Last updated 19:39, Thursday, 13 March 2008

WORKINGTON Comets will blast off into the 2008 season - with a new look.

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New owner Keith Denham (left) with team manager Ian Thomas

Successful West Cumbrian businessman Keith Denham bought the club in November from Tony Mole, who had re-launched the Comets at Derwent Park in 1999.

It’s been a virtual re-branding of speedway in Workington, although the popular Comets name is still prominent - and expected to take an even higher profile on the West Cumbrian sporting scene.

Denham believes he can deliver the ultimate motor-sport spectacle - exciting racing in a fan-friendly stadium.

He said: “We used to call Saturday night the Workington experience when speedway came back in 1999 but it fell away.

“We want to bring those days back - and make them even better.”

The Derwent Park track has been re-laid and various improvements have been made to the stadium including the floodlights, starting gate, safety fence and pits area.

There are plans for corporate boxes and a viewing terrace, while the car park is to be improved.

Ian Thomas is back in the role of team manager and he believes the make-over has been a remarkable effort.

Thomas said: “When I first went down this year I saw this fellow walking across the centre green carrying a load of wood. It was Keith Denham, very much in a hands-on role.

“The place is a picture and I am sure is going to be appreciated by the fans and also the riders, because the track looks awesome.”

The Comets have for too long been the under-achievers in Premier League speedway and both Denham and Thomas feel they have put together a team which can make a big impression this season.

Daniel Nermark, the man who will be the new number one, has the best average from 2007 of any rider contesting the Premier League this season.

With skipper Kauko Nieminen and Carl Stonehewer in support, Workington have an ultra-impressive top three.

The big disappointment in February was a serious injury to Craig Branney, who broke his leg in five places when he was contesting the ice spectacular at Telford.

Workington were very fortunate to be able to recruit as his replacement an experienced campaigner Scott Smith, even though he hasn’t ridden speedway for two years.

Craig’s brother John is back at reserve and also returning is Charles Wright, although elder brother James has now joined Elite League club Swindon and won’t be riding in the Premier League.

Completing the line-up is one of speedway’s whiz-kids, 16-year-old Joe Haines who has come up through the Conference League ranks and is ready to make his mark at the next level.

Workington fans will get the chance to see the riders in action for the first time when the team holds a public practice at Derwent Park tomorrow (11.30am).

The Comets will be back at the track on Tuesday for a closed doors practice.

Then it will be a few anxious days making final preparations for the opening competitive match of the season which is at Berwick on Easter Saturday in the Premier Trophy.

The return match at Derwent Park on Easter Monday (7pm) officially launches the new speedway season in West Cumbria.