The 23-year-old arrives at the GT Tyres Arena with a wealth of experience despite his age. A former British Youth Champion and three-time British Under-19 Champion, Kemp has competed at the highest levels of British Speedway and brings proven race-winning ability to the GT Tyres Comets’ side.

Supporters will be well aware of Drew’s capabilities around the GT Tyres Arena. Riding for the Berwick Bandits in 2025, he produced an impressive 12-point performance at Northside in September and finished the campaign as the Bandits’ number one.

In 2026, Kemp has been competing in the Premiership with Leicester Lions, and the Comets promotion believe he has all the attributes required to strengthen the side as the season enters a crucial period.

GT Tyres Comets Team manager James Denham said:

“Drew is a rider we feel can make an immediate impact. He’s shown over the last couple of seasons what he is capable of, and importantly he already knows the GT Tyres Arena well and has produced some excellent performances here.

“We’ve looked carefully at the options available and we believe Drew gives us the best opportunity to move forward. There’s still a lot of racing left this season and we feel the team has not yet reached its full potential. Drew is hungry to prove himself and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can bring to the club.”

Workington Speedway promoter Andrew Bain added:

“This was an important decision for the club. We felt we needed to make a change if we were to give ourselves the best possible chance of achieving our objectives this season, and Drew was a rider we identified as someone capable of making a real difference.

“He’s still young, but he already has a tremendous amount of experience and we’re pleased to bring him to Workington and we’re excited to see him in action on Saturday.”

Drew joins the GT Tyres Comets with immediate effect on a 8.07 average, and will make his HOME debut this Saturday against Glasgow*.

*Subject to BSPL approval.

Words and Image by Workington Speedway

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The club confirmed the news on Monday, citing the challenges of operating with the Rider Replacement facility and the difficulties of securing suitable guest riders as key factors behind the decision.

In a statement published on the Workington Speedway website, the club said:

“Workington Speedway can confirm that Craig Cook has been released from the club with immediate effect.

Out of respect for Craig and the circumstances, the club will not be commenting further on the matter.

However, after careful consideration, the promotion has concluded that it can no longer continue operating with the Rider Replacement facility on a regular basis. The ongoing shortage of suitable guest options has also presented significant challenges in recent weeks and has made it increasingly difficult to field the strongest possible side.

The promotion firmly believes that supporters, who spend their hard-earned money following the Comets, deserve to see a complete one-to-seven line-up every week. Unfortunately, due to injuries and other circumstances, we have been unable to provide that consistency since our opening meeting at Redcar.

With a substantial portion of the season still remaining, the promotion has taken the difficult decision to make a change in order to give the team the best possible opportunity to achieve its objectives. While there have been encouraging signs, recent close results have highlighted that the team has not yet been able to fulfil its potential.

This was a tough decision to make by the promotion. Craig’s performances during his time have been excellent and that’s evident in his scores, but we need a consistent team – so we would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Craig for all of his efforts in Comets colours and we wish him well for the future.

The promotion would also like to thank supporters for their continued backing and patience. A further announcement will be made very soon.”

The Comets have indicated that a further announcement regarding the team’s future plans will follow shortly.

Statement and Image courtesy of Workington Speedway.

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The Comets have moved to fill the vacant reserve berth with 19-year-old Perry, who arrives with previous Championship experience after riding for Glasgow Tigers last season.

Perry Joins Comets Line-Up

Perry, from Hungerford, narrowly missed out on securing a place in the Championship at the start of the current campaign but now gets his opportunity with Workington.

The club believe he can provide valuable points from the reserve position and strengthen the side in that department, while his previous form at the GT Tyres Arena is expected to help him settle quickly.

Workington promoter Andrew Bain said:

“Max is someone we’ve been keeping an eye on, and when the opportunity came up we felt it was the right move for both the rider and the club.

He’s shown he can compete at this level and we believe he can come in and score the points we need from reserve.

He’s hungry to get going and he also has a good track record around Northside, and we’re confident he’ll settle in quickly and make a positive contribution to the team.”

Perry is set to make his debut for the Comets this Friday (May 1) away at Scunthorpe in the BSN Series, subject to BSPL approval.

Etherington Departs by Mutual Agreement

The move follows confirmation that the club and Jamie Etherington have mutually agreed to part ways.

It is understood that the step up to Championship level proved challenging for the young rider, and after discussions following the recent MAXiCab Knockout Cup fixtures against Berwick, both parties agreed that a change was in the best interests of his long-term development.

Workington reiterated their commitment to supporting British talent, with the decision taken to ensure Etherington’s progression in the sport is not affected.

The club thanked Etherington for his efforts in Comets colours and wished him well for the future.

The changes see Workington bring in fresh options at reserve, with Perry given an opportunity to establish himself at Championship level, while Etherington looks to continue his development elsewhere.

Images courtesy of Workington Speedway

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The Bandits built a decisive advantage with a dominant first-leg performance at Shielfield Park before the Comets responded with a home win in the return fixture, although the deficit proved too large to overturn.

First Leg: Berwick Take Control

Berwick produced a powerful display on home shale to record a 58-32 victory, establishing a commanding lead in the tie.

A run of 5-1 advantages in the opening stages saw the Bandits surge ahead, opening up a significant gap that ultimately proved decisive.

The meeting included several key incidents, including a controversial Heat 4 decision which saw Craig Cook excluded after a referee review, and a heavy crash in Heat 8 involving Niklas Holm Jakobsen and Reid Battye, with both riders withdrawn.

Peter Kildemand led the scoring for Berwick with a 12-point maximum, while Victor Palovaara (11) and Nick Morris (9) also contributed strongly. For Workington, Jonas Jeppesen top scored with 9, supported by Dayle Wood on 8+2.

Second Leg: Comets Hit Back

Workington responded with a 48-42 victory in the second leg at the GT Tyres Arena, but Berwick’s first-leg advantage ensured progression.

Despite being without Craig Cook and Niklas Holm Jakobsen, the Comets produced a strong team performance, led by Jonas Jeppesen, who delivered a faultless 18-point maximum.
Troy Batchelor (12) and Tate Zischke (11+1) provided key support as Workington attempted to reduce the aggregate deficit.

Berwick, however, remained composed, with Peter Kildemand again leading the way with 10+1, while Jye Etheridge, Victor Palovaara and Lasse Fredriksen all added solid scores.

The Bandits confirmed their progression in Heat 11, with a 4-2 from Kildemand and Etheridge securing the aggregate result.

🗣️ Reaction

Workington temporary team boss Baz Collins reflected on a challenging weekend but praised his team’s response:

“It was a night to forget at Berwick, we just weren’t getting out the starts in the first half of the meeting which seemed crucial.

“We had some torrid luck regarding the Heat 4 decision and then obviously the injury to Niklas and Craig – but I was proud of the lads in the second half of the meeting to actually outscore the hosts.

“I was pleased with how the lads responded on Sunday, the odds were very much against us with a patched up side, but they all delivered a great team effort.

“An 18-point maximum from Jonas was unbelievable and to do it in those circumstances in Heat 15 was something special.”

Berwick team manager Stewart Dickson said his side showed professionalism to complete the job:

“We were focused and professional about it and got the job done.

“It’s been a long time since the club reached the latter stages of the Cup but we are certainly not there to make up the numbers.

“It was a good all-round performance and we need to keep it going.”

Scores

First Leg
Berwick 58: Peter Kildemand 12, Victor Palovaara 11, Nick Morris 9, Jye Etheridge 8+2, Jack Smith 7+1, Reid Battye 6+3, Lasse Fredriksen 5+3
Workington 32: Jonas Jeppesen 9, Dayle Wood 8+2, Troy Batchelor 5+1, Craig Cook 5, Tate Zischke 4, Jamie Etherington 1, Niklas Holm Jakobsen 0

Second Leg
Workington 48: Jonas Jeppesen 18, Troy Batchelor 12, Tate Zischke 11+1, Mitchell Cluff 4+1, Dayle Wood 3, Jamie Etherington 0, Craig Cook r/r
Berwick 42: Peter Kildemand 10+1, Jye Etheridge 7+1, Victor Palovaara 7, Lasse Fredriksen 7+1, Jordy Loftus 5+1, Nick Morris 4, Jack Smith 2+2

Images courtesy of Keith Hamblin

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The Dane joins the GT Tyres Comets in 2026 having already enjoyed a successful visit to the GT Tyres Arena last season, where he recorded a paid maximum — and he says he is looking forward to returning, but in Comets colours.

“It feels pretty good. It seems like a very nice place with good people around it and the team is looking pretty strong and I think there’s some boys that we could have a good laugh with during this season – so I’m just excited to get going.”

Reflecting on his previous experience of the Northside track, he added:

“It’s a really cool track with lots of racing lines and plenty of room for good racing,” he explained. “The day I scored the paid maximum the conditions were a bit different because of the weather, but it’s definitely a track I enjoy. I’m looking forward to coming back and learning even more about it.”

Looking ahead to his equipment for the new campaign, the Dane is looking for continuity with his equipment, with a focus on improving himself as a rider.

“The bikes will pretty much be the same for the 2026 season. Hopefully I can bring in some new engines I started using last season but ultimately it will be pretty much the same. I’ll definitely be working a bit more on my style and my gating.”

Jonas is also set for another busy year across Europe, alongside his Comets commitments.

“I’ve got Workington, and then I’ve got Region Varde as well in Denmark and Opole in Poland so I hope I’ll be quite busy and hopefully something in the Premiership will come as well so I’m expecting to be flat-out racing.”

On his first impressions of the Comets’ 2026 side, he believes there is a strong foundation in place for success:

“We’ve got some young blood in and we got some of the guys with more experience so I think we are in a good place with riders.”

In terms of his own targets, Jonas is aiming for consistency and further development.

“My personal goal for this season would just be to be around the same average that I finished with last year and just improve on all the tracks I’ve been to, and just improve my weaknesses over last season. I would like to have a really good Polish season and Danish season as well and just build a lot of confidence in myself and the team.”

Jeppesen believes the GT Tyres Comets can challenge strongly if everything comes together as it’s expected:

“I think we can go as far as we want if we stand together and do our job. We need to be strong home and away, score points consistently, and support each other. For me, the goal is to help the Comets reach the play-offs — and if we get there, anything can happen.”

Words and Images by Workington Speedway

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The 16-year-old from Kent rode in the NDL and NDT last season for the Scunthorpe/Sheffield Steelers and Kent respectively, and truly came of age in British Speedway. One of the standout performances of the 2025 season was his outstanding 20+1 paid maximum for the Steelers against Oxford. Even more impressive was the young Brit doubling his starting NDL average.

Etherington finished runner-up to Will Cairns in the 2024 British Youth Championships. He will also line up for the returning Buxton side this season in the NDL, ensuring he gets plenty of valuable track time throughout the season.

Promoter Andrew Bain insists there is no pressure on the young Brit to deliver “match-winning” performances in his debut Championship season:

“Jamie is a really exciting talent and we are delighted to welcome him to Workington this season. He will be part of an exciting and very experienced team.”

“We have built the team with three of the best heat leaders and two solid second strings in Niklas and Tate. I’ve made it clear to him there is no pressure to deliver match-winning performances, but we feel he certainly has the capability to score valuable points from reserve alongside Vinnie.”

“Being in a team with Craig, Troy and Jonas — who have been there and done it at the highest level — I believe both we and Jamie will reap the rewards from that.”

Speaking about the completed 2026 side, Bain believes his new-look team has the balance of experience, youth and strength needed to compete for success:

“Overall, we are thrilled with the team we’ve assembled. We had to make some tough decisions and many riders wanted to return this season, but for various reasons it wasn’t possible.”

“Our strength-in-depth approach last season didn’t work away from home and ultimately cost us a play-off place. This year, however, I believe we have the right balance of youth and experience that we’ve seen in trophy-winning teams of the past, and the fans can expect a really exciting season.”

Jamie completes the 2026 GT Tyres Comets on a starting average of 2.00.

2026 Workington GT Tyres Comets:

Jonas Jeppesen – 8.20, Craig Cook – 7.99, Troy Batchelor – 7.10, Tate Zischke – 5.76, Niklas Holm Jakobsen – 5.00, Vinnie Foord – 3.68, Jamie Etherington – 2.00

Words and Feature Image by Workington Speedway

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The 18-year-old joins the GT Tyres Comets as one of European speedway’s most exciting emerging talents, with the club securing his services ahead of his first-ever campaign in British Speedway.

Jakobsen’s journey in the sport began at just six years old when he first climbed onto a speedway bike, and his rapid development since then has marked him out as a rider with exceptional promise. A member of Denmark’s Under-21 national squad, he has already built an impressive résumé in youth and senior competition across Europe. Niklas also finished fifth in the 2025 Danish Under-21 Individual Championships and previously claimed fifth place in the 2021 World 250cc Individual Championships

Jakobsen has also gained valuable experience in top-class league racing, competing in Poland’s highly regarded Under-24 league with Gdansk and Torun, and in the Swedish league with Masarna — exposure which has helped fast-track his development at an early stage of his career.

Tipped by many within the sport as a rider destined for big things, he will line up alongside experienced riders including – fellow Dane Jonas Jeppesen, as well as Craig Cook, Troy Batchelor, Tate Zischke and Vinnie Foord, as the promotion look to blend experience with exciting young talent for the 2026 campaign.

“We’re really excited to bring Niklas to Workington. For a rider of his age, he’s already accomplished a lot and has been competing in very strong leagues and that tells you a lot about his ability and potential.”

“This will be his first season in British Speedway, so we know there will be a learning curve, but he’ll have vastly experienced riders around him throughout the season to help him develop even further. Northside is a great place for young riders to progress, and we believe this move could be the start of something very special for both Niklas and the club.”

Niklas joins the GT Tyres Comets for the 2026 season on a starting assessed average of 5.00.

Words and Feature Image courtesy of Workington Speedway

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After spending last season with the Berwick Bandits, the former Grand Prix competitor and British Champion makes a welcome comeback to Northside, strengthening a side aiming for success this season.

Cook rejoins the GT Tyres Comets alongside 2024 teammate Tate Zischke, as well as joining new number one Jonas Jeppesen and Vinnie Foord, adding proven top-end firepower.

The 38-year-old from Cleator Moor has already stepped up his preparations for 2026, vowing to make sure that he and the GT Tyres Comets will be in the hunt for silverware.

The GT Tyres Comets reached the play-offs with Cook as captain in 2024, despite the latter end of his season hindered by a shoulder injury.

Workington Speedway promoter Andrew Bain said:

“We are delighted to welcome Cookie back for 2026, he missed out a team place with us last year as we tried a different approach to team building – but he’s back with us this season and I know on his day, he can beat anyone in the league.”

“Although he won’t start as number one, I know he’ll be determined to get back there, and he’ll want to rival Jonas for top spot — which is a good thing. Healthy competition within the team drives everyone on, and if the riders push each other to higher levels, it can only be a bonus for the team and for the fans.”

Craig rejoins the GT Tyres Comets in 2026 on a starting average of 7.99 (including reduction).

Words and Images by Workington Speedway

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The 38-year-old from Brisbane, Australia rejoins the GT Tyres Comets for a THIRD successive season.

The former Grand Prix rider and Elite League Champion has played a key role in the Comets’ revival and their run to the 2024 playoffs, which led to him taking on the captaincy in 2025. Troy spent the 2025 season at number one, but with the signing of new talisman Jonas Jeppesen, he is expected to move into a second or third heat-leader position in 2026.

A move which Comets promoter Andrew Bain believes will provide a solid foundation for the team:

“Troy has shown over the past two seasons exactly what he brings to the team, both on and off the track, and having him in that second or third heat-leader role strengthens us massively.“

“Although his average dropped last year, he was in a tough position at number one. In 2024 he was at number five, and we saw what he could do from that position. Batch still produced some solid scores from number one throughout 2025, particularly away at Scunthorpe and Edinburgh.”

“Troy brings a calmness and maturity that filters through the whole side. His experience, coupled with some excellent team riding, gives us real stability, and we’re delighted to have him back for next season.”

Troy rejoins the GT Tyres Comets for 2026 alongside Jonas Jeppesen, Tate Zischke and Vinnie Foord on a starting average of 7.10.

Words and Image courtesy of Workington Speedway

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The hard-charging reserve made a big impression on the Comets fans and promotion alike last season, and will rejoin Tate Zischke and new number one – Jonas Jeppesen for 2026.

Hailing from Hailsham in Sussex, Foord finished his first full Championship season this year with the GT Tyres Comets. He made his Championship debut for Poole in 2024.

At the GT Tyres Arena in October, the 19-year-old came agonisingly close to winning the British Under-19 Final. Leading what would have been the title-winning race, Foord’s victory was thwarted by a mechanical failure that caused a crash.

Vinnie now rejoins the side for 2026 and GT Tyres Comets promoter Andrew Bain is expecting big things after the youngster bagged his first full season of Championship racing in 2025:

Bain said: “Vinnie secured himself a firm fan favourite this season and it’s not hard to see why. We signed him last because he is exciting to watch and he will never give up and it’s things like this that fans can get behind.”

“We all felt this season, that some of Vinnie’s scores didn’t reflect his performances and effort. With a full season now under his belt, I’m confident he will push on next season – we saw this year in some moments that he was certainly capable of mixing it with the big boys home and away – it’s now about pushing on and his aim next season should be getting into the middle order of the team.”

“I am pleased with how the team is panning out, with that said there is plenty more exciting news on the horizon for 2026 and I urge all our fans to stay tuned.”

Vinnie rejoins the GT Tyres Comets for 2026 on a starting average of 3.69.

Words and Feature Image by Workington Speedway

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