Last updated at 13:04, Friday, 17 February 2012

Workington Comets reserve Gary Irving is hoping an injury-free run this season will see him improve significantly.

Gary Irving

Irving had a stop start season last year after being drafted into the team as a replacement for Kenny Ingalls, then made way for the American when he returned from injury, but came back into the team when Charles Wright was dropped.

However, his season was then dogged by injury as he suffered a number of crashes.

He believes though with a clear run and a year of experience behind him in the Premier League he is a better rider.

He said: “I just want an injury free season and I know now I should just sometimes accept any points rather than suffer an exclusion or injury.

“Due to the rolling averages I am still on a three point average but I know I am pushing more than that. I know I have been criticised for over riding or over trying but that is the kind of rider I am because I want to win.

“I maybe just need to level out a bit and take the second and third places and consistently score points.”

For Irving consistency is the thing he most wants to improve on for 2012 particularly with regard to his starts.

He has been taking advice from captain Richard Lawson and is due to go down to Peterborough for a couple of practice sessions over the next couple of weeks.

He said: “I know I am fast when I am out in front so that is half the battle.

“When I was down at Scunthorpe I got a bit of advice and I know Richard is always on the end of the phone.

“I know some people questioned Richard as choice of captain but I think he is a great one.

“Like everybody else I want as much bike time as possible and will also be going to Redcar to try and get any advantage I can.”

Irving has had a successful operation on a collar bone injury that kept him out for the final month of the season and when he has the staples out today he said he will be 100 per cent ready to race.

The Workington Speedway Supporters Club will be holding their membership renewal nights next week.

People can join at Maryport at the Waverley Hotel on February 24 between 7pm and 8pm, in Workington at the Waverley Hotel on February 26 between 4pm and 6pm and at the Haven club in Hensingham on February 28 between 7.30pm and 9pm.

There will also be further opportunities to join at the AGM on March 9 at 7.30pm at Workington’s Waverley Hotel and at the press and practice day on March 25 which begins at 10am.

Prices on membership are £5 for adults, £3 for children and £15 for family which includes two adults and up to three children.

All members joining will receive a 5-1 board and an everlasting air horn.

First published at 11:26, Friday, 17 February 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk