BELLE Vue Speedway revealed their full septet for the 2024 Premiership campaign on Friday night in front of a packed audience at the club’s annual Christmas Cracker event.
The National Speedway Stadium was the backdrop for the festive tradition, where it was confirmed that five of last year’s ATPI Aces side would return to Manchester.
Brady Kurtz, Dan Bewley, Jaimon Lidsey, Norick Blodorn and Connor Bailey will all don the iconic kevlars once again in the New Year, with Connor Mountain and Ben Cook completing the side.
Kurtz will also retain the captain’s armband as he bids to return the club to their status of League Champions while also aiming to lift the Knockout Cup for the first time since 2017.
It’s a big season for Belle Vue both on a national and international scale as the club prepares to host the week-long FIM Speedway of Nations event in early July.
Reflecting on his ATPI Aces Class of 2024, club CEO Mark Lemon said: “I think we can be very happy with the team we have put together for the upcoming campaign.
“It is always a challenge to rebuild a team to be within the points limit, particularly after the success we experienced with the team last year in finishing top of the Premiership, and winning the Pairs title for the first time since 2006.
“We are thrilled to have so many of the team returning to Manchester, and judging by the reaction of the supporters at the Christmas Cracker they are as enthused just as much as we are.”
“Dan Bewley is world class. He’s not only a double British Champion but he’s the World No.7, and Brady Kurtz is a firm favourite here and has established himself as a dominant force.
“There was no reason not to hand Brady the captaincy to lead once again. We’re also pleased to welcome back Jaimon Lidsey and Norick Blodorn, and Connor Bailey who will take his place as our Rising Star.”
“Finally, we welcome both Ben Cook and Connor Mountain to the National Speedway Stadium. They are young guys with a lot of promise and I think they will settle in very well.
“This is one of the youngest teams we’ve ever had in recent history but with their combined skills and individual talents I believe they have what it takes to be a powerful unit.”
It was also revealed at the Christmas Cracker that team building for the 2024 Belle Vue Colts had got underway with both Freddy Hodder and Sam Hagon returning in the New Year.
Team boss Graham Goodwin confirmed that the club were not short of riders interested in joining their NDL side and that further updates can be expected very soon.
Goodwin said: “We were delighted to hear, after the recent AGM when it looked like we might not have an NDL this year, that the Colts would be back at the tapes in 2024.
“And with both Sam and Freddy I believe we’ve made a solid start to our team building plans. These boys have progressed immensely during their time with us and we are very excited for the New Year.”
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: Ian Charles