Aces star relishing busy weekend

BELLE Vue asset Patrick Hougaard has his sights set on a podium finish in Saturday’s Peter Craven Memorial – but admits he faces an epic battle with his fellow speedway stars for the top spot.

The 27-year-old Danish international has a busy weekend pending as he prepares to take his place for Somerset in the 2017 Premiership Pairs on March 31 at the Rebels’ Oaktree Arena home.

It’s then back to Manchester on April 1 for his parent club’s prestigious season opener – something which Hougaard is thoroughly relishing.

He said: “Belle Vue’s new track definitely suits my style.

“I raced a handful of meetings there last year and I’m really looking forward to coming back and taking part in the Peter Craven meeting.

“I want to do the best I can and see how far I go.

“But it’s still the early season and the field is wide open.

“At Belle Vue especially, it’s one of those tracks where everyone can pull up to the tapes with the potential to produce something special, and when riding the right lines it can be difficult to pass.”

Tickets for the Peter Craven Memorial on April 1 are still available online via the club’s website. For the latest news, fixture information and for event ticket prices, visit bellevueaces.co.uk.

■ 2017 PETER CRAVEN MEMORIAL - APRIL 1

7:30PM 1. Patrick Hougaard; 2. Todd Kurtz; 3. Matej Žagar; 4. Charles Wright; 5. Rohan Tungate; 6. Kenneth Bjerre; 7. Jason Garrity; 8. Brady Kurtz; 9. James Sargeant; 10. Joe Jacobs; 11. Ricky Wells; 12. Max Fricke; 13. Ben Barker; 14. Troy Batchelor; 15. Josh Grajczonek; 16. Justin Sedgmen (17. Tero Aarnio; 18. Lee Payne). 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1