Comets drop Stonehewer for 2009

Stonehewer joined the Comets back in 1999

Workington Comets speedway legend Carl Stonehewer has ridden his last match for the club, after being told he was surplus to requirements.

"We have been looking at the team for 2009 and Stoney didn't figure in our plans," said Comets owner Keith Denham.

Stonehewer, who has made two brave come-backs from serious injury during the last three years, has already spoken with two other clubs.

"I'm disappointed in the way my career has ended at Workington," he said.

"Apart from winning the individual league riders title, the Best Pairs and the Fours on several occasions I was also the first man to lift a seven-man trophy for the Comets, and that was special," he added.

"It was special because there are so many good people up in Workington who have become good friends over the last 10 years, and I know how much they wanted that victory. I will miss them all.

He has been a Workington legend and much of the success the Comets have had was built around him

Comets team manager Ian Thomas

"The only thing I would have to say is that if I sign for a new club and get the chance to come back to Derwent Park next year I will be determined to prove Mr Denham was wrong to end my Comets career".

In a 10-year career with the Comets Stonehewer scored more points and made more appearances than any other rider in Workington's history.

Ian Thomas, the man who signed him for Workington in 1999, said: "He has been a Workington legend and much of the success the Comets have had was built around him.

"He was the first rider from the Premier League to qualify for the Grand Prix; he was so popular in the town he was asked to switch on Workington's Christmas lights and he was voted Cumbria's sports personality of the year.

"It seems rather ironic that the day he became the first captain to lift a seven-man trophy for the Comets it turned out to be his last appearance for the club.

"I know when we were building the first team at the Comets for the re-launch in 1999 I had him up at Oily Johnnie's to try and thrash out a deal but he didn't agree terms.

"I then had to meet him and his father at a motorway service station where thankfully he did sign.

"I know he hasn't regretted that decision. It was a good career move and I'd just like to wish him all the very best for the future in and out of speedway, and thank him for what he's done over the last 10 years for Workington speedway."