ACES NAME CRAVEN STARTERS

BELLE Vue will welcome back title-winning favourite Matej Zagar for the Peter Craven Memorial Trophy on March 20.

Zagar, who helped the Aces to Premiership glory last year, is not racing in the UK this year but will return for another attempt to win the prestige Individual event, having finished second to Michael Palm Toft last spring.

Palm Toft is back to defend the trophy with Aces star Jaimon Lidsey and former World No.2 Krzysztof Kasprzak also named amongst the initial starters.

Belle Vue CEO Mark Lemon said: “Bringing Matej into the meeting was an obvious choice. He is not only a global speedway star but also has a strong connection to this club through his exploits for the Aces, particularly last season.

“Jaimon, likewise, is one of our Belle Vue boys again in 2023. I’m confident he is capable of performing at a World-class level in the Premiership, and we are happy to welcome him back to Manchester.

“Palm Toft and Kasprzak were likewise high on my list. They are two very exciting riders to watch, and Michael is the reigning Peter Craven champion. It’s only right he defends his title, and Krzysztof’s Polish form of late plus his racing style suits the National Speedway Stadium’s to a tee.”