continue riding the way he has been doing,” said Denham.

The meeting at Stoke on Saturday is in the League while Monday’s match at Derwent Park with the Potters ( 7pm) is the second leg of the Knockout Cup, with Workington enjoying an eight-point lead from the first leg.

A collection at Derwent Park last Saturday for injured Workington rider Barry Burchatt raised £2,000.

The £500 fine imposed on star rider Nermark was added to the total and Comets owner Keith Denham has chipped-in himself to take the final figure to £3,000.

Riders from both teams went into the crowd during the interval and collected cash from the fans which will go towards a fund set-up for the badly injured rider.

Denham said: “When I told Barry’s father what had been raised he was staggered. The Workington speedway fans are noted for their generosity in these sort of occasions and again they’ve surpassed themselves.”

Burchatt, 20, is still critical in St. Thomas Hospital, London after two major operations – on his lung and then at the week-end on his spine.

But Denham said: “He had been in an induced coma but he opened his eyes for the first time on Monday and was able to squeeze his father’s hand. It’s going to be a long road for the lad but hopefully he’s now started to make some progress.”

The initial concern, which necessitated a life-saving operation, had been rib-cage damage to a lung and on Saturday he had steel rods inserted in his back to strengthen the spinal column.

Burchatt had only been riding for the Comets for a fortnight when he was seriously injured in a grass-tracking accident in Kent .

At the moment Workington are using rider replacement at number two for Burchatt but are currently trying to make a new signing.

Denham said: “We have until May 27 to sign a rider and would have just over five points to play with. If we go beyond that without signing anyone we would only have just over three points.

“We have someone in mind at the moment and are currently involved in talks and I hope we might have something to report fairly soon

12th May 2008 - PRESS RELEASE 11 - A serious injury to Workington Comets recent signing Barry Burchatt has over-shadowed all other news from Derwent Park this week.

The 20-year-old Kent-based rider has been moved to a specialist hospital in London and remains critically ill following a crash on the grass-track on Sunday.

He underwent a life-saving operation at Ashford hospital and was subsequently moved later in the week.

Burchatt had laid his bike down to avoid a fallen rider but the rest of the field ploughed into him.

Workington Comets team manager Ian Thomas said: “He is a smashing lad who is already hugely popular among the rest of the team and our thoughts are for him and his family.”

The Comets owner Keith Denham said: “I think Barry’s injury puts things into perspective. It’s shocking and even though he’s just been with us for a fortnight he had settled in really well.

“I got to know him and his father pretty well in just a short space of time and they are both smashing people. I feel devastated and we are all praying for his recovery.”

The Comets number two had intended to take a year out of speedway because of exams associated with his work but he passed them early and answered a call from the Workington club to take on the second string slot following the release of Scott Smith.

Ironically Smith was involved in a horror smash of a different kind when he made his seasonal debut for Berwick Bandits at Shielfield on Saturday.

He tangled with Isle of Wight veteran Paul Fry and his bike catapulted into the crowd, striking two young spectators.

A 14-year-old girl suffered serious head injuries and has undergone plastic surgery while a 14-year-old youth had collarbone and shoulder injuries.

The meeting was abandoned, although both Smith and Fry escaped serious injury.

In any other week Daniel Nermark’s absence from Derwent Park would have created most stir, but the serious nature of Burchatt’s injuries rather sidelined that development.

Owner Denham and team manager Thomas say they feel deceived over the Swede’s absence from Derwent Park on Saturday and subsequent appearance in Poland less than 24 hours later.

Nermark had crashed riding for the Comets last Monday at Rye House and there were initial fears he had broken his scaphoid.

That was later diagnosed as torn ligaments but he rode in Sweden and Thursday before telling Thomas that he had been advised to rest the injury.

“I spoke with him on Friday on a couple of occasions and he said then he would not be riding for us against Reading on Saturday and assured me he would not go to Poland on Sunday.

“Both Keith and I were told on Sunday afternoon that Daniel was riding in Poland . Fans had been watching the speedway updates on the internet and he was competing for his Polish team.

“It appears that he was withdrawn after scoring two points but whether that was a recurrence of the injury we are not sure.

“Either way it doesn’t matter. I’m just so disappointed that he decided to go to Poland and compete when he told me two days earlier he wasn’t able to ride for the Comets,” said Thomas.

Workington were able to use a guest for Nermark at Scunthorpe and at home to Reading, with ex-Derwent Park favourite James Wright stepping into the breach on both occasions.

The Comets lost by four points at Scunthorpe – who visit Derwent Park on Saturday in Workington’s next fixture – while beating Reading impressively 24 hours later.

Nermark rode in Sweden on Tuesday and is due to ride there tonight after which he will be discussing Saturday’s commitments with Thomas.

Comets will operate the rider replacement facility for injured second string Barry Burchatt on Saturday.

The Comets host Scunthorpe in the Premier League after going down by four points against the Scorpions last Friday.

Until June 1 Workington will be able to use Carl Stonehewer and the two reserves John Branney and Joe Haines for Burchatt’s programmed rides.

That will change on June 1 when Haines moves to number four and Charles Wright drops down to reserve.

Meanwhile absent number one Daniel Nermark rode in Sweden last night, scoring

Workington will face the Isle of Wight in the next round of the Knockout Cup, provided they finish-off their own tie after a first leg win at Stoke.

The Islanders just held-off Sheffield Tigers 92-90 on aggregate after winning their home leg 54-38 on Tuesday.

“I don’t want to count any chickens as we still have to finish-off Stoke after winning at their place,” said Thomas.

7th May 2008 - PRESS RELEASE 10 - IRON man Daniel Nermark rode in Sweden on Tuesday night and will be back in action for the Workington Comets on Friday at Scunthorpe.

Nermark had to finish his involvement at Rye House on Monday after just three rides following a heavy fall in which he damaged his hand.

Track paramedics suspected a broken scaphoid but a hospital check later in the day was inconclusive and it was Nermark’s decision whether he flew out to Sweden to fulfil a League commitment there.

“He’s a tough lad and although he was in some discomfort from the swollen thumb he decided to go out there and see how he felt at start time,” said Comets boss Keith Denham.

“He was obviously ok to race and he must have been feeling fine because he scored 12 points. I really was fearing the worst on Monday but we appear to have got away with it. For once Lady Luck is smiling on us,” he added.

Nermark will be staying in Sweden to ride out there on Thursday night before he flies back into Britain for the Comets’ match at Scunthorpe on Friday.

He will be at Workington on Saturday for the match with Reading Racers – and the eagerly-awaited track confrontation with Ulrich Ostergaard – before flying out for commitments in Poland on Sunday.

It’s been a punishing schedule for the Comets number one who will have ridden every day except today from last Saturday at Derwent Park to this coming Sunday in Poland.

Reading, the next visitors to Derwent Park on Saturday, were well-beaten 58-34 on the Isle of Wight on Tuesday when Comets’ reserve Joe Haines was their guest number seven.

The Bolton teenager scored three points from his five rides, but was forced to retire in two of them.

He was second to James Holder in the reserves race and his only other scoring ride was third, when he was Reading’s point scorer in a n Islanders’ 5-1 for Cory Gathercole and Holder.

In the penultimate race of the night Haines determinedly held the lead for two laps before Andrew Bargh forged a route through. Latterly, Haines’ machinery unfortunately gave up the ghost, allowing Fry to link with his colleague for the home side’s sixth maximum advantage of the night.

It’s been a busy week-end for the teenager as this was his fourth consecutive meeting - two for the Comets and one each for Rye House and Reading as guests.

Meanwhile Berwick Bandits have signed the former Workington Comets rider Scott Smith who was released last week.

Smith will attempt to re-activate his career with his former club and makes his debut on Saturday at Shielfield against the Isle of Wight .

The 34-year-old Yorkshireman will go into the Bandits team as a replacement for the injured Guglielmo Franchetti, and this will be his third spell with the Berwick club.

Promoter Peter Waite said: "He’s a real racer and just the sort of rider this club needs right now to give us more impetus sitting on top of the table."

Smith, who had two years out of speedway before signing for the Comets after Craig Branney broke his leg on the Telford ice, had a disappointing time of it with Workington.

But his best performance was at Berwick, in his first match, when he scored six points and two bonus points. Apart from that only a six-point return at Glasgow , plus one bonus point, was his best contribution to the team.

Workington boss Keith Denham said: “Scott was a smashing lad and we were all hoping he was going to find his form but he just wasn’t getting there and I had to make a decision. We needed to make a decision and unfortunately Scott was the victim.

“We sincerely hope he revives his career with Berwick and it proves a successful switch for him.

“Actually a minute after we’d agreed to let him speak with Berwick we had a phone call from Glasgow who wanted to speak with him as well.

“Their young Aussie Josh Grajczonek, who guested successfully against us for Rye House on Saturday has broken his arm and they are looking for a replacement.

