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

The post Jonas Jeppsen has play off goals for the Workington Comets in 2026 appeared first on Speedway Hub UK.

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

The post Jamie Etherington completes the 2026 Workington Comets lineup appeared first on Speedway Hub UK.

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

The post Danish sensation Niklas Holm Jakobsen joins the Workington Comets for 2026 appeared first on Speedway Hub UK.

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

The post Craig Cook signs for the Workington Comets for 2026 appeared first on Speedway Hub UK.

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

The post Troy Batchelor rejoins the Workington Comets for 2026 appeared first on Speedway Hub UK.

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

The post Workington Comets welcome back Vinnie Foord for 2026 appeared first on Speedway Hub UK.

The popular young Australian will embark on his third successive year with the Comets, having made a highly impressive UK debut in 2024.

The 20-year-old’s 2025 campaign brought both highs and challenges, as his progress was hampered by the effects of a serious crash during his Premiership debut for Belle Vue in July 2024 – an incident that could have ended his career. The long road to recovery inevitably slowed his rapid development this year, but the GT Tyres Comets’ management believes that with a full winter ahead of preparation in Australia they remain confident in his potential.

The club believes that with continued backing and investment in new equipment, Tate can rediscover the outstanding form he showed in 2024, and significantly increase his average in 2026. Workington Speedway owner Andrew Bain is delighted to have Tate back on board for what promises to be an exciting season ahead:

“We’re really pleased to have Tate back with us for 2026. Everyone knows how talented he is, and we firmly believe we’ve only seen a glimpse of what he can achieve. The crash in 2024 was a huge setback for him, and it naturally affected his 2025 season, but we a saw few times this season what he’s capable of and he knows what he can do. He was also in a heat leader position throughout this season which was very tough on him at times.”

“With the right support and new equipment behind him, we’re confident he’ll push on again next year. Tate fits this club perfectly – he’s hungry, determined and a great lad to work with, he is also fantastic with our fans and has secured himself a firm favourite amongst the younger ones.”

Tate will come into 2026 and join forces with new number 1 Jonas Jeppesen, on a starting average of 5.76.

Words and Images by Workington Speedway

The post Tate Zischke back with the Workington Comets for 2026 appeared first on Speedway Hub UK.

The 27-year-old from Bramming, Denmark, is a rider of genuine pedigree. A finalist in the 2019 World Team U-21 Championship, Jeppesen has also enjoyed success at senior level – notably helping Esbjerg lift the Danish League title in 2023.

Jeppesen arrives at Northside with a strong résumé across Europe. After progressing through the Danish youth system, he went on to race in the Polish Ekstraliga with Częstochowa, widely regarded as the toughest league in the world, and he has further experience in both Sweden and his native Denmark. In Britain, he rode for Berwick during the second half of last season and represented Birmingham in the Premiership during 2025.

Now, he brings that international depth of experience to the GT Tyres Comets for 2026.

Workington Speedway owner Andrew Bain expressed his enthusiasm for the signing:

“When Jonas made his debut at the GT Tyres Arena with Berwick in September where he went through the card and was fantastic to watch. We studied his away scores as well and saw they were equally impressive, so we knew we had to snap him up.”

“We’ve been speaking with Jonas for a while. He was very complimentary about his experience at Northside, and the deal came together quickly for both parties.”

“He will come in as our No.1, and I genuinely believe he has the potential to be the best spearhead in the league next season.”

Jonas joins the GT Tyres Comets on a starting average of 8.20.

Words and Images by Workington Speedway

The post Jonas Jeppesen joins the Workington Comets for 2026 appeared first on Speedway Hub UK.

Bain said: “We’re already deep into discussions about 2026. The aim is to keep building something sustainable and exciting here. Supporters can expect to see a few surprises as we put the pieces together.”

The GT Tyres Comets’ return to competitive speedway has been a welcome addition to the sport, and Bain believes that momentum will only grow as the club looks ahead to another year of development and progress.

“We’ve learned a lot over our first three seasons — on the track, in management, and in how we connect with our fans,” he added. “That’s given us a strong foundation to make the next steps. 2026 will be about improving the club again and giving the supporters something special.”

While Bain remained tight-lipped about the specifics of team building, he confirmed that discussions are ongoing:

“There’s plenty happening behind the scenes regarding team building. We’re committed to assembling a competitive side that will compete for success and silverware next season. Our fans can expect some team news to emerge in the coming few weeks.”

In addition to the 2026 season tickets, which will be released soon, 2026 sponsorship packages will also be available. These packages offer businesses and individuals the opportunity to get involved with Workington Speedway. Anyone interested in becoming part of the Comets’ journey is encouraged to email info@workingtoncomets.com for more information.

Words and Images by Workington Speedway

The post Workington Speedway set for an “exciting year” in 2026! appeared first on Speedway Hub UK.

It also gives us great pleasure to announce that they’ve secured a new partnership with Allied Mobility, principal partner of the GB Speedway Team.

BSPL Chairman Rob Godfrey said: “There’s no doubt the last couple of weeks have been a challenge, however I’m glad we’ve been able to come through it and look forward to getting the team back on track. It’s great that Workington have been able to enter a new partnership with a blue-chip national company in Allied Mobility, which is synonymous with investing in speedway in the UK, and I’d like to thank the Facenna family for their support.”

For Workington Speedway to thrive and to be able to plan for a long-term future well beyond this recent blip, they need public support for their incredible facility.

One area which has been an issue for supporters has been the 3pm start time, as there are currently no floodlights at the GT Tyres Arena a later start time has always been discussed but now they will be starting their home fixtures at 6pm during the summer months.

They have matches coming up against fellow northern clubs and this will allow supporters to better plan a day out in a beautiful part of the country and then make their way to the speedway in the early evening. It is hoped this change will be welcomed by home and away supporters alike, as well as making track preparation easier.

Comets Team Manager James Denham said: “If you have been a regular attendee this year, we thank you, and if you previously attended Derwent Park but haven’t yet joined us at Northside, please do and you will be delighted with what you see. Likewise, if you know anyone who used to go, and for some reason doesn’t do so now, please encourage them to come along. Everyone is guaranteed a warm welcome.”

“We’ve worked exceptionally hard to build up this venue and are determined to keep it, and that starts with getting back on track this season.

“We are also keen to explore local commercial opportunities for partnerships. Any input from the local community is fundamental to giving the club a solid foundation for the future. Please get behind our efforts, and we hope to see you at the GT Tyres Arena soon.”

BSPL Chairman Rob Godfrey said: “We’re delighted that Workington have overcome their issues and are returning to the tapes, as their facility is one of the best in the country.

“I very much hope the speedway community rallies round the club to ensure their long-term future, and with the change to 6pm starts, this will hopefully encourage more fans to make a weekend of it.”

Allied Mobility’s Peter Facenna added: “We’re delighted to enter our new partnership with Workington Speedway.

“Fewer people have invested more into speedway over the last few years, and it’s at times like these where the speedway community must pull together in support.

“Thanks to the passion and commitment of the team at Workington, what we now have there is a world-class track that produces amazing racing with the potential to hold future FIM events.

“I very much hope the local community and wider speedway community now match the passion and commitment to the sport they’ve shown by getting behind the club to show their support.”

Words by British Speedway – Feature Image by Workington Speedway

The post The Workington Comets are back on track! appeared first on Speedway Hub UK.