Last updated at 12:21, Thursday, 09 December 2010

Workington Comets have made their fourth signing for 2011 with former guest rider Tomas Topinka confirmed as joining the Derwent Park outfit.

Tomas Topinka

The popular Czech, 36, was a major part of the Comets team that won their first seven-man trophy, in 2008, when he guested in place of the injured Daniel Nermark.

Topinka became available after King’s Lynn said he was not needed for 2011 after their elevation to the Elite League but Comets owner Keith Denham said he will not be the club’s new number one.

He said: “Tomas always wanted to come to Workington and didn’t want to ride for anybody else.

“When he became available there were two or three clubs wanting to sign him but that didn’t really come into it because I wanted him and I know that he wanted to come here. He has stacks of experience and Derwent Park is one of his favourite tracks.”

Topinka joins Richard Lawson, Rusty Harrison and Kenny Ingalls as the riders signed for 2011.

Denham added: “I feel this team is going to be really good next season and is capable of getting the results needed to get towards the top of the table.”

However two riders who will not be riding will be last year’s captain Chris Schramm and Cleator youngster Craig Cook.

Schramm, who signed for Ipswich, along with former Comet Kevin Doolan, cited family reasons as the reason for the move.

Cook will not be returning following no contact from Denham after the end of last season. Cook enjoyed a remarkable year last season, his first full one in the sport, rising from reserve to number one, doubling his average and securing a place as number eight at Elite League side Peterborough, winning his first race as a Panthers rider.

But he was told that there was no place for him next season.

First published at 11:40, Thursday, 09 December 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk