BRITISH SPEEDWAY JANUARY 4, 2024

(SPEEDWAY 1)

KURTZ SAYS 2024 PREMIERSHIP WIN IS THE OBJECTIVE

BELLE Vue captain Brady Kurtz is confident of another Sports Insure Premiership title push for the Manchester club this season.

Kurtz led the Aces to league glory in 2022 but last year they missed out in the play-off semi-finals after an epic clash with eventual runners-up Ipswich.
Five of the ’23 squad are back at the National Speedway Stadium with the spearhead made up of Kurtz, Dan Bewley and Jaimon Lidsey.

Kurtz said: “It was hugely disappointing to have worked so hard and just missed out. We will be looking at a few things at where we went wrong last year and try to improve that for the coming year.

“But we have a similar team so hopefully we can carry our form straight into March. There’s no reason why we can’t be at the top again and if pick up where we left off, we’ll start in a pretty good spot. 
“Obviously we’re all going to need to improve a bit if we are going to push the strong teams. I think we will be there or thereabouts, that’s for sure.”

(SPEEDWAY 2)

LEICESTER manager Stewart Dickson will urge his riders to cut out mistakes at home as they bid to secure a play-off place this year.
The Lions were involved in plenty of drama in their first season back in the Sports Insure Premiership but missed out on race points difference after spending most of the summer in the top four.

Dickson said: “What I said this time last year when Leicester moved up was that we wanted to be good for the Premiership, and to be able to go and put on a show wherever we go.
“I think we’ve proved we can hack it in this league, and now the aim is to go at least one place higher in the table and to get into those play-offs.

“We still had some great meetings last season and took some good scalps, but ultimately we fell just short of the top four and we want to put that right.
“I think the team we’ve assembled for this year will be competitive wherever we go, but the most important thing is to stop dropping silly points at home. Those will be the words ringing in the ears of my riders.”

(SPEEDWAY 3)

MICKIE Simpson has become the fifth signing for the joint Scunthorpe/Sheffield side in this season’s WSRA National Development League.
Simpson joins the team after spending 2023 with Edinburgh having previously been a title winner in the third tier with Leicester.

Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey said: “Mickie became a target the moment that Simon Lambert became involved in the management of the side.
“Simon was helping out Mickie towards the end of last season, because they both come from the same part of the world.
“It’s a no-brainer really, since Mickie is a good young talent and by having him in the side, Simon can help him more directly.

“Mickie is another good addition for the Scunthorpe and Sheffield side. He’s ridden at National League level for three years and has been making progress over that time. The NL is all about developing riders and we’re delighted to add Mickie to what is shaping up to be a young and exciting side.”

(SPEEDWAY 4)

EDINBURGH have announced Kyran Lyden will return for a second season with the club in the WSRA National Development League.
Lyden’s first year with the Monarchs Academy came to an early conclusion due to a shoulder injury, but he is now back to fitness and looking forward to the 2024 campaign.

He said: “I want to start off 2024 like I did last season. Moving up to No.2 was a surprise for myself, but now I know I can do it and I am aiming to get back to that position.
“The injury I had halfway through the season was gutting, and I’m working hard with physio and the gym to prevent that from happening again.
“I am hoping to give the fans something to cheer next year, and I know Scott (Wilson) and John (Campbell) have built a strong team. I’d love to see a full stadium for the NDL meetings!”