YEAR OFF LEAVES WRIGHT HUNGRY

Belle Vue star Charles Wright admits a year off has “made me hungrier for success” as he returns to the Aces alongside Steve Worrall.

The duo are the latest riders to be confirmed as 2021 starters. They join British under-21 international Tom Brennan in the team.

Wright sat out the 2020 season following the cancellation of the SGB Premiership and Championship season due to the pandemic and didn’t defend the British title he won in 2019.

But the Stockport-born racer had no intention of missing out on what will be his first season in his local club’s colours, having signed for the Aces for the lost 2020 campaign.

He admits a year away from the shale has only seen his motivation grow. He said: “I’m delighted to be back with Belle Vue this year. Twelve months is a long time not to have been racing, but for me I think it has had its benefits.

“Once the season starts, it’s pretty full-on, but with the hiatus, I’ve been able to sort a few things which normally I’d struggle to find the time to do. I feel like it has helped me re-focus and it has made me hungrier for success.

“I’ve invested a lot of time into my training and my bikes, as I’m sure the rest of the boys have, and I’m just really looking forward to the start of the season.”

Former British No.2 Worrall has been with the Aces since 2015 and is delighted to extend his stay in Manchester.

He said: “I’m so happy to be back with Belle Vue. I’ve been at the club for nearly seven years now. It’s like my second home and I’m looking forward to the start of the season.

“One of the big positives to come out of the coronavirus situation for me was being able to spend more time with my family, but I can’t wait to get back into the usual routine.

“I