NEW territory awaits for the Belle Vue ‘Cool Running’ Colts when they journey to Redcar on Friday, June 7 for their first encounter with National League newcomers Middlesbrough.
Following the winter shake-up of British Speedway’s third tier, the newest team to the league is determined to make headway in their quest for top spot after suffering three defeats so far.
The Cool Running Colts, meanwhile, sit fourth in the table after their epic encounter with the Leicester Lion Cubs, who are flying away at the top of the table.
But with plenty of matches in hand, the Mancunians are feeling good about their chances to challenge for the league title, but they do track some changes for their journey to the Ecco Arena.
Club No.1 Sam Hagon misses the trip due to his contesting the SGP2 Qualifier at Ludwigslust, Germany with rider replacement in operation for him and all riders eligible to pick up his rides.
Luke Muff remains sidelined with a broken wrist, after his exploits at Leicester, and Freddy Hodder is absent due to his championship commitments with Berwick at Scunthorpe.
Club bosses have therefore called on Dayle Wood and Sam McGurk respectively to cover for their services and are confident they have the ammunition to defeat the Tigers.
Club boss Steve Williams said: “It’s not ideal for us to be without three of our usual 1-7 but we’ve shown before now that, even when not at full strength, we can push other teams very hard.
“It’s a brilliant opportunity for Sam Hagon to contest the SGP2 Qualifier, especially after his recent British U-21 triumph and we wish him the very best of luck.
“A lot of our guys have never seen Redcar before, at least not having raced it, so this will be a new experience for them but one which we’re all looking forward to.
“The Tigers will be keen to put past hurts behind them, just as we will be too and having such stakes for both teams makes things even more interesting.
“We’re never put any undue pressure on the boys though. They know what they need to do and they never deliver anything less than their best, and that’s all we can ask.”
The biggest event on the national calendar arrives at the National Speedway Stadium on Saturday, June 8 in the form of the 2024 Attis Insurance British Final.
Meeting tickets, race day programmes and hospitality are now available to book at bellevue-speedway.com/events. Please note, South and Co-Op car parks are now sold out.
MIDDLESBROUGH V BELLE VUE – FRIDAY, JUNE 7 @ 7:30PM
Middlesbrough Tigers: Jake Mulford 8.21, Ben Rathbone 4.07, Danny Phillips 6.91, Jamie Halder 4.58, Ben Trigger 6.34, William Hocaniuk 3.00, Kai Ward 3.00; TM: Stuart Swales
Belle Vue ‘Cool Running’ Colts: Sam Hagon R/R 8.24, Chad Wirtzfeld 3.81, Matt Marson (C) 5.86, Dayle Wood (G) 4.83, Sam McGurk (G) 6.44, Jack Shimelt 3.00, Harry McGurk 3.00; TM: Steve Williams & Graham Goodwin
Image: ©Belle Vue Speedway