TATE ZISCHKE has paid tribute to his mentors Darcy Ward and Ivor Harms ahead of Workington’s huge home clash with Oxford.
The young Aussie is one of the success stories of the 2024 season with several hugely-impressive performances.
The Comets can go top of the Cab Direct Championship if they beat highly-rated Oxford, live on BSN.
Zischke, 18, was discovered by super-sponsor Harms from Brisbane Roof Tiling Supplies as a young kid and then Ward also got on board to help him.
He told Speedway Star: “I’m told I have an old head on young shoulders. It’s definitely how I’ve been brought up. My mum and dad have always taught me the right way.
“It is the people around me who have shaped me, teaching me everything. I’m just me I think.
“I also think I had to grow up quickly because of what my dad went through.
“If you go out and have a not-so-good race, I’d never blame the bike. But he’ll tell you what you are doing wrong.
“That’s what I like. Darcy is just the same. If I have a s*** race, he’ll say ‘that was terrible mate, what were you doing?’
“I really like criticism like that because that’s how you learn.
“I’m just lucky to have such good people around me. I also speak to Ivor a few times a week and my mum and dad every day.
“Steve (Lawson) helps me out, he’s really good in the pits. He knows a lot about speedway. It’s unreal to have another top person jump on board. I’m really lucky to have everyone.”
The Comets raced to a huge win over Edinburgh last week and have three wins out of five in the league in total after a highly encouraging step back up to senior level.
Connor Bailey, who rode for Workington in the NDL last season, comes in as a guest for Antti Vuolas who is involved in a Grand Prix qualifier in Slovakia, Ace Pijper also comes in for the unwell Celina Liebmann.
Meanwhile the Cheetahs continue to operate rider replacement for the injured Henry Atkins.
Comets boss James Denham said: “It’s all about momentum and confidence for us now. A huge win against Edinburgh last week showed that, especially at home, we are a very strong side from one to seven.
“Saturday will be a tough and fiery encounter for sure. Oxford have been in good form of late with a good win over Redcar and they have a really strong heat leader partnership with (Scott) Nicholls and (Sam) Masters.”
WORKINGTON: Craig Cook, Tate Zischke, Connor Bailey, Claus Vissing, Troy Batchelor, Ace Pijper, Sam McGurk.
OXFORD: Sam Masters, Henry Atkins r/r, Cameron Heeps, Jordan Jenkins, Scott Nicholls, Ashton Boughen, Luke Killeen, Jody Scott (no.8).
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Words by Holeshot Media.
Images by Taylor Lanning.