“It’s sometimes like that in speedway, when one door closes another one opens up. In Scott’s case it was two.”

Denham has also admitted to being happy with Smith’s replacement for the difficult number two berth Barry Burchatt.

“He was very unlucky on his debut blowing two engines but he had spent all of Saturday morning going round Derwent Park in a lengthy practice session. Maybe that didn’t help.

“Mitch Graham was there giving him advise on how to ride the circuit and when he finished he was going superbly.

“I think he showed when he borrowed Kauko’s bike for his third ride against the Rockets that the ability is there.

“He is travelling 491 miles for each home match, so that’s how keen he is to get back into the sport. He didn’t really think he would be riding this year because of exams but he’s done well in them and can find time to race again.

“I’m happy with his contributions in the two matches with Rye House and I’m looking forward to seeing him among the points on Saturday when we have Reading as visitors,” said Denham.

Workington will be making their first trip to Scunthorpe on Friday and will be looking to collect another away win against the League’s new boys.

16th April 2008 - PRESS RELEASE 9 - WORKINGTON Comets have axed Scott Smith in their first team change of the season after five weeks of speedway action.

Barry Burchatt, who had not intended to ride this year, has been brought in at number two and will ride against Rye House on Saturday.

Burchatt, 20, is actually a Rye House asset who was loaned to Newport Wasps last season.

Comets team manager Ian Thomas said: “Scott has tried his heart out since he joined us but it just hasn’t happened for him. He had a good meeting at Berwick, and also against the Bandits at home but otherwise has struggled.

“We felt we had to make a change even though there are not many suitable riders available.

“Barry was talking a year out to do some exams with his work as a plumber but has been able to resume riding sooner than he expected.

“He actually took part in a qualifying round of the British Under-21’s and just missed qualifying with 11 points.

“It’s not an easy position to come into but Barry will ride at number two against Rye House in both the week-end matches, home and away.

“He is a Rye House asset but when I asked about it with the Rockets boss Len Silver he said it would be ok for him to ride as he didn’t want to stop him from earning money.”

Burchatt started riding speedway in 2003 for Newport Mavericks and Wimbledon Dons before switching to Rye House Raiders from where he was loaned to Newport last season.

He has an average of 3.83 but with his English nationality that is reduced to 3.73.

Burchatt will be riding in the Conference League for Sittingbourne but they haven’t yet started.

“He lives in Kent so he’s going a six hour trip for home matches but he’s looking forward to it and keen to give it his best shot,” said Thomas.

Joe Haines will be seeing quite a lot of the Rye House team this week-end.

Workington Comets’ teenage reserve will be riding against the Rockets, home and away, and in between will be actually riding for them!

Haines, 16, who finished just outside the semi-final qualifiers at the British Under-21’s last Friday has been booked at number two for Sunday’s Premier Trophy tie against Mildenhall Fen Tigers.

Workington entertain the reigning Premier League champions on Saturday night at Derwent Park (7pm) and race the return at Hoddesdon on Sunday.

The Rockets have injury problems and Haines has been booked to deputise at number two for Luke Bowen who has damaged shoulder ligaments.

The Silver Ski Rockets are planning to use Glasgow newcomer Josh Grajczonek as a guest for Bowen in Saturday’s Premier League match at Workington. The Australian won his first race at Derwent Park two weeks ago when he rode for the Tigers.

Tommy Allen is out with damaged knee ligaments so they will operate the rider replacement facility for him while there could be a further change at reserve.

Danny Betson, 19, is waiting for the swelling on his arm to subside and enable an x-ray to confirm whether or not he has suffered a fractured left elbow. Danny Halsey will fill the number six berth as cover for Betson.

Halsey – who gave 110% for his four points on Saturday against Newport - will remain in place the following afternoon for the Premier Trophy finale at Mildenhall.

The Rockets will again use rider replacement for Allen against the Fen Tigers with Haines coming in at number two.

The Rockets’ team for the return match against Workington at Hoddesdon on Monday Bank Holiday is yet to be confirmed.

But Haines’ exploits are nothing compared to the travel plans for Workington’s number one Daniel Nermark.

After riding for the Comets on Saturday night at home to Rye House he jets-off to Poland for a League meeting there on Sunday.

He will catch an early flight back into Stanstead to enable him to ride at Rye House on Monday and then he’s off again, dashing back to Sweden to ride on Tuesday night.

Team manager Ian Thomas explained: “The schedules of the modern-day riders can be quite draining. I wouldn’t like to be doing that but to these top guys it’s just part of the job.

“As for Joe he’s certainly going to know the Rye House lads by Monday night. I hope he scores a lot of points in all three meetings.”

16th April 2008 - PRESS RELEASE 6 - The Bad Boy of British soap will meet-up with two of the bright young hopes of British speedway at Workington’s Derwent Park on Saturday

Jack P. Shepherd, who plays David Platt in the popular Coronation Street tv show, is special guest for the Comets’ Premier Trophy tie with Glasgow Tigers.

He will have his card marked beforehand, to have a private word with 16-year-old Joe Haines and Charles Wright who fly the flag for Workington speedway at next week’s British Under-21’s final.

“I don’t know how much he knows about speedway and the Under-21’s championship but he’ll be alerted and both Joe and Charles can expect a few words,” said Comets team manager Ian Thomas.

Club owner Keith Denham wanted Shepherd (David Platt) to open the season on Easter Monday but he was unable to do so because of filming commitments.

Since then Haines and Wright have qualified for the British final at Lakeside on Friday, April 25. Haines won the round at King’s Lynn and Wright was in third place.

Wright, who lives in Stockport and Haines, from Bolton, will have some Cumbrian company, too, although he won’t be representing Workington Comets like them.

Barrow-based Adam Roynon was a Workington target three years ago when Graham Drury was in charge and now the ex-Comets boss has landed his man for Birmingham Brummies.

Haines and Wright qualified from King’s Lynn but Roynon was among seven riders who were seeded straight to the final.

Tai Woffinden and Belle Vue’s Steve Boxall will be the two most fancied riders but not the only ones in with a chance.

Comets team manager Ian Thomas believes the Workington pair are just picking-up form at the right time to make an impression at Lakeside .

“We have three more meetings before they go to Lakeside and I’m hoping they will continue to pick-up points.

“Charles did very well against King’s Lynn last Saturday and deservedly won the rider of the night award. He showed them what a capable young rider he can be.

“Joe won the qualifier at King’s Lynn and has started to pick-up useful points for us so I think they can both give a good account of themselves.”

Lining-up at Lakeside will be: SEEDS: Steve Boxall, Lewis Bridger, Ben Barker, Tai Woffinden, Adam Roynon, William Lawson, Josh Auty. QUALIFIERS: Lee Smart, Daniel Halsey, Lee Strudwick, Harland Cook, Danny Betson, Jack Roberts, Joe Haines, Sean Stoddart, Charles Wright.

And Workington don’t just have any three old meetings before the British final. After Saturday’s Premier Trophy clash at Derwent Park ( 7pm), the Comets face tough, back-to-back away meetings.

They travel to Reading on Monday and stay in the south to ride on the Isle of Wight 24 hours later.

“A lot of people have picked Reading to win the League so it’s going to be tough. Our former rider Ulrich Ostergaard has started the season like a train for the Racers.

“Then it’s the Isle of Wight who are always a handful on their own track and will take some beating. But away wins are vital this year, with three points at stake, and it would be nice to bring something back from our southern tour,” said Thomas.

10th April 2008 - PRESS RELEASE 5 - David Platt, the bad boy of Coronation Street, has signed for the Workington Comets! Well at least Jack P. Shepherd, who plays Platt in the long-running soap, will be appearing at the Comets’ Premier Trophy meeting with Glasgow on April 19.

New speedway owner Keith Denham wanted Platt to be the special celebrity guest when he launched the season at Derwent Park on Easter Monday. But the actor’s filming commitments meant he was unable to accept the booking. Comets’ team manager Ian Thomas has now agreed a deal through his own entertainment agency with Shepherd for the clash with Glasgow.

“It’s some considerable time since I was involved in Coronation Street bookings. If I said I had Elsie Tanner to open Ellesmere Port and Bet Lynch to stand-in at short notice for George Best at Barrow you’ll know how long ago. “I’m pleased that Keith and I are on the same wavelength as far as added attractions are concerned. He’s a Corrie fan and said right from the word go that he wanted someone from the soap, preferably David Platt, to make a personal appearance at the speedway,” said Thomas.

The actor will be at Workington speedway an hour before the start to sign autographs and pose for pictures for fans in the Derwent Lounge.

He will be introduced to both teams before the start and give an interview with announcer Michael Max, a Corrie fan, on the centre green before the first race. Shepherd will then watch the meeting from the directors’ box.

The 20-year-old actor has been in Coronation Street since 2000 and gradually his character has turned into a manipulative, messed-up young man.

