Australian speedway champion Sam Masters, former Comet Charles Wright and Scunthorpe ace Josh Auty have completed the line-up for the Cumberland Open Championship at Derwent Park.

Already confirmed for the individual contest on March 25 were former Workington riders Tero Aarnio, Ricky Wells and Nathan Greaves, Peterborough’s Ulrich Ostergaard, Berwick’s Ben Barker, Nicolai Klindt, and all seven current Comets riders.

Club owner Laura Morgan hopes the competitive field will make for a perfect start to the season ahead of Knockout Cup ties against Newcastle the following weekend.

She said: “It’s very exciting when you think about the top flight guys we’ve got there.

“It’s going to make for an entertaining last few heats.

“For a lot of these guys this will be their first action back in the UK this year so they’re all going to be up for it.

“Hopefully we’re in for a treat and I’m looking forward to it.”

Morgan expects Masters to bring attitude on and off the track as well as his own style of racing, but she is also tipping Wright and Auty as unknown quantities who could surprise a few.