BELLE VUE go for ROWE Motor Oil Premiership title glory in a massive Grand Final decider against Sheffield at the National Speedway Stadium on Friday (7.30pm).
The ATPI Aces are in a strong position at the halfway stage of the tie as they look to secure a third league title in the space of five years – which would be extra special as, having topped the regular standings after a fabulous season, they now have the opportunity to wrap things up on their home circuit.
They lead the Tigers 47-43 after a storming finish to Monday’s first leg where they turned a six-point deficit into four-point advantage thanks to two 5-1s in Heats 13 and 15 from super skipper Brady Kurtz and Jason Doyle, whilst Zach Cook and Tate Zischke collected a 4-2 in Heat 14.
That was a job well done by the Aces, who were backed by a huge travelling support in South Yorkshire, but all involved have stressed that the job is not complete just yet.
Belle Vue are unbeaten at home this season but Sheffield have often been a team to cause problems in Manchester, and the Tigers once again track former Aces skipper Max Fricke as a guest at No.1.
For the home side, Peter Kildemand is ruled out of what would have been his farewell appearance due to a broken wrist, and Northampton’s Nicolai Klindt comes in to guest at No.3.
The teams are otherwise unchanged from Monday with Kurtz and Norick Blodorn both looking to win their third league titles with the club.
Meanwhile Doyle, who joined the Aces in mid-season after Dan Bewley was injured, could be part of a top-flight title winning squad for an incredible sixth time in his career after previous successes with Poole, Swindon and Ipswich.
Aces manager Mark Lemon said: “We take an advantage into the meeting, but nobody within our camp believes the job is done.
“Sheffield have pushed us hard here before, and they have proven race winners throughout their side. I'm certain their team manager, Simon Stead, will have them fired up and determined to make an early impression, and we must be ready for that challenge.
“Our approach won't change. We'll continue to follow the processes and standards that have served us so well throughout the season.
“I have every confidence in our boys around this circuit, but the play-offs can be unpredictable, and a four-point advantage at the halfway stage is no reason to lose focus.”
Supporters are once again advised that they should pre-book tickets to ensure entry, as a capacity crowd is expected on the night.
All information regarding tickets, hospitality and parking can be found at: https://www.bellevue-speedway.com/tickets , and again with a large attendance in mind supporters are advised to arrive early if at all possible.
BELLE VUE: Brady Kurtz, Norick Blodorn, Nicolai Klindt, Zach Cook, Jason Doyle, Tate Zischke, Will Cairns.
SHEFFIELD: Max Fricke, Anders Rowe, Chris Holder, Leon Flint, Josh Pickering, Jye Etheridge, Luke Killeen.