WORKINGTON COMETS 2010
 SPONSORED BY THE THOMAS ARMSTRONG GROUP
                    ANDNEWTEAMPARTNERS
             PRESS RELEASE No 13 – March 30th
WORKINGTON Comets can look back on a very pleasing anniversary celebration for the club’s 40th birthday.
Two firm old favourites made the final of Saturday’s individual meeting, alongside two members of the current team watched by a sizeable crowd.
In the end it was James Wright who triumphed over current skipper Andre Compton with the ever-popular Kauko Nieminen in third ahead of surprise –package, 2010 reserve Craig Cook.
Wright, who had previously won the Edinburgh Scottish Open individual meeting had faltered after two opening wins, but came good again when he needed to.
Team manager Ian Thomas said: “The weather was kind for us; we saw some great racing and the fact that over 30 former riders came back to the event was very pleasing.”
The two real genuine Workington speedway legends – Lou Sansom and Carl Stonehewer – were both in attendance.
Sansom had travelled from his home in Australiato attend the event while Stoney cancelled a prior engagement to make sure he was able to join in the fun.
Later Sansom admitted he had found it hard to stop riding round before the meeting on a bike.
“It brought back so many great memories I didn’t want it to end. They finally had to wave the red flag to get me off the track,” said the 63-year-old Australian.
The oldest rider to make the trip was 86-year-old Ken Vale who drove on his own from Pooleto be there.
Thomas said: “I thought that was a remarkable effort. Ken has been sleeping in a chair because of a back problem and had only been released from hospital two days beforehand after some treatment.
 
“He drove all the way himself and on the way back faced a detour and he only arrived back at 8amon Sunday. That was phenomenal and we were all delighted that he made such an effort.”
On a night of nostalgia there were many and varied conversations during and after the meeting. But the main talking point was the remarkable performance from Comets reserve Craig Cook to make the final.
He set-up the fastest time of the night; had two race wins and made the final - all this after starting the meeting with a last place.
“I have to say it was unexpected being up there with the likes of James, Kauko and Andrew. But if you want to progress you have to be racing regularly against these sort of guys.
“I like to test myself and the fact that I reached the final in this sort of company has given me a great early season boost. I think I might have even done better if I had been given a different gate in the final.
“I can’t wait for the season to start now with our official competitive matches in the Premier Trophy,” said Cook.
The first match is on Good Friday at DerwentPark(6-30pm) against Berwick Bandits, who coincidentally launched Workington’s first season back in 1970. The return at Berwick is on Saturday night.