Aces snap up young guns
TWO of British Speedway’s hottest young prospects will make their full Premiership debut with Belle Vue after club boss Mark Lemon revealed the identity of his reserve duo.
Eighteen-year old Jack Smith and 17-year old Dan Bewley will take their careers to the next level at the National Speedway Stadium after bursting onto the scene last year.
In addition to their top-flight duties - and those with Championship side Glasgow - the teenage sensations are also the first confirmed signings for Belle Vue’s National League team, the Colts.
Staffordshire-based Smith, son of former Aces rider Andy Smith and nephew of former Belle Vue star Paul Smith, proved himself a key element in Birmingham’s 2016 trophy-filled campaign.
His natural flair for the shale inevitably landed him multiple guest bookings throughout the season, many of them for Belle Vue.
Cumbrian-born Bewley is perhaps one of the Aces’ most remarkable discoveries.
The gutsy rookie wasted no time in making an impression when, in only his first competitive meeting, he stormed the scoring charts with 11+1.
Commenting on his team-building plans, director of speedway Lemon said: “This team is coming together nicely and it’s going to exhibit a blend of talent I’m sure the fans will be delighted with.
“We have the continuity and the wealth of experience of Craig Cook and Steve Worrall, and now a very vibrant and youthful reserve duo, each with great potential, in Jack Smith and Dan Bewley.
“We have come to the table late where team building is concerned, but even with the limitations imposed on the newly-formed Premiership, we’re delighted Dan and Jack were available.
“We strive to bring on youngsters like these guys and this year presented the perfect opportunity to draft both of them into the Aces team, whereas in previous years it may not have been possible.
“The team picture on the whole is looking all but complete, but for a few additional formalities which still needed to be carried out.
“We should be in a position to name a full team in a matter of weeks.”