BRADY Kurtz says he’s honoured to be given the captain’s armband once again after confirming his return to the ATPI Aces, where he will lead the team as their skipper for the third season.
Kurtz will spearhead the side along with World No.7 Dan Bewley, who were both announced at the club’s annual Christmas Cracker in early December.
It was a tough end to the season for the ATPI Aces after their heroic fightback against Ipswich for a place in the Premiership Grand Final ended with a last-heat decider going against them.
But despite the heartbreak, Kurtz says his side can be proud of their accomplishment in finishing top of the league table and is adamant they will bounce back next year.
He said: “It was hugely disappointing to have worked so hard and just missed out. We will be looking at a few things at where we went wrong last year and try to improve that for the coming year.
“But we have a similar team so hopefully we can carry our form straight into March. There’s no reason why we can’t be at the top again and if pick up where we left off, we’ll start in a pretty good spot.
“Obviously we’re all going to need to improve a bit if we are going to push the strong teams. I think we will be there or thereabouts that’s for sure.”
The popular Aussie has become a firm favourite with the Belle Vue fans since joining the club in 2021, and Kurtz himself has really bought into the Mancunian lifestyle.
He said: “I’m something of a local now! Manchester is a great place, and Belle Vue is the place I want to be, so it just made sense for me.
“I am hoping to go back to Australia over the winter. I want to be back and ready for the Australian Championships in January.
“It’s been a good few years since I’ve had a decent campaign so it’s long overdue. This year it wasn’t too bad but I was still recovering from a few knocks I’d had previously.
“But I’m feeling really good. It’ll be nice to get back and see the rest of my family before things get going, and I’m certain it’ll be a tough competition, as is typical.”
In the spirit of tough competition, the British Premiership will present an equally tough challenge for the ATPI Aces next year but Kurtz believes the team spirit will be an inspiration for success.
He added: “The last couple of years we’ve had really good teams. Last season was no different and the same for this year, we have a fantastic group of guys.
“Dan [Bewley] and I are really good friends, always together during the week, mountain-biking and doing whatever else we can get up to.
“Me and Jaimon [Lidsey] have been friends for many years as well. It’s been cool to have all us three together. We’ve had great teams and I’ve really enjoyed being at Belle Vue the last few years.”
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.