It’s resulted in him being nominated for a second year running at The British Soap Awards for Best Actor and Best Villain.

In a recent interview Shepherd was asked if he’ll be staying as long as William Roache (Ken Barlow) in Coronation Street.

He said: “I’ve really enjoyed myself for the past couple of years. If that continues, if I’m still up there and enjoying life, then yes why not.”

Shepherd is currently featuring in one of the soap’s major story lines after going on the rampage.

Before Platt and Glasgow, there’s the little matter of King’s Lynn and Newcastle coming-up for the Comets at the start of the Premier League season.

King’s Lynn, the most successful team in the Premier League over the last two years, visit Derwent Park on Saturday while the Comets are off to Newcastle on Sunday.

Former Workington favourite Rusty Harrison will be in the King’s Lynn team, following his surprise winter decision to get back into speedway after announcing he was taking a break.

“It will be good to get a match against a team not using rider replacement. That certainly told against us in the two matches with Edinburgh, while Berwick also had the same facility in their two Trophy matches against us.

“Mind you it doesn’t last for long because we will be up against a Newcastle side using rider replacement following an injury to George Stancl,” said team boss Thomas.

There was general satisfaction that Workington beat Edinburgh 48-43 in an entertaining meeting which was delayed for 30 minutes after five heats because of a nasty hail shower.

“Under the circumstances it was a good meeting with some entertaining racing and I was pleased to get the win,” said Thomas.

The scores on the doors were: Workington Comets 48 – Daniel Nermark 15; Scott Smith 3; Carl Stonehewer 8; Charles Wright 6; Kauko Nieminen 8; Joe Haines 4; John Branney 4.

Edinburgh Monarchs 45 – Ryan Fisher 8; Derek Sneddon 9; rider replacement for Thomas Jonasson; William Lawson 11; Matthew Wethers 11; Andrew Tully 5; Aaron Summers 1.

Certainly Workington’s bottom four made a bigger contribution with 17 points, their best combined total of the season.

Haines and Wright would have been helped by a terrific display in mid-week when they both qualified for the British Under-21’s final.

Haines was joint top scorer in the meeting, winning four of his five rides after being second in his first outing, and he went on to win the final.

Wright, who had to get through a semi-final to make the final line-up finished third after Andrew Tully had fallen.

Tully, who like Haines had scored 14 points in the main meeting, slid-off and in trying to avoid him Wright also came down. The race was awarded with Newcastle ’s Sean Stoddart given second place.

Haines, Stoddart and Wright will go through to the final at Lakeside on April 25 with Tully the meeting reserve.

31st March 2008 - RE-ARRANGE MONARCHS & BOSSES INITIAL THOUGHTS - PRESS RELEASE 4 - Workington's second home meeting of the season against Edinburgh was called-off because of the weather. The management held-on until early afternoon before pulling the plug as the rain came back.

It had been particularly bad the day before and Workington Reds soccer team, who play at Borough Park across the road from Derwent Park, had postponed their Saturday home game on the Friday night. "The forecast for Saturday was really bad but there was no rain in the morning. It came back at lunch-time and we knew right away we were going to be in trouble," said Thomas.

The Edinburgh match will now be re-staged this Saturday ( 7pm ) and the scheduled match with Glasgow will be moved back to April 19. Newcastle Diamonds should have been at Derwent Park in a Premier League match on that date but this will now be staged towards the end of August.

Workington suffered a bad 56-37 defeat at Edinburgh on Friday and to complete a miserable week-end north of the border they lost 47-43 at Glasgow on Sunday. As a result new owner Keith Denham and team manager Ian Thomas have expressed their early-season concerns. Denham said: “Everything has been very positive so far until the two meetings over the week-end when I was very disappointed at the outcome. “If we ride like that against teams like King’s Lynn we will get trashed – and that isn’t good enough.” Thomas said: “The three heat leaders are doing what we thought they would, ride well and score points. “But the other four riders are giving a bit of concern at this early stage. The worrying thing is that they are not riding to their ability or to their average.”

Daniel Nermark, who has been magnificent with a string of maximums so far – only dropping one point - Carl Stonehewer and skipper Kauko Nieminen did the bulk of the scoring in both matches. The other four team members only contributed four eight points between them at Glasgow and just five at Edinburgh . Thomas went on: “I had targeted a win at Glasgow and it did look as though we would be able to go on and sneak it. This was a match we should have gone on and won.

