A HORROR crash involving Maryport youngster Dan Bewley forced Workington Comets' home meeting against Lakeside to be abandoned last night.

Nineteen-year-old Comets racer Bewley was taken to hospital after a collision with the Hammers' Kyle Newman in heat three which left him requiring extensive treatment on the track.

Comets will post updates on Bewley's condition on their Twitter page when they are available.

Team manager Tony Jackson said: “Unfortunately it was just a racing incident as the riders exited turn two, with Dan clipping Kyle’s back wheel and getting thrown awkwardly towards the fence.

“The medical team did a terrific job in treating Dan at the scene, and once it became clear how much time was going to be required to ensure that he received the best treatment possible, it was soon obvious that the meeting could not achieve a result before the curfew.

"That left us with no alternative but to abandon the meeting.

“Dan was conscious throughout and received treatment for a serious leg injury on the track prior to being taken to hospital in Carlisle for a full assessment of his injuries and further treatment as required.

“Naturally, we are all devastated for him and we all wish Dan a full and speedy recovery.

"We have already been inundated with messages of support for Dan from throughout the speedway community, which underlines just how popular he has become in the sport in a relatively short period of time.”

Bewley's Comets team-mate Nicolai Klindt tweeted after the meeting: "What a day we’ve had but nothing matters when little mate Dan Bewley is in a bad way.

"Sure he’ll pull through and be back on his feet soon!"

Former Comet Craig Cook, who is from Cleator and is a team-mate of Bewley at Belle Vue, tweeted after his Grand Prix appearance on Saturday night: "Another bad one for me but I’m only thinking of my mate Dan Bewley hope you're going to be okay, sending my prayers from Poland marra."

Workington were due to race at home against Redcar tonight in a meeting which Bewley was already set to miss because of commitments with his team in Poland but the fixture was called off this morning due to a waterlogged track.