The 2023 speedway season made a false start with the postponement of Monday night’s Peter Craven Memorial meeting at Belle Vue.
At this time, a restaging date is being considered and the Aces management say they will update supporters once a new date has been established as soon as possible.
Two former Workington riders Dan Bewley and Charles Wright were in the original line-up – and both will get the chance to launch the new season tonight.
They are in the Belle Vue team tonight which will take on Sheffield Tigers at Owlerton in the first Premiership meeting of the season and is a repeat of last year’s Grand Final.
The Aces emerged victorious on aggregate in October to clinch their first top-flight title since 1993 and now kick off their defence, with the Tigers hotly tipped to challenge once again.
The home side have made two changes from last year, including the return of French star David Bellego who had a spell with them in the second tier in 2015, whilst the Aces have British Champion and west Cumbrian star Bewley back in the No.1 position after missing out on UK racing in ’22.
Sheffield skipper Kyle Howarth, another former Workington rider, said: “It’s going to be a good test for both teams and it’s going to be an interesting meeting to get the season started.
“We know Belle Vue are going to be tough; they’ve put another strong team together and they’ve got riders who go well at Sheffield.
“They might be the reigning champions but the slate is wiped clean, it’s back to a level playing field and it goes without saying that we’d love to start off with a win.”
Aces star Wright said: “I’m sure the Grand Final is still fresh in Sheffield’s minds so we’re anticipating they’ll be looking to even the score.
“We’d like to begin our title defence with a win and with this team, I think we have more than enough gas in the tank to bring it home.”
