NORICK Blodorn is looking forward to a relaxed winter season before he begins his rigorous preparations in the New Year for another busy season in the saddle.
The 19-year-old German U-21 Champion will go into his third Premiership season with the ATPI Aces in 2024 and is keen to build on the progress he has made over the last 24 month.
He said: “I’ve spent my entire 500cc career with Belle Vue and I’m happy to be back for a third consecutive season at the National Speedway Stadium.
“With the progress I’ve made, I was worried I may not be back because of how my average has increased and it’s not easy to get a spot with so many riders coming back to the UK.
“But I’m happy I got the call. It’s been great to be part of this team, the spirit is unlike any other club and it’s, without doubt, one of the best tracks in the world.”
It wasn’t the end to the year that Blodorn was hoping for after being involved in a number of significant crashes, one after the other, which hampered him on track.
But he suffered no long-term effects and is feeling fit and ready to conquer the shale in the New Year as the ATPI Aces target their 14th top flight league championship.
He said: “It’s no secret that I wasn’t feeling my best towards the end. I always give 100 percent in my racing but it was a real struggle with some of the injuries I was carrying.
“It’s a shame that had to happen but that’s part of Speedway, and it’s given me extra incentive to prove myself next year. I want to turn that form around and help the Aces win the final.”
It’s not just the UK where Blodorn will have a packed schedule as he also targets success in both Poland and Germany, and he has his sights set on a spot in the SGP2 series.
He said: “I did 81 meetings this year and I did think about maybe riding in another league in 2024 but I think I’ll stick to what I have. It was a very busy season.
“I’d love to have another shot at the SGP2. Last year didn’t quite go to plan; the first round wasn’t great, then Gorzow was OK but then I had that big crash the week before Vojens.
“Maybe I shouldn’t have tried to ride in that round but it was an amazing opportunity and I’d love to have another shot at the competition.
“But for now I’m looking forward to a relaxed winter. I’ve been prepping a little bit, doing some Motocross and Skiing, and maybe in mid-February I’ll start with some practice.”
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.
Words: Hayley Bromley – Images: Eddie Garvey