“It means Edinburgh are red hot favourites now to win our group although I expect us to make a big finish with two home matches left against Edinburgh and Glasgow.” New number one Nermark has won all-round praise for his sensational start to the season in Workington colours. “He looks absolutely magnificent, as we thought he would. That’s why we brought him to Derwent Park because we believe he is going to be the top rider in the Premier League,” said the Comets owner, Denham. Thomas added: “In every match so far Daniel has looked a class act. He looks every inch a top rider.”

The scores so far:- Berwick (away March 22, won 46-44): Bandits: Adrian Rymel 8, Jamie Robertson 4, Michal Makovsky 12,  Tero Aarino 5, rider replacement for Manuel Hauzinger, Robert Magosi 13, Sean McKinna 2. Comets: Daniel Nermark 14, Scott Smith 6, Carl Stonehewer 9, Charles Wright 4, Kauko Nieminen 10, Joe Haines 0, John Branney 3.

Berwick (home March 24, won 53, 40): Comets: Daniel Nermark 10, Scott Smith 3, Carl Stonehewer 15, Charles Wright 2, Kauko Nieminen 13, Joe Haines 6, John Branney 4. Bandits: Adrian Rymel 5, Jamie Robertson 0, Michal Makovsky 9, Tero Aarnio 11, Norbert Magosi 15, Adam McKinna 0.

Edinburgh (away, March 28, lost 56-37): Monarchs: Ryan Fisher 7, Derek Sneddon 9, rider replacement for Thomas Jonasson, William Lawson 14, Matthew Wethers 10, Andrew Tully 10, Aaron Summers 6. Comets: Daniel Nermark 18, Scott Smith 1, Carl Stonehewer 7, Charles Wright 2, Kauko Nieminen 7, Joe Haines 2, John Branney 0.

Glasgow (away, March 30, lost 47-43): Tigers: Shane Parker.10; Ross Brady 4; Trent Leverington 8; Mitchell Davey 2; Robert Ksiezak 5; Josh Grajczonek 6; Lee Dicken 12. Comets: Daniel Nermark 15; Scott Smith 3; Carl Stonehewer 11; Charles Wright. 1; Kauko Nieminen 9; Joe Haines 3; John Branney 1.

19th March 2008 - PRESS RELEASE 3 - PRESS & PRACTICE- WORKINGTON’S re-vamped Derwent Park raceway has been given the seal of approval by the 2008 Comets team.

All seven riders went round the up-graded track at the club’s press and practice session and expressed their support for the new circuit.There’s a general belief that Simon Stead’s track record of 63.2, established in September 2006, could be under threat early in the season.

New owner Keith Denham said: “I would have liked another three weeks to get everything completed but the work put in since Bonfire Night has been phenomenal and I think the riders appreciated the quality of the circuit.“We are in for some exciting racing this season and from what I saw at practice I think we have a team capable of providing plenty of entertainment.“It would be nice to say that we will win something this season but the main aim will be to provide some entertaining speedway and we’ll see what happens from there.”

Carl Stonehewer, who was captain of the Comets at the re-launch season in 1999, thinks the new track is superb.“Because of the injury problems I’ve had since 2005 this was my first press and practice session for three years and it was great to be out there on a bike again. The work carried out on the track has been incredible and I’m looking forward to racing on it this year,” he said.

The new number one is Daniel Nermark, who has joined the Comets from King’s Lynn and the Swede said the track “was better than I remember it from last time.”Workington captain Kauko Nieminen described it as “awesome” and the Finn looked particularly impressive at the practice.

There were a couple of minor spills for Charles Wright, caused by mechanical problems, while new second string Scott Smith had an expensive time of it as he blew an engine.

Workington will line-up for 2008 – 1, Daniel Nermark; 2, Scott Smith; 3, Carl Stonehewer; 4, Charles Wright; 5, Kauko Nieminen; 6, Joe Haines, 7, John Branney.Watching the practice with mixed emotions was Craig Branney, replaced by Smith after breaking his leg in a pile-up at the Telford ice spectacular.“I’m not a good spectator but I suppose I’m going to have to get used to it for a while. I was so looking forward to racing round the new track and listening to the lads they are all excited about the prospects,” he said.

Workington open their programme at Berwick on Saturday night, contesting the Premier Trophy and will host the return against the Bandits on Monday night at 7pm.Completing the month of March the Comets will ride on three successive days – Friday, 28th at Edinburgh; Saturday, 29th home to Edinburgh and Sunday, 30th at Glasgow – all in the Premier Trophy.

10th March 2008 - PRESS RELEASE 2 - NEW PREMIER PARTNERS - WORKINGTON Comets will blast off this season with a group of sponsors behind the team for the first time.

