By Ian Waterhouse

Last updated at 12:40, Thursday, 20 November 2008

Workington Comets’ first new recruit for the 2009 season is looking to make a big impact in his first full year of speedway.

Richard Lawson with Comets' owner Keith Denham

Maryport-based Richard Lawson, 22, will start at number seven for the Comets next year after switching from the Moto-X circuit.

He rode nine matches in the Conference League with Redcar Cubs at the end of last season, having riden Moto-X for the last four years.

“I hadn’t really ridden a speedway bike until June. I have been racing in Moto-X for Kawasaki, and I have done the British Championships with them,” said Lawson.

“I went over to Redcar with no expectations and ended up doing pretty well.

“Next season I want to be scoring points every week and end up in the main body of the team.”

Richard will be following in the footsteps of his father, Steve, who also raced for the Comets.

Richard said: “My dad was still racing when I was five or six years old and I was a spectator.

“Workington is the only place I wanted to ride.”

Comets owner Keith Denham was pleased to get the first new signing on board. He said: “I first brought Richard to Derwent Park in June and he rode on Peter Karlsson’s old bike.

“He’s going to be world class before he finishes.”

Denham also revealed that he is hoping to make further signings this week.

“I have already got in my mind what team I want, and Ian Thomas has got in mind what team he wants,” he said. “I’ll probably get six riders very quickly, but I won’t get the seventh until later for various reasons. I’m not going to bring riders here that every person will like.”

First published at 11:23, Thursday, 20 November 2008
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk