BELLE VUE boss Mark Lemon has called on his side to make “more history” in the play-offs.
The ATPI Aces take on Ipswich in the first leg of their ROWE Motor Oil Premiership semi-final clash at the National Speedway Stadium on Monday night.
Lemon’s team will be going out to defend their league title and win a record-breaking 15th top flight crown.
He said: “It’s another huge occasion at the National Speedway Stadium.
“We’ve been privileged to host some massive events in Manchester and this is right up there with another ROWE Motor Oil Premiership play-off semi-final.
“It’s already been a hugely-successful season for the club after hosting the biggest events in its history with the two Grand Prix nights.
“They were sensational SGPs and we were delighted to have sell-out crowds.
“Now we have another great fabulous play-off semi under the lights at the NSS.
“It’s great to deliver these big nights for the fans who have been fantastic this season. I’m also delighted for our incredible owners Tony Rice and Robin Southwell who have allowed us to take this club back to the top of the sport.
“A big thank you also to our loyal sponsors who also make this all possible.”
Ipswich have had the better of the clashes with the ATPI Aces this season but Lemon insists that means nothing for the semi-final two legs this week.
He added: “We’ve been here before and I think we are in very good shape to take on the challenge.
“The Aces know the process. We’ve had some epic battles over the past three seasons on the way to two league titles.
“It’s just about raising our game, finding that extra level and delivering a blockbuster performance.
“There’s nothing quite like the National Speedway Stadium on the big night. The atmosphere is always very special especially as the nights draw in.
“We had a massive crowd on Bank Holiday Monday. Another night the same will create a great occasion and the fans can really get behind the boys.
“Now it’s the Witches again for the most important meeting of the campaign. So far this season the Suffolk men have definitely held the edge over us.
“But that means nothing come the play-offs, we start from zero and all that counts is that we reach 91 points over the two legs to progress to another Grand Final.
“We are both two very good teams, in fact the top four teams deserve their place in the play-offs. However, the Witches have been the only side to stop us over the last three seasons, they ended our title defence in 2023 in an epic semi here in Manchester.
“It’s sure to be another classic when you consider the calibre of riders on both sides.
“One more big push from the boys and hopefully we can make more history.”