This year’s edition once again boasts a stacked field, underlining the event’s reputation as one of the standout fixtures on the domestic calendar. A host of Grand Prix stars and top UK performers will battle it out on the National Speedway Stadium shale.

Former World Champion Jason Doyle headlines the entry list alongside fellow big names Chris Holder, Fredrik Lindgren and Max Fricke. Belle Vue’s own top six are also set to feature, with strong support from riders including Rasmus Jensen, Nicolai Klindt, Niels-Kristian Iversen, Jan Kvech, Charles Wright and Tom Brennan.

With Brady Kurtz chasing a third consecutive victory and several former winners in the mix, the meeting promises fierce competition from the very first tapes of the new campaign.

Belle Vue CEO Mark Lemon believes the strength of the field highlights the event’s prestige within British Speedway.

“The line-up once again shows this is a premium event for British Speedway, and I’m very pleased with how it has come together,” he said to the Clubs website.

“It has prestige written all over it. Even though riders are looking for early-season track time, they’re all highly competitive and that really comes out in this meeting.

“We have a fantastic racetrack with plenty of racing lines, and year after year this event delivers top-quality action.”

Peter Craven Memorial – Full Line-Up

Dan Bewley, Norick Blodorn, Tom Brennan, Zach Cook, Jason Doyle, Max Fricke, Chris Holder, Niels-Kristian Iversen, Rasmus Jensen, Peter Kildemand, Nicolai Klindt, Brady Kurtz, Jan Kvech, Fredrik Lindgren, Charles Wright and Tate Zischke.

Tickets are available via the Belle Vue Speedway website >> https://www.bellevue-speedway.com/tickets

Feature Image courtesy of British Speedway

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It was a meeting befitting the legendary Aces rider, who tragically passed away following a track crash at Edinburgh in 1963 but whose legacy has continued to inspire generations of Aces ever since.

The event had been dubbed by some as a mini Manchester Speedway Grand Prix, with world stars and national treasures lining up to take part in what has become the most prestigious individual event in the UK.

And the National Speedway Stadium was packed with eager supporters keen to get their first methanol fix of the season, after a long winter, and Belle Vue’s Craven Memorial certainly did not disappoint.

The adrenalin-fuelled racing produced plenty of action, and some surprises came early on with young ATPI Aces racer Norick Blodorn starting incredibly strongly.

And Belle Vue newcomer Connor Mountain was also quick to prove himself worthy of a spot in the Premiership.

Celina Liebmann, the first female to compete in the Peter Craven Memorial, was certainly on the pace, despite failing to score, and quickly cemented herself as a firm favourite with the fans.

But it was the ATPI Aces captain who charged straight through to the six-rider grand final after dropping just one point in his qualifying rides, with Dan Bewley and Max Fricke joining him at the tapes.

In the five-rider semi-final, Jason Doyle, Ben Cook and Fredrik Lindgren earned their right to challenge for the historic trophy in the final, where drama certainly ensued.

Then, with the six riders lined up for the Grand Final shoot out, drama quickly ensued with a first corner clash between Lindgren and Doyle.

The latter was forced to pull up before he even completed a lap, robbing him of a potential fifth win after the referee deemed the race able to continue.

There was no stopping Kurtz after he tasted fresh air, and with the finish line in sight he popped a trademark wheelie across the line and celebrated his first Peter Craven Memorial win.

He said: “It was almost as if the stars aligned for me! In past years, I’ve been close, I’ve made it into the final or at least onto the podium, but I’ve never been able to get the win.

“This is a very special moment for me. This meeting is probably one of the most high-profile individual events in British Speedway, and definitely one of the most prestigious.

“It’s surreal to think that my name is on the same trophy that riders like Ivan Mauger and Ole Olsen have won, and it means a lot to me to win, especially here at Belle Vue.”

Dan Bewley, who took second place, said: “It was a fantastic battle with Brady in the final race. I started well but had a couple of hiccups through the night, but we made some changes and finished strong.

“I know how it feels to win this meeting and Brady is a deserved winner. It was a busy weekend for myself but it feels good to get back to Belle Vue and start the season on a strong note.”

Max Fricke, who finished third said: “This was my first proper meeting of the season so it’s nice to see all of the preparation through the winter coming to fruition.

“I did struggle a bit early on and the home boys were a little more dialled in, but riding this place isn’t something you forget in a hurry and we found something that worked and I’m happy with third.”

The Speedway season in Manchester continues on Good Friday, March 29 when the Cool Running Colts face Leicester in their first NDL league action of the season.

The ATPI Aces, meanwhile, hope to get their league campaign underway when they visit Ipswich on Thursday, March 21 before heading home to Manchester on Easter Monday, April 1.

Meeting tickets, race day programmes and south stand parking are now available for both home meetings, along with race day hospitality on Easter Monday, at bellevue-speedway.com.

RESULT – PETER CRAVEN MEMORIAL – MONDAY, MARCH 18 @ 7:00PM

QUALIFYING SCORES: Brady Kurtz 14, Max Fricke 12, Dan Bewley 12, Ben Cook 11, Norick Blodorn 9, Jason Doyle 9, Niels-Kristian Iversen 9, Fredrik Lindgren 8, Chris Harris 7, Jaimon Lidsey 7, Robert Lambert 7, Maciej Janowski 6, Connor Mountain 5, Connor Bailey 2, Patryk Wojdylo 2, Celina Liebmann 0.

SEMI-FINAL: Doyle, Lindgren, Cook, Iversen, Blodorn
FINAL: Kurtz, Bewley, Fricke, Lindgren, Cook, Doyle (ret)

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A 16-strong field of riders, which includes some of the best in the world and the most promising new talents, will descend on Manchester on Monday March 18 to kick off the season at the National Speedway Stadium.

• Iversen completes Peter Craven Memorial line up

The line-up includes big names such as Jason Doyle, Dan Bewley, Fredrik Lindgren, Max Fricke and Maciej Janowski, and a first for the competition with a talented woman racer German Celina Liebmann.

The event has certainly caused a stir amongst supporters across the country, who are clamouring for their first taste of methanol action since the close of last year’s campaign.

Belle Vue CEO Mark Lemon is thrilled to present such a strong and varied field for the 2024 Peter Craven Memorial and if pre ticket sales are anything to go by than it is sure to be a stella event.

He said: “Over the years, we’ve been proud to witness how the Peter Craven Memorial has evolved into such a prestigious event as to attract some of the best riders in the world to race it.

“I think this is the first time we’ve had such a strong Grand Prix presence in the field, with no fewer than six current world championship contenders including the World No.2 Sweden’s Freddie Lindgren.

“It’s fantastic to feature all our current Belle Vue Aces, which supporters would naturally expect, and I strongly believe each one of them has plenty to contribute to the evening.

“When we put this line-up together we want to see fierce competition, but we also pride ourselves on inclusivity and we recognise that this event is an excellent opportunity for young riders.

“The inclusion of the first female speedway racer to compete in this prestigious event has caught the attention of many; Celina Leibmann is not too different to our young German Ace Norick Blodorn.

“The likes of Norick, Drew Kemp and Fredrik Jacobsen were relative unknowns when they first raced in the Peter Craven Memorial and look at them now!

“Norick has development into a Premiership League calibre rider at the tender age of 19 and for Celina and Connor Bailey, they too can also benefit, not just from the experience of racing in this meeting but racing alongside some of the best in the world.

“This line-up is one of the best we’ve ever had at the National Speedway Stadium and ticket sales so far certainly speak volumes to that, and we hope everyone is as excited as we are.”

Book your tickets for the 2024 Peter Craven Memorial online via our online portal at BELLEVUE-SPEEDWAY.COM/EVENTS, and Race Day Hospitality at BELLEVUE-SPEEDWAY.COM/HOSPITALITY.

PETER CRAVEN MEMORIAL – BELLE VUE – MONDAY, MARCH 18 @ 7:00PM

LINE-UP: Fredrik Lindgren, Max Fricke, Dan Bewley, Luke Becker, Brady Kurtz, Jaimon Lidsey, Jason Doyle, Celina Liebmann, Connor Mountain, Norick Blodorn, Robert Lambert, Maciej Janowski, Connor Bailey, Ben Cook, Chris Harris, Niels-Kristian Iversen.
RESERVES: Sam Hagon, Freddy Hodder

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The field features some of the globe’s biggest stars and most exciting prospects, including Celina Liebmann, Jason Doyle, Dan Bewley, Fredrik Lindgren, Max Fricke and Maciej Janowski.

Iversen takes to the track with the King’s Lynn Stars in 2024 and, for a period of time, was the long-standing track record holder at the National Speedway Stadium.

He was finally bumped off his perch as fastest man in Manchester in 2019 by resident Belle Vue GP star Dan Bewley, who shaved mere milliseconds off the Great Dane’s time.

Iversen has made great strides towards his first Peter Craven Memorial win in recent years, making it as far as the Grand Final last season but just missing out on a spot on the podium.

Should he make it, he will be the first Danish racer to win since Michael Palm Toft in 2022 and only the fourth Dane to win overall, along with Kenneth Bjerre in 2017 and Ole Olsen in 1969 and 1971.

Belle Vue CEO Mark Lemon said: “The response we’ve had on the field we’ve assembled this year has been fantastic and I’m certain the addition of Neils will be equally well received.

“We can’t possibly forget that incredible performance in the Speedway World Cup that saw him smash the track record at the NSS, and retain it for three years.

“And last year, he went somewhat under the radar in the 2023 Peter Craven Memorial, quietly going about his business and putting on quite a display in the Grand Final.

“He’s not a rider to write off. He’s a former GP regular, a Danish international and he knows what it takes to win trophies so definitely keep your eye on him!”

Book your tickets for the 2024 Peter Craven Memorial online via our online portal at BELLEVUE-SPEEDWAY.COM/EVENTS, and Race Day Hospitality at BELLEVUE-SPEEDWAY.COM/HOSPITALITY.

PETER CRAVEN MEMORIAL – BELLE VUE – MONDAY, MARCH 18 @ 7:00PM

LINE-UP: Fredrik Lindgren, Max Fricke, Dan Bewley, Luke Becker, Brady Kurtz, Jaimon Lidsey, Jason Doyle, Celina Liebmann, Connor Mountain, Norick Blodorn, Robert Lambert, Maciej Janowski, Connor Bailey, Ben Cook, Chris Harris, Niels-Kristian Iversen.
RESERVES: Sam Hagon, Freddy Hodder

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The prestigious field is only one name away from completion, with the likes of Jason Doyle, Dan Bewley, Fredrik Lindgren, Max Fricke, Maciej Janowski and Robert Lambert all confirmed.

Harris, a stalwart of British Speedway and great servant to the UK sport both nationally and internationally, first won Belle Vue’s flagship meeting back in 2010.

His form in recent seasons has captured the imaginations of Speedway supporters across the country, with many hoping to see him in action at the National Speedway Stadium.

They got their wish when the triple British champion gave the green light to an appearance in Manchester, but can he claim his second Peter Craven Memorial win?

Club boss Mark Lemon thinks so, stating: “Chris Harris is a quality rider who, with each season, has been getting stronger and stronger, be in on the shale or on the grass.

“There’s no denying he’s a firm favourite with supporters across the UK, and we’re certainly excited to have him back at the National Speedway Stadium for our opening meeting.

“Chris has plenty to offer in this meeting. He knows what it takes to win, he’s got a wealth of knowledge and track craft at his disposal so let’s see if it’s enough to carry him to victory.”

Book your tickets for the 2024 Peter Craven Memorial online via our online portal at BELLEVUE-SPEEDWAY.COM/EVENTS, and Race Day Hospitality at BELLEVUE-SPEEDWAY.COM/HOSPITALITY.

PETER CRAVEN MEMORIAL – BELLE VUE – MONDAY, MARCH 18 @ 7:00PM

LINE-UP: Fredrik Lindgren, Max Fricke, Dan Bewley, Luke Becker, Brady Kurtz, Jaimon Lidsey, Jason Doyle, Celina Liebmann, Connor Mountain, Norick Blodorn, Robert Lambert, Maciej Janowski. Connor Mountain, Ben Cook, Chris Harris, RIDER TBC

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The 21-year-old enjoyed a stunning season last year, sweeping through the National League true to his nickname ‘The Tornado’ cleaning up accolades as he went.

He stormed to victory in the 2023 National League Riders Championship and dominated the competition to become the reigning British U-21 Champion.

At the end of the campaign, Bailey admitted he’d squeezed as much out of the NDL as he possibly could and waved goodbye to British Speedway’s third tier in favour of the next step in his career.

He takes centre stage as Belle Vue’s Rising Star once again, after adopting the position in place of Jake Mulford last year after he suffered a broken leg mid campaign.

And he again links up with the Redcar Bears in the Championship where he hopes to rise through the ranks and preserve his incredible track record at the Ecco Arena.

Belle Vue CEO Mark Lemon said: “When we brought Connor on board last year, there was no pressure on him but almost immediately he demonstrated a hunger to improve and progress.

“His achievements in 2023 were nothing short of brilliant and it’s quite the feather in Belle Vue’s cap to say that we have the reigning British U-21 Champion in our team.

“I think we’ve only just begun to see glimpses of Connor’s true potential and we’re eager to see how far he can progress this year.

“He’s in no way making up the numbers in the Peter Craven Memorial. He’s a talented lad who never settles for any less than perfection, and he could end up causing some upset for the other boys.”

Book your tickets for the 2024 Peter Craven Memorial online via our online portal at BELLEVUE-SPEEDWAY.COM/EVENTS, and Race Day Hospitality at BELLEVUE-SPEEDWAY.COM/HOSPITALITY.

Words: Hayley Bromley – Images by Ian Charles 

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The German U-21 Champion made his first appearance in the club’s prestigious season opener in 2021 but missed the following season due to visa issues.

He was back with a vengeance in last year’s staging, finishing 12th overall and hungrier than ever to build on his progress after a whirlwind start to his British career.

Since linking up with the ATPI Aces, he’s had a taste of life not only amongst the sport’s best in this country, but also amongst the best in the world.

At just 19 years of age, he has already made appearances in the Speedway European Championships, the Speedway Grand Prix 2 series and Germany’s 2023 Speedway World Cup Squad.

And it’s another big season for the youngest ever German Senior Champion as he branches back out into Poland with Liga 1 side Rybnik.

Belle Vue supremo Mark Lemon said: “Norick is such a character. He was an almost instant hit with supporters in Manchester the moment he joined the ATPI Aces.

“He had a bit of a rough end to last season but he has been working very hard over the winter and he’s definitely back to form and ready to show us what he can do.

“I don’t think we’ve seen his full potential in the Peter Craven Memorial just yet. Year-on-year we’ve seen him improve vastly in team competition but it feels like, individually, he’s just getting started.”

Book your tickets for the 2024 Peter Craven Memorial online via our online portal at BELLEVUE-SPEEDWAY.COM/EVENTS, and Race Day Hospitality at BELLEVUE-SPEEDWAY.COM/HOSPITALITY.

Words: Hayley Bromley – Images: Eddie Garvey

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The star-studded field is now close to completion and features some of the biggest names in world Speedway, including Jason Doyle, Dan Bewley, Fredrik Lindgren, Max Fricke, Brady Kurtz and Luke Becker.

It’s a rare opportunity for supporters to see the 2018 British Champion in action as, despite an handful of recent, temporary UK stints, he will not feature permanently in the 2024 Premiership.

But the current World number 6 is keeping himself busy on the continent, with team spots in both Poland and Sweden, while also continuing his charge in the Speedway Grand Prix Series.

And he’s expected to be a staple of the Team Great Britain squad when the FIM Speedway of Nations arrives in Manchester in July, when the host nation hopes to relive their 2021 triumph.

Belle Vue Boss Mark Lemon said: “I think Robert became one of the fastest Belle Vue legends to be born after the club won our first Premiership title in 29 years, part thanks to his brilliant efforts.

“He has come very close to victory in this meeting in seasons gone by, and what a battle it was with Doyley [Jason Doyle] last year when he finished second.

“We’re very excited about the field as it is coming together and we’re very close to putting the finishing touches to the line-up, and as it stands it really is anyone’s to lose.”

Book your tickets for the 2024 Peter Craven Memorial online via our online portal at BELLEVUE-SPEEDWAY.COM/EVENTS, and Race Day Hospitality at BELLEVUE-SPEEDWAY.COM/HOSPITALITY.

The post Ruthless Robert Lambert has his sights on Peter Craven Memorial win appeared first on Speedway Hub UK.

After a stunning campaign with the ATPI Aces last year, the former World U-21 Champion picked up where he left off when returning to Australia over the off-season.

Some of his most notable achievements included a win in the prestigious Speedway Centenary meeting at Brisbane and his blistering performance in the Australian Solo Championship.

Lidsey was amongst the most consistent of the roster over the five rounds and completed his campaign in fifth overall and bagged himself one of the coveted 2025 Speedway Grand Prix Qualifier spots.

The podium of the Peter Craven Memorial has so far eluded him but, given his current form and his notable presence around the National Speedway Stadium last year, he isn’t one to be ruled out.

Belle Vue CEO Mark Lemon said: “Jaimon has really come into his own over the last 12 months and we only have to look at his scores in Australia to see how he has continued to build on 2023.

“It’s immensely proud for me to see Belle Vue riders achieving great things outside of the club, and I feel confident that he could potentially be one of the many dark horses in the Peter Craven Memorial.

“The way the field is shaping up, he will have some very stiff competition but if there’s one thing about Jaimon you can count on it’s that he’ll be going all-out.”

Book your tickets for the 2024 Peter Craven Memorial online via our online portal at BELLEVUE-SPEEDWAY.COM/EVENTS, and Race Day Hospitality at BELLEVUE-SPEEDWAY.COM/HOSPITALITY.

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German sensation Celina Liebmann caught global Speedway off guard when she burst onto the scene two years ago as one of the strongest female racers, earning herself a call-up to the 2022 SGP2 series.

The daughter of former Ice Speedway racer Jürgen Liebmann, she made appearances in two of the three SGP2 rounds [the former World U-21 Championship]: first in Prague and finally in Torún, Poland.

Her appearances in the SGP2 meant she earnt herself a place in the final standings, finishing 23rd in the world.

And she made British Speedway history in December of 2023 when it was announced the 22-year-old had linked up with Championship League side Workington for the upcoming season.

Liebmann is no stranger to the National Speedway Stadium, though, and was one of the standout riders in last year’s Women’s Speedway Academy, which was hosted by Belle Vue Speedway.

Club CEO Mark Lemon said: “We’re very excited to welcome Celina to Manchester in her first competitive appearance on UK soil and I’m sure supporters will be just as excited to see her.

“Women in sport is a topic that has been growing considerably over the last few years and she has practically become the face of women in Speedway.

“She’s proved that she has the skillset to compete with some of the top riders her age, and now she is ready to take the next step and see how she measures up against some of the world’s best.”

Book your tickets for the 2024 Peter Craven Memorial online via our online portal at BELLEVUE-SPEEDWAY.COM/EVENTS, and Race Day Hospitality at BELLEVUE-SPEEDWAY.COM/HOSPITALITY.

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