Dan Bewley will take his rapidly developing career to the next level as he steps away from National League competition and into his second full season with Belle Vue’s 2018 Premiership side.
And he’s joined by another brand-new Ace in the pack as the club hand up and coming Australian youngster Jye Etheridge his full Premiership debut alongside him at reserve for the upcoming year.
Bewley exploded onto the British Speedway scene just two years ago with his exciting style and natural abilities on a motorcycle cementing his reputation and status as a nationwide fan-favourite.
He claimed his first major individual silverware last season as the 2017 National League Riders’ Champion, as well as scooping the coveted National League title with the Belle Vue Colts.
Bewley said: “I was really happy with how I finished last year. I loved every minute riding for Belle Vue and I’m hoping to continue in that vein of form when the Premiership season kicks off again.
“With everything else I’ll be doing in 2018, riding for Workington and also in Sweden, things will be pretty busy for me. But if I want to prove myself as a rider, it’s what I need to do.”
Hailing from New South Wales, 22-year old Etheridge launched his British career with the Edinburgh Monarchs, and subsequently the Redcar Bears, in 2016 before joining Berwick as a full-fledged asset.
A triumphant year with the Bandits in 2017 delivered a rapid rise in form that established him as a formidable foe on the track, a fact that escaped neither the Berwick nor Belle Vue managements.
Etheridge said: “I’m really pumped to be doubling-up this year. I had a few guest bookings in the Premiership last season and I felt I could hold my own so this will be a good measure of my skills.
“Riding for Belle Vue is just an amazing opportunity. The team’s looking pretty solid and I know most of the guys who I’ll be riding with already. I just can’t wait for the season to get going.”
The final name on Belle Vue’s Premiership books for 2018 will be revealed Wednesday, January 31 and the club will unveil their remaining two National League signings on February 2.
Words: Hayley Bromley
Images: Ian Charles
