BRITISH SPEEDWAY DECEMBER 9, 2023

(SPEEDWAY 1)

ACES STICK WITH TERRIFIC TRIO FRONT LINE ATTACK

BELLE Vue will track an unchanged spearhead in 2024 with British Champion and GP star Dan Bewley joined by Australian duo Brady Kurtz and Jaimon Lidsey.

The Aces will also retain Norick Blodorn and Rising Star Connor Bailey from this year’s line-up, whilst Ben Cook makes the move to Manchester after an impressive debut Sports Insure Premiership campaign with Peterborough.
And the former champions have also signed Connor Mountain, whose last stint in the top-flight was with their Roses rivals Sheffield, with Kurtz retaining the captaincy.

Club CEO Mark Lemon said: “I think we can be very happy with the team we have put together for the upcoming campaign.
“It is always a challenge to rebuild a team to be within the points limit, particularly after the success we experienced with the team last year in finishing top of the Premiership, and winning the Pairs title for the first time since 2006. 

“We are thrilled to have so many of the team returning to Manchester, and judging by the reaction of the supporters at the Christmas Cracker they are as enthused just as much as we are.
“This is one of the youngest teams we’ve ever had in recent history, but with their combined skills and individual talents I believe they have what it takes to be a powerful unit.”

BELLE VUE 2024 (Subject to approval): Brady Kurtz, Dan Bewley, Jaimon Lidsey, Ben Cook, Norick Blodorn, Connor Mountain, Connor Bailey (RS).

(SPEEDWAY 2)

BIRMINGHAM have installed former World Champion Sam Ermolenko as their new team manager ahead of their move into the Sports Insure Premiership.
American legend Ermolenko, who won the sport’s top prize in 1993, will be assisted at Perry Barr by Chris Adams, who previously acted as deputy for his father Peter at Wolverhampton.
The Brummies have also announced the signing of double British Final runner-up Steve Worrall, who has spent the last two seasons with Wolves.

Club CEO Nigel Tolley said: “In my eyes, the team manager’s role is just as important as the seven riders, and the fact we’ve been able to secure a deal with someone like ‘Sudden’ Sam Ermolenko is a really big piece of news.
“Sam is someone who is very well respected due to what he brought to the sport as a rider and what he achieved throughout his career, and in various guises he has remained heavily involved with speedway ever since.

“I think Sam and Chris will complement one another really well and we’re delighted to welcome them both to Birmingham.
“Steve lives and breathes speedway and he’s very passionate and professional when it comes to his racing.
“He brings with him a lot of experience and from what I’ve seen from my trips to Wolverhampton, he’ll also be a fantastic team player both on the track as well as back in the pits.”

(SPEEDWAY 3)

LEICESTER have announced the signings of Luke Becker and Ryan Douglas to complete their Sports Insure Premiership line-up.
Both riders join the Lions from Wolverhampton, who are unable to compete in 2024 due to the loss of their Monmore Green stadium, but Douglas had a successful spell with the East Midlands club at Championship level earlier in his career.

Manager Stewart Dickson said: “Paul (Cairns – owner) and I were both keen to get Luke, and the fact that he has Greg (Hancock) looking over him and keeping an eye on his development has to be a positive.
“He’s young, he’s only 24, and I think he’s only going to get better. I’m not saying he’s just one for the future, but he’s definitely aiming higher.

“Dougy is back with us, and I think he liked our track better last season after the work that had been done on it. That showed in his scores when he was racing against us.
“Certainly if he can bring his Leicester form to our home track next year, and keep up his away form, we’re onto a winner.”
LEICESTER 2024 (Subject to approval): Max Fricke, Ryan Douglas, Sam Masters, Luke Becker, Richard Lawson, Drew Kemp, Joe Thompson.

(SPEEDWAY 4)

POOLE have moved to sign former British Under-21 Champion Tom Brennan – after he e-mailed the club to enquire over the possibility of a team place!
Brennan ironically was part of the Glasgow side who defeated the Pirates in the Cab Direct Championship Grand Final in October, but he now heads to Wimborne Road for 2024.

Co-promoter Dan Ford said: “It came something out of the blue to be honest, as we thought initially that Tom would not be racing in the Championship because of his commitments in other leagues.
“But he approached us to see if there was a chance of a place with us as, being a midweek track, it would fit well into his schedule.

“So, when you have the opportunity to sign a rider of Tom’s potential then obviously it is well worth re-evaluating your options, and we were able to quite quickly complete a deal with him – and it looks as if we are set to have one of, if not the, strongest heat leader trio in the division.

“Tom actually had a better away average than a home one last year, so that augurs well for us, and whilst he may not have the greatest record around Wimborne Road, his last two appearances here have been encouraging – and of course, his contribution for Glasgow in the play-off Final had quite a bearing on the destiny of the league title.”

(SPEEDWAY 5)

SAM Hagon and Freddy Hodder have both been named as starters for Belle Vue in next season’s National Development League. The duo both raced for the Colts in 2023 with Hagon pushing his average up above eight for the first time, whilst Hodder continued his rapid progress in only his second year in the sport.
Co-boss Graham Goodwin said: “We were delighted to hear after the recent AGM that the Colts would be back at the tapes in 2024.
“And with both Sam and Freddy I believe we’ve made a solid start to our team building plans. These boys have progressed immensely during their time with us, and we are very excited for the New Year.”