Last updated at 12:58, Friday, 15 February 2013

Speedway chiefs remain confident that work to upgrade Derwent Park is on track, and won’t affect the new season.

The stadium is undergoing a £450,000 revamp as landlords Workington Town host two Rugby League World Cup matches in October.

As improvements are carried out, the speedway track has been used as an access route.

That, coupled with the recent wet weather, has led to widespread speculation about the state of the surface ahead of Comets’ first match against Newcastle on March 30.

Owner Laura Morgan has moved to assure supporters work is on course to be completed before the Ian Thomas Shield.

She said: “Everything is on target and will be up and ready for the end of March.”

The improvement work has seen new seating installed in the grandstand, a new combined press and referees box, a refurbished back-straight enclosure and revamped bar area.

Works have also been carried out to the floodlights and a new electronic scoreboard has been installed.

vMorgan added that the refurbishment work would dramatically improve the experience for fans attending the Comets meetings.

l Workington team-mates Rusty Harrison and Ashley Morris took part in Somerset’s Winter Cracker meeting. Morris scored three points from five rides while Harrison failed to score after suffering mechanical problems.

Morris and Kyle Howarth (see page 20 feature on Howarth) have been seeded in the British U21 final at Dudley on April 23.

l The Workington Speedway Supporters’ Club will hold their first membership renewal night next Friday from 7.30pm to 9pm at the Waverley Hotel in Workington.

l Michael Max has quit as Comets’ announcer.

The master of ceremony became the voice of Workington speedway in 2006.

Morgan confirmed his exit by posting on the club’s unofficial forum.

She said: “Very unfortunate Michael won’t be with us next season.

“I would like to hear from anyone who thinks they might be the mouth for the mic.”

Max has also called time on his role as Glasgow’s announcer – a position he has held for 20 years.

First published at 12:21, Friday, 15 February 2013
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk