BELLE Vue Speedway have moved to sign Connor Bailey as their new Premiership Rising Star, with the 20-year-old set to make his ATPI Aces debut at Wolverhampton on Monday, July 10.
The former Belle Vue Colts racer comes in as a replacement for long-term injury victim Jake Mulford, who suffered a broken leg while competing in a Long Track event last weekend.
The Perth native made his British Speedway debut with both Belle Vue and Glasgow in 2019, and this year competes for Workington in the National League and Redcar in the Championship.
Bailey’s call-up to the top flight marks his full Premiership debut, an opportunity that further fills his packed schedule but one he is eager to grasp with both hands nonetheless.
He said: “It is unfortunate circumstances how this opportunity has come about, but I must take it. This is a huge chance for me and one I am very much looking forward to.
“I was the Aces No.8 last season, and I can’t wait to put the kevlars back on for my first match. I’m just excited to get started, I’m ready to go.
“For me, this is very much a learning process. I’ve never competed at this level before, but I’ve seen a lot of the Premiership tracks and I feel very comfortable at the National Speedway Stadium.
“I’m looking at it as I do my Championship meetings. My first goal is to beat my equivalent on the opposing team, so their Rising Star, and anything else would be a bonus.
“I’m very grateful to Mark [Lemon] and the club for giving me this chance and I hope I can repay their faith with as many points as I can.”
Club CEO Mark Lemon added: “It’s such a shame about young Jake being injured because he was just starting showing the signs of why we signed him.
"We wish him a very speedy recovery and he remains in our long-term plans.
“We’re delighted to welcome Connor back into the Aces side after his stint last season as our number 8 in our title league winning campaign.
“He is adept around the National Speedway Stadium and his enthusiasm to learn and improve will, I’m sure, serve the team well.”
The ATPI Aces are next in action at Wolverhampton this Monday, July 10 before they head to Ipswich on Thursday, July 13.
Image: Ian Charles