New owner Keith Denham has brought on board seven main backers who will be collectively known as the Comets’ Premier Sponsor Partners. Thomas Armstrong Ltd will be the main team sponsor but they are joined now by  Linde Castle, Solway DAF, Gates Tyres,  J. Edgar & Sons, Handy Concrete, Mix & Batch and J. T.  Atkinson.

Denham, who bought the Comets from Tony Mole’s R. and D.  Aggregates in November said: “It’s a new concept but an exciting one, and an important one in providing financial back-up to the team for 2008. “We want to take the sport forward in Workington and the recruitment of these Premier Sponsor Partners is certainly going to help.
“We are trying to get everything in place off the track for a successful season and with just a little luck on it – which has deserted us just about since the sport was re-launched – I am sure we are in for an exciting year.”

The team partners will get the opportunity to meet the riders, along with the fans on Saturday (March 15) with the first practice session at Derwent Park. All the riders will be available for half an hour to meet the supporters in the Derwent Lounge before the track action gets underway.

Team manager Ian Thomas said: “They will be there for photographs and to sign autographs before they go out for their practice sessions. “We are also allowing the fans in the pits area while the riders are warming-up their machines. Once they are ready the area will be cordoned off and the supporters can watch proceedings from the grandstand. “There’s no charge for coming down on Saturday but there  will be buckets going round so that people can make contributions to the  Speedway Riders Benevolent Fund.”

Workington will stage their second practice behind closed doors on Tuesday, March 18 and in the evening after a staff meeting there will be a Meet the Riders session (7-30pm) in the Derwent  Lounge.

Berwick Bandits, who will provide the first test of the season for Workington Comets in a fortnight, have already been involved in an opening thriller.Although the Bandits lost their home leg at Shielfield on Saturday – going down 46-43 to Newcastle – they shocked the Diamonds 24 hours later by winning the Brough Park leg 46-44.It gave Newcastle the narrowest of victories in the Tyne/Tweed Trophy by 90-89 with Berwick looking better than many people had predicted.They still have to sign a seventh rider and for the challenge against Newcastle used one of their former riders Stanislaw Burza as a guest.It was Burza and Adrian Rymel who clinched the win at Brough Park as they each scored 12 points and a bonus.Hungarian Norbert Magosi, who had a trial with Workington Comets two years ago, scored ten points but the other new Europeans fared less well – Italian Gugliemo Franchetti and Finn Tero Aarnio only scored one apiece.

The first competitive match for the Comets is at Berwick on Easter Saturday (March 22) with the return leg of the Premier Trophy tie back at Workington on Easter Monday.March ends with successive matches for the Comets – Friday, 28 – Edinburgh (away), Saturday, 29 – Edinburgh (home) and Sunday, 30 – Glasgow (away), all in the Premier Trophy.

Glasgow’s Ross Brady has suffered a fractured collarbone on the eve of the new season. Doctors have described the injury as a clean break, and Brady will now undergo extensive laser treatment in a bid to be fit in a fortnight to face the Comets. Brady is yet to miss any meetings as atrocious weather in Scotland forced an early postponement of the Tigers' clash with fierce rivals Edinburgh over the week-end.

3rd March 2008 - PRESS RELEASE 1 - Workington Comets fans will get their first chance to see the new team, as well as the eye-catching improvements made to Derwent Park, on Saturday, March 15. In a break from tradition the first practice session at the track will be open to the public – on a Saturday, starting at 11-30am. Keith Denham, who bought the club in November, wants as many people as possible to see the first session, which is why he’s plumped for a Saturday date.

The traditional press and practice day is still being staged on the Tuesday – March  18, starting at 12 noon . Workington team manager Ian Thomas has paid a glowing tribute to new owner Keith Denham after taking his first look of 2008 at Derwent Park last week-end. “I went through the doors and saw this chap walking across the centre green with a pile of wood on his shoulder. It was Keith. Now there’s a hands-on boss if ever there was one. “What he has achieved through the winter months is nothing short of remarkable. On opening night it is going to look a picture.“All but four of the bulbs in the floodlights have been replaced, the track in shape and condition looks awesome. The safety fence is gleaming. I can understand how the riders are getting excited after seeing it.“Keith has even managed to get hold-of the double starting gates, ultra modern stuff, which were only used once – at the British Grand Prix in Cardiff .“If he gets planning permission sorted the new viewing lounge and terrace is going to be another superb addition to the track’s facilities.“I know all the riders will enjoy the experience and the supporters will just love it. I just hope the speedway fans in Cumbria back Keith’s investment and effort by flocking to Derwent Park .”

Denham can’t wait to see his Workington team take to the track for the first time on Easter Monday ( 7pm , March 24) with the second leg of a Premier Trophy tie with Berwick Bandits.The Comets are due to ride at Shielfield on Easter Saturday against a Bandits team which is still only six strong.The Bandits have signed Italian international Guglielmo Franchetti as their sixth team member for the new season. The world cup rider joins Michal Makovsky, Adrian Rymel, Norbert Magosi, Tero Aarnio and Adam McKinna in a cosmopolitan line-up for the border club.Workington, of course have had to make a late change due to the bad injury suffered by Craig Branney at the Telford Ice spectacular.The popular Workington-based rider broke his leg in five places and although he’s targeted a track return in two months it might take a little longer before he’s fully raring to go.

Scott Smith – the forgotten man of British speedway – was remembered in time by injury-hit Workington Comets.The 34-year-old Yorkshireman – nicknamed ‘Scud’ -  who hasn’t ridden for two seasons, has joined the Comets.There were limited options for Branney’s replacement but a chance remark by close pal Eric Boocock to Workington team manager Ian Thomas set the wheels in motion.“Eric just happened to say to me had I considered Scott and I said his average was too high. It was 6.09 and we could only go up to 5.22 for Craig.“But Eric explained that because Scud hadn’t ridden for two years his average had been reduced to 5.19. That had been agreed at a meeting which I must have missed,” said Thomas.Smith started riding professionally in 1990 in the top flight for Cradley Heath and had six seasons there (best average 5.95 in 1993) before switching to his hometown track of Sheffield in 1996.The Tigers had one year in the top Division when Smith achieved his best average at that level (6.23) before the club dropped down to Division Two, the Premier League.He spent eight years at Owlerton where his best season was the first with an average of 8.95.Smith had a few injury problems with his last club, Berwick Bandits in 2005, and hasn’t ridden since although he has been keeping in trim with other branches of motor cycle sport.Comets’ owner Keith Denham said: “When I last saw Scud ride he was an exciting man on a bike and I’m sure he’ll get back into his stride at the new-look Workington.“We had explored all the possibilities and really there weren’t any serious options. We looked at a new Australian but the work permit would have been a problem and we didn’t want to go in the direction of an untried youngster.“I was determined there would be a seven-man team in place and we weren’t going to look for a rider replacement facility.“In the end I think we’ve done well to get the best that was available – although he almost escaped the net.

”Smith insists he had not retired from the sport, despite being absent for two years.He feels that he just dropped off the radar as far as potential new employers were concerned."I'm glad they reduced my average, that's ultimately what's made it possible to ride for Workington and I must admit I'm feeling a mixture of excitement and nerves right now."I've got to go to King's Lynn to sort some bikes out and I've ordered my engines from Eddie Bull, who I've used a lot down the years."I'm literally on a two-minute warning to get everything ready. I need to go to Workington and get some laps in and I'll also have a go around Sheffield , I need to do it."I've been in the comfort zone for the past couple of seasons, the business is doing good, but I want more than that and you really cannot beat the buzz of being a speedway rider."I know how to get around Workington, although I got hurt there previously when I hit a pothole but I'm told they've improved the track this winter so I'm looking forward to it."And I'd like to thank Sheffield for co-operating in the move, I'm just so pleased to be back riding speedway once again."I never actually announced my retirement. It's in my blood and I always had the feeling I wanted to have another go, I would have regretted it if I didn't,"

Smith, affectionately known as 'Scud' for his all-action style, hasn't raced for two seasons and is now battling against the clock to start the season after completing a loan switch from Owlerton to Cumbria.A successful businessman in Sheffield, he started his career as a raw novice with the now defunct Cradley Heath club in 1990 and moved to his hometown club in time for the 1996 campaign after the demise of the Black Country outfit. He's since had spells with Berwick and Exeter .Workington legend Carl Stonehewer, a former team-mate at Sheffield , said: “He’s a real crowd pleaser and under the circumstances it’s a brilliant signing for the Comets. I didn’t think we would get anyone who really matched-up because the options were pretty slim.”Smith will join all the rest of the Comets on Saturday week (March 15) and as well as track practice they will be taking time out individually for chats and photos with the fans in the Derwent Lounge.

There will also be a very special announcement regarding the recruitment of new team partners for the Comets - a first for Workington speedway.