BELLE Vue have the chance to go joint third in the National Development League when they face Oxford at the National Speedway Stadium on Friday, August 2 at 7:30pm.
The Cool Running Colts also hand William Cairns his club debut as he prepares to partner with Harry McGurk in the team’s reserve berth, with many eager to see his first laps in Manchester.
But he first takes to the shale in the 500cc British Youth Championship, which precedes the main meeting at 6:00pm and features some of the most promising young British talent.
And in a refreshing first for the sport, a large proportion of those taking part, particularly in the 125cc support class, are female competitors.
Cairns, meanwhile, is tipped as one of the favourites in the 500cc class, while also giving him a taste of conditions ahead of the Cool Running Colts’ clash with the Chargers.
A very slim aggregate margin separates the two sides after Belle Vue’s trip to Sandy Lane ended 49-40 in favour of Oxford, with the bonus point very much up for grabs.
A handful of changes on both sides of the pits sees Belle Vue call in club No.8 Jack Shimelt to stand in for Chad Wirtzfeld, who is currently contending with an arm injury.
Luke Muff remains sidelined with a wrist injury, with RR in effect at No.3. Meanwhile, Max Perry and Jamie Etherington guest for Oxford in place of the injured Jason Garrad and Alex Spooner.
Still, the Cool Running Colts’ home form has mirrored that of the ATPI Aces, being strong and consistent and, as such, club bosses are feeling confident ahead of the meeting.
Team co-boss Steve Williams said: “When we went to Oxford, the boys put in a brilliant shift and essentially dominated the second half of that match, so there’s no reason we can’t finish the job.
“Being without both Luke and Chad will be a challenge, but in the same breath the Chargers are also missing two of their usual riders so both team remain balanced in that respect.
“One of the major differences, I feel, is young William Cairns coming in for us. He is a very capable rider who gives us that extra strength at reserve.
“Having the British Youth round beforehand will give him those extra rides to get dialled in ahead of the main meeting, but I still feel it will be a very close match all the same.
“We’re fast approaching the end of our season now and we have an excellent opportunity to put some big points on the board and close the gap on the top three.”
The next action in Manchester arrives on Friday, August 2 when the Belle Vue Colts pick up their campaign against the Oxford Chargers, tapes up at 6pm.
This precedes the meeting’s curtain-raiser, the British Youth Championship, which kicks off at 6pm on August 2 with the main NDL action picking up from 7:30pm.
Meeting tickets, race day programmes and south stand parking are now available to pre-book online at bellevue-speedway.com/events.
BELLE VUE v OXFORD – FRIDAY, AUGUST 2 @ 7:30PM [NDL]
Belle Vue ‘Cool Running’ Colts: Sam Hagon 8.24, Jack Shimelt (G) 4.00, Luke Muff R/R 4.83, Matt Marson 7.37, Freddy Hodder (C) 6.22, William Cairns 3.00, Harry McGurk 3.00; TM: Steve Williams & Graham Goodwin
Oxford Chargers: Luke Killeen (C) 9.52, Ashton Vale 6.67, Jamie Etherington (G) 5.07, Max Perry (G) 8.36, Jody Scott 8.77, Jacob Clouting 4.74, Senna Summers 3.08; TM: Peter Schroek
Aggregate Score: Belle Vue 40-49 Oxford
BRITISH YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP – FRIDAY, AUGUST 2 @ 6PM
500cc Class: Jamie Etherington, Hayden Watts, Liam Cox, Billy Budd, Joe Crewe, William Hocaniuk, William Boraston, Jack Crewe, Ryan Ingram, Laylen Richardson, Stene Pijper, Lee Harrison, William Cairns
125cc Support Class: Chloe Davis, Jessica Cox, Tia May Brant, Charlie Fletcher, Jack Scully-Syer, Rhys Harrow
Image: ©Belle Vue Speedway