WORKINGTON bosses believe their brush with extinction will prove to be a rallying cry to speedway fans.
The Comets roar back into action on Saturday evening after two weeks during which the very future of the Comets and their much-lauded race track was called into question.
Administrative problems led to a two-week suspension of their operating licence by the BSPL which has now been lifted allowing the visit of defending Cab Direct Champions and current league leaders Poole to go ahead.
The Pirates’ visit will be the first at a new start time of 6pm, one of a series of changes prompted by the club’s difficulties, including a partnership with Allied Mobility, principal partner of the GB Speedway team and owned by Glasgow Tigers’ bosses Peter and Gerry Facenna.
Despite having the suspension lifted, Comets’ team manager James Denham admits that there is much work still needed to secure the long-term future of what began as a basic training circuit but, within less than three years, has been developed into one of the best racing circuits in the country with facilities being regularly upgraded.
He said: “We’ve worked exceptionally hard to build up this venue and are determined to keep it, and that starts with getting back racing on Saturday.
“Please get behind our efforts. If you have been a regular attendee this year, we thank you, and if you previously attended Derwent Park but haven’t yet joined us at Northside, please do.
“Likewise, if you know anyone who used to go, and for some reason doesn’t now, please encourage them to come along. They’ll be delighted with what they see.
“We are also keen to explore local commercial opportunities for partnerships. Any input from the local community is fundamental to giving the club a solid foundation for the future”.
BSPL chairman Rob Godfrey added: “There’s no doubt the last couple of weeks have been a challenge.
“For Workington Speedway to thrive and be able to plan for a long-term future well beyond this recent blip, they need public support for their incredible facility.”
Without floodlights Workington operated on weekend afternoons with a 3pm start time which has been identified by some as a reason for not attending.
It is hoped that the switch to 6pm will allow visiting supporters to plan a day out in a beautiful part of the country and then make their way to the speedway in the early evening in addition to making track preparation easier.
Allied Mobility’s Peter Facenna added: “It’s at times like these the speedway community must pull together in support.
“Thanks to the passion and commitment of the team at Workington, what we have there is a world-class track that produces amazing racing with the potential to hold future FIM events.
“I very much hope the local community and wider speedway community now match the passion and commitment to the sport they’ve shown by getting behind the club to show their support.”
Words by George Dodds.
Images by Taylor Lanning.