IT’S the moment the Belle Vue ‘ATPI’ Aces have been working towards all season long, as the 2024 ROWE Motor Oil Premiership Play Off Semi-Finals arrive in Manchester on September 16.
The 2022 league champions face the reigning league champions Sheffield in what is certain to be an explosive encounter between two sides known for their fierce rivalry.
The first semi-final last week ended with the Leicester Lions qualifying for this year’s Grand Final for the first time in the club’s history and now attention turns to who will take the final spot.
The ATPI Aces go into the home leg at the National Speedway Stadium at full strength and with the newly minted FIM U23 Long Track U-23 World Champion Jake Mulford at reserve.
The Tru7 Group Tigers, meanwhile, have called on one of the sport’s strongest racers this season in the form of Chris Harris, who will deputise for the injured Tai Woffinden at No.5.
Everything before now was just practice, as these two giants of the Premiership lay it all on the line in their quest to lift the 2024 league title.
Club boss Mark Lemon said: “Just like Sheffield, our boys know what it takes to win league titles, and this is the moment we have been working towards all season long.
“I have absolute belief that we can go all the way, but it certainly won’t be easy; it never is, particularly against the reigning champions.
“But we have what it takes. I know this team have plenty in the tank to apply themselves and, in some ways, I feel we enter the play offs as something of an underdog to Sheffield.
“The Tigers will, I’m certain, feel as we did this time last year. They want to retain their title and they’ll be feeling confident after recently securing the KOC silverware.
“But with a full team, and I say with everything crossed that the boys stay fit and safe, we will enter this final campaign with a strong underlying confidence and self-purpose.”
The Belle Vue 'ATPI' Aces face Sheffield in the first leg of their Premiership Play Off semi-final on Monday, September 16 at the National Speedway Stadium.
Meeting tickets, race day programmes and hospitality are now available to pre-book at bellevue-speedway.com/events; for hospitality patrons, please note the Beef & Pork Pepper Parcels are now sold out.
South Stand Parking reservations are now fully booked. A limited number of pre-book spaces are available at St Peter’s School for those still looking to attend.
BELLE VUE v SHEFFIELD – MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 @ 7:30PM [POSF]
Belle Vue ‘ATPI’ Aces: Brady Kurtz (C) 9.31, Norick Blodorn 5.54, Jaimon Lidsey 6.97, Ben Cook 6.86, Dan Bewley 8.78, Antti Vuolas 4.46, Jake Mulford RS; TM: Mark Lemon
Sheffield ‘Tru7 Group’ Tigers: Jack Holder 8.70, Kyle Howarth (C) 5.35, Chris Holder 8.65, Josh Pickering 6.61, Chris Harris (G) 8.67, Jason Edwards 3.52, Dan Gilkes; TM: Simon Stead
Image: ©Belle Vue Speedway