He joins the Borders’ club after recovering from a shoulder injury which prematurely ended his 2024 campaign in Workington and Leicester colours.

The 37-year-old Cumbrian has scored over 4,700 points in the second tier since making his debut with the Comets in 2009 and a further 2,000 in the top flight, predominantly with Belle Vue.

He has regularly been a thorn in the Bandits’ side around their Shielfield Park home, Cook’s previous dozen league and cup visits seeing him average over 12 points a meeting, including three full maximum scores.

He holds the record for the fastest four laps at the famously pacy circuit. The time of 62.8 seconds was set in 2015 and is a tenth of a second faster than current GP star and fellow Cumbrian Dan Bewley’s official track, set in 2020 following work to widen and shorten the raceway.

Cook joins Rory Schlein, Drew Kemp and Danyon Hume as confirmed starters for the 2025 campaign for the side which found itself at the foot of the Championship following an injury-ravaged 2024 campaign.

Cook had been expected to return to Northside but, as he explained in a statement released on social media last night, the Comets chose not to follow up an initial verbal agreement.

Team manager Stewart Dickson explained that Berwick had moved quickly to make a deal with Cook after learning of his availability following last week’s British Speedway AGM in Tenerife.

He said: “It was a no-brainer really. “When riders of Craig’s calibre become available you don’t have to think too hard about what he offers to any team.

“I worked with him at Leicester in the Premiership in both 2023 and 2024 so I know what he brings to the table first-hand.

“It is a very significant step towards our mission to build a team capable to compete for silverware on all fronts in 2025.”

Words by George Dodds – Berwick Speedway

Feature Image by Keith Hamblin

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The 36-year-old will make his club debut on Thursday when Spires travel to Sheffield for their rearranged ROWE Motor Oil Premiership fixture against the Tigers.

Cook has made a flying start to his 2024 campaign, scoring 41 points from only 16 rides for Championship club Workington. And the 2017 British Champion said he was feeling in great condition on and off the bike ahead of his first Spires ride.

“I’m really grateful for this opportunity and thank Peter (Schroeck) and the Oxford management for making the call,” said Cook. “I’ve put a lot of effort into my preparation for 2024, and so far the results have been pleasing.

“Oxford has been a real success story since the club reopened two years ago, so to be part of the operation in the coming months is exciting for me and I’m looking forward to Thursday’s trip to Sheffield.

“We have some big meetings coming up in May and as a group we’re determined to continue our positive start to the season and strengthen our position inside the play-off frame.”

Cook will be eligible for all five of Spires’ Premiership fixtures in May. Following Thursday’s trip to Sheffield, the club hosts Leicester on Bank Holiday Monday (May 6) with a visit to the National Speedway Stadium scheduled the following week (May 13).

Aces return to OX4 on May 23 before Spires take on Leicester at Beaumont Park four days later.

Team Manager Peter Schroeck added: “Craig is all class and has a strong track record since making the switch from Motocross 16 years ago.

“His commitment during the winter is clear to see with a number of strong performances in the Championship, so we’re really pleased to have him onboard.”

Oxford Spires return to Oxford Stadium on Monday, May 6, in the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership against Leicester Lions. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by clicking here.

Words by Oxford Speedway – Image courtesy of Dave Payne

The post Oxord Spires snap-up Craig Cook on 28-day agreement appeared first on Speedway Hub UK.