BELLE Vue’s bumper Easter weekend begins on Good Friday, April 7 at 1pm with the launch of the club’s 2023 National League campaign, featuring the Cool Running Colts versus the Berwick Bullets.
Both sides have yet to turn a wheel as a team this season, and the anticipation has been building for the return of several familiar faces to the National Speedway Stadium.
Ex-Colts riders Connor Coles, Danny Phillips, and Archie Freeman all return amongst the Bullets’ septet, while club favourites Freddy Hodder, Jack Smith and Paul Bowen are back for the home team.
Club asset James Pearson, who makes his NDL debut with the Colts this year, is particularly keen to get his British season off to a strong start.
He said: “It’s just awesome to finally be racing this track every week. I think we’ve all been excited for this first meeting, and we just can’t wait to get started as a team.
“There are already fantastic vibes amongst the boys. We all know each other and get on very well, and sometimes that’s half the battle so hopefully good results will follow.
“And for me, having more time in the National Development League should help me in the championship and vice versa, and in turn will be good for my racing too.”
The Cool Running Colts kick off the Speedway weekend in Manchester on Good Friday, April 7 at 1pm at the National Speedway Stadium with a visit from Berwick.
Then, on Easter Monday, April 10, the ATPI Aces launch their bid for the Knock Out Cup against Wolverhampton, with a 12pm start at Belle Vue, followed by a trip to Monmore Green at 8pm.
Meeting tickets, south stand parking and race day hospitality for Easter Monday are now available to pre-book at bellevue-speedway.com
BELLE VUE V BERWICK – FRIDAY, APRIL 7 @ 1PM [NDL]
Belle Vue ‘Cool Running’ Colts: Jack Smith (C) 8.36, Luke Muff 4.78, Sam Hagon 6.18, Matt Marson 5.48, James Pearson 8.00, Paul Bowen 4.56, Freddy Hodder 4.52; TM: Steve Williams & Graham Goodwin
Berwick ‘GHT’ Bullets: Connor Coles 8.80, Archie Freeman 5.29, Mason Watson 4.41, Danny Phillips 6.86, Greg Blair (C) 7.75, Josh Embleton 3.92, Jamie Halder 3.04; TM: Gary Flint & Kevin Little
Image: Ian Charles