HARRY McGurk is determined to make the most of a return to the National Speedway Stadium after being confirmed as the third signing for the Belle Vue ‘Cool Running’ Colts Class of 2024.
The Bradford-born racer linked up with the newly revived Workington Comets last season but struggled to hit the highs expected of him at the Northside Arena.
In early September, he announced he would be stepping back from the Comets to re-evaluate his position within the shale sport and to work on his confidence.
He said: “Looking back, I think I tried to step up to the Championship a bit too soon because it wasn’t long after that when things started to go downhill and I lost my confidence.
“I was struggling with the new tracks and worrying about every meeting which isn’t something I’d ever done. I’d never doubted myself like I was towards the end of 2023.
“I felt it was in my best interest, as well as my teammates, to step away from Speedway while I got myself together, and it was when I went to the NDLRC with my brother that I felt that passion again.
“It was never a case of me packing in Speedway, I just needed to regain my confidence and my love for what I was doing and with that extra time to think I feel like I’m at that stage.”
After launching his NDL career with Cradley in 2019, McGurk joined the Cool Running Colts for the 2021 season and spent two years with Belle Vue before moving to Workington.
Hi decision to return to Manchester was a no-brainer for the 19-year-old, and he credits the club as being the one place that can help him get back to the form he knows he’s capable of.
He continued: “My focus this year will be on the National League, but I don’t want to just ease back into it. I want to hit the ground running from where I was two years ago.
“To be honest, I’ve had a few clubs contact me about racing next year but I knew there was only one place for me to be to get my career back on track, and that’s Belle Vue.
“I know everybody there, the support network is amazing and I know I can race at the National Speedway Stadium; even if I don’t gate, I know I have the speed to pass around there.
“I’ve been spending as much time as I can training. I’m running a minimum 30k a week and I’m much more conscious of my diet. I’m feeling good about the new season and I can’t wait to come back.
“I’d like to thank Steve [Williams], Graham [Goodwin] and Mark [Lemon] for giving me this opportunity and I am determined to do my best not only for myself but for the club as well.”
2024 Season Tickets applications are now available online at BELLEVUE-SPEEDWAY.COM/SEASON-TICKETS, with the club offering a Premiership package or combined Premiership/NDL package.
Image: Harry McGurk; ©Eddie Garvey