BELLE Vue have a big start to their team campaign with their fiercest rivals Sheffield visiting the National Speedway Stadium on Monday (7.30pm).
The teams clash in the Northern group of the Knockout Cup with the reverse fixture at Owlerton on Thursday, before the ATPI Aces face the other team in the section, Cup holders Leicester, next week.
Only the group winners progress to the Final so home wins and aggregate points are likely to be imperative, with the Aces keen to improve upon their recent Cup record.
The last time they won the trophy was back in 2017 when they defeated Wolverhampton in the Final, and their last appearance in the decider came seven years ago when they were beaten by Swindon.
It’s set to be an intense opening in Manchester with the Aces and the Tigers both desperate to lay down an early marker in 2026.
Peter Kildemand and William Cairns make their official debuts for the hosts, whilst Sheffield have also kept their changes from last year to a minimum, with six of their seven riders back from last year’s squad.
The only alteration in personnel sees Luke Killeen take over the Rising Star berth with Leon Flint having stepped out of that role as he now lines up in the top five.
And there will be serious interest in the clashes of the top riders, with the Aces’ big two of skipper Brady Kurtz and Dan Bewley taking on their Grand Prix rival Jack Holder.
The Sheffield No.1 is backed up by the spectacular Josh Pickering as well as Jack’s elder brother Chris Holder, who was hugely impressive in the recent Peter Craven Memorial Trophy.
Kurtz has stressed he’s happy to be working with the bulk of last year’s side once again, with Bewley, Zack Cook, Norick Blodorn and Tate Zischke all back in Aces colours.
He said: “I’m happy with the team that’s been put together, and now it’s time to go racing.
“I’m always in favour of trying to keep the same team. Obviously the points system doesn’t exactly allow it, but I think Mark (Lemon) did the best he could with the options that we had.
“It’s nice to see a lot of the same faces, and I think Peter and Will will come in and do a great job, so I’m looking forward to getting the season going.”
Last season’s clashes at the National Speedway Stadium saw the Aces edge a dramatic 46-44 win on May Bank Holiday, coming back from six points down to snatch it in Heat 15, before securing a much more convincing 54-36 victory in August with Kurtz scoring a 15-point maximum.
Tickets and hospitality are available from https://www.bellevue-speedway.com/tickets .
Meanwhile, for supporters who are unable to attend, the meeting will be live streamed via BVTV. Passes available from https://www.bvtv.live/ .
BELLE VUE: Brady Kurtz, Norick Blodorn, Peter Kildemand, Zach Cook, Dan Bewley, Tate Zischke, William Cairns.
SHEFFIELD: Jack Holder, Anders Rowe, Chris Holder, Leon Flint, Josh Pickering, Jye Etheridge, Luke Killeen.