COVENTRY race the first National League fixture of the new season when they visit reigning champions Belle Vue on Good Friday (1pm).
The Europress Bees had some much-needed track-time, despite the weather, in Wednesday’s Challenge match at Birmingham, and now go in search of league points against the Colts.
With new No.1 Connor Mountain already committed to his Championship club Ipswich on the day, Bees bring in the Brummies’ Tom Bacon as a guest, whilst Luke Ruddick is expected to be fit despite suffering a wrist injury at Perry Barr.
And promoter Mick Horton says he was encouraged by the attitude of the Coventry riders on Wednesday and is keen to get the league campaign underway.
He said: “I have to say we do have a wonderful bunch of lads, they’re proud to put the race-jacket on and they’re going to be giving it their all.
“There were some positives on Wednesday, bearing in mind it was the first racing laps they’d had, and they’re only going to get better.
“That meeting was about brushing the cobwebs off and I was so proud of them all, with no laps behind them and racing against a strong Birmingham team in such tough conditions.
“I’ve got to give credit to the track staff there too. I’m glad they managed to get it on, and I know it was a relief to Birmingham with it being the first meeting under a new promotion.
“Obviously there are areas where we can do better – Jon (Armstrong) blew an engine, and Luke pulling out didn’t help, but I do think we can expect more from several riders as we go on.
“The real work now starts on Friday onwards at Belle Vue. Everyone likes racing there, the boys are all up for it and they believe they can get a result.
“Tom is more than capable of doing a decent job for us as a guest, and I do feel that if you’re going to get a result at Belle Vue then probably their opening meeting is the time to do it.”
Belle Vue took the Travel Plus National League title last season but have made five changes to that line-up.
A strong top three is fronted by Tom Perry, a late replacement for the injured Lee Payne, backed up by youngsters Jack Smith and Kyle Bickley – who are the only two riders back for the Colts from 2017.
BELLE VUE: Tom Perry, Paul Bowen, Kyle Bickley, Joe Lawlor, Jack Smith, Kean Dicken, Ben Woodhull. COVENTRY: Tom Bacon, Luke Ruddick, Jon Armstrong, Luke Harris, Danny Phillips, Jamie Halder, Ryan MacDonald.
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COVENTRY BEES vs.
CRADLEY HEATHENS SUNDAY APRIL 29, 2018 @ 3.00pm NATIONAL TROPHY
