DOYLE CHASES HISTORY IN CRAVEN TITLE DEFENCE
Date: Friday February 23, 2024
(SPEEDWAY 1)
DOYLE CHASES HISTORY IN CRAVEN TITLE DEFENCE
JASON Doyle will defend his Peter Craven Memorial title at Belle Vue on March 18 as he goes for an historic fifth triumph in the event.
Doyle clinched victory in last year’s staging to add to his hat-trick in 2018-2020, making him the most successful rider in the 57-year history of the meeting.
But he faces tough competition in the Aces’ season-opener with fellow GP stars Dan Bewley and Fredrik Lindgren already confirmed along with Max Fricke and Luke Becker.
Belle Vue CEO Mark Lemon said: “The field for the 2024 Peter Craven Memorial is starting to come together, so it’s only natural to invite the meeting’s reigning champion.
“Doyley is more than just a class act. He is a former World Champion who in the last decade has stood atop the podium in this event more than any rider in history.
“His affinity for this racetrack is no secret, and I don’t doubt he will be amongst the favourites for the win this year, but he will have his work cut out for him.”
(SPEEDWAY 2)
DAVID Howe will get an early taste of team management at Kyle Howarth’s Testimonial next month.
The former British Under-21 Champion has been named as the Rest of the World boss when they face Sheffield at Owlerton on Thursday, March 14 (7.30).
Howe has also been appointed the new Scunthorpe manager for the forthcoming season – the club Howarth will ride for in the Cab Direct Championship.
“I’m really looking forward to working with David this year,” Howarth said.
“He’s someone I know from around the tracks over the years and he’s someone who had a long career in the sport himself.
“Similarly to Steady (Simon Stead – Sheffield team manager), you can learn a lot from those who have been there and done it themselves and I’m looking forward to a fresh challenge in the Championship this season.
“I’d like to thank David for agreeing to manage the opposition for my testimonial and it’s shaping up to be a great event.”
(SPEEDWAY 3)
THE Young Lions prepared for the 2024 season at a three-day training camp at the impressive Workington venue between February 19-21.
Although the rain stopped the riders from getting on track on the third day, there were plenty of positives taken from the camp and each and every one of the riders (and Dads) learnt a lot over the three days, especially from the coaches Scott Nicholls and Paul Hurry with Tom Brennan and Leon Flint also in attendance on the third day having just flown in from their trip to America.
The first day was a full day on track, with drills being set out to improve the youngsters’ riding techniques and racing lines, as well as a couple of free riding sessions, as this was the first time riders had been back on track since the end of the 2023 season.
Day 2 was spent with the morning session in the Xtreme Fitness Gym in Lillyhall close to Workington, with fitness trainer James Luckman taking the session along with Scott Nicholls, and each and every rider were pushed to their own fitness levels, as well as a discussion on nutrition.
Tuesday afternoon was back to the track and more time spent with the riding coaches going through drills and riding techniques.
Day 3 was a full classroom session day discussing bike maintenance and technical information as well as detailed track walk and discussion on starting techniques.
British Youth boss Neil Vatcher said: “It was a fantastic start to the 2024 season for the riders who were able to attend, and the help and advice from the coaches will be invaluable to all who were involved.
“Workington is such a great venue, and we also had the privilege of attending the fantastic Xtreme fitness centre in Lillyhall which is just a couple miles away from the track.”
Without the valued support of the British Youth sponsors these events would not be possible so a massive thank you to:
Nuneaton Speedway Supporters Club, Wessex Marine, Brian Royle, AGF Plant Ltd, Friends of Speedway, Ignite Insurance Solutions Ltd, Northern Scaffolding Solutions, Rentruck of Rochdale, Gordon Pairman and In Memory of Speedway Nut.
Also, our thanks and appreciation to the Workington Promotion of Andrew Bain, Steve Lawson and their staff, as well as all the coaches Scott Nicholls, Paul Hurry, James Luckman, Tom Brennan and Leon Flint.
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