SMITH STEPS DOWN

BELLE Vue CEO Adrian Smith has stepped down from his position after five years in the role.

Director of Speedway and Aces team manager Mark Lemon has been promoted to take over from Smith, who was appointed in 2017 by club owners Tony Rice and Robin Southwell.

Smith said: “Since joining Belle Vue Speedway in 2017 it has been a real privilege to be involved in one of the largest and best-known speedway clubs in the world.

“We inherited a club with a number of challenges, but with the support of the staff and volunteers we have built the club back to a position where it is the envy of many in the speedway community across the UK and wider world, and one of which our supporters can be proud.

“Taking the decision to step down is not an easy one, but having developed the club both commercially and financially, now is the time to put our succession plans into practice.

“And with Mark Lemon stepping into the role, I am convinced the success we have achieved so far will be built upon.”

Lemon added: “Through Adrian’s leadership, he has certainly worked hard to ensure commercial viability of the club, attracting our many great sponsors as well as listening to our fans to provide a great race-day experience at the National Speedway Stadium.

“I’ve always found it a great honour being involved with Belle Vue Speedway. It is an even greater privilege to step into the CEO role and I’d like to thank our owners Robin Southwell and Tony Rice for the trust they’ve placed in me to continue to grow and develop the business and sport, as well as guiding our teams to success in the 2022 season and beyond.”