WORKINGTON GT Tyres Comets will return to the tapes in 2027, the town speedway club’s promoter has told delighted fans.
There had been doubts in recent weeks over whether the Comets would run next year amid, concerns that they were struggling to remain viable in the second tier of national competition.
But as the team ended their championship season on a real high, with a home victory over Redcar Bears, promoter Andrew Bain told spectators during Saturday’s meeting: "I would just like to thank you all for attending all season.
"The fans have been great, sponsors and volunteers — we can't thank you all enough.
"It’s you that makes this happen.
He said: "I’ve got a bit of news regarding next season: we’re going to run, for definite, we’re going to come back to the tapes in 2027."
After a terrific treble trophy-winning season in 2018, Comets were forced to withdraw from the championship the following year when outgoing owner Laura Morgan’s attempts to invite an offer for the club proved unsuccessful.
The club — previously based at Derwent Park — remained dormant until 2023 when engines restarted at a purpose built stadium at Northside.
After one season in the National Development League — the third British competitive tier — Comets made an eagerly-anticipated Championship league return in 2024 and they have remained at that level since.
This year has proved a difficult one for the team.
They had found themselves bottom of the championship table going into the final fixture of their season, when they clinched a thrilling 47-43 triumph over a Redcar side led by former Comet and ex-British champion Charles Wright.
Workington had trailed by eight points at one stage of Saturday’s meeting.
But they closed the deficit and the match score was level at 42-42 going into a tense final heat, when number one rider Jonas Jeppesen and skipper Troy Batchelor finished first and second to secure an overall victory in front of a jubilant home crowd.
That result saw the Comets climb off the bottom of the league table and avoid the wooden spoon on a feel good afternoon at the GT Tyres Arena.
The high specification of work and improvements at the stadium means it can now hold elite level international meetings sanctioned by global governing body, the FIM.
Earlier this year, Comets hosted the FIM Track Racing Youth Gold Trophy.
And Bain also confirmed on Saturday that the West Cumbria track was set to host another prestigious FIM meeting in 2027.
"Thank you so much for all your support and everything you’ve done," he said to spectators.
"Our volunteers are incredible.
"They turn up week in, week out and work through rain, hail and snow, and make everything happen."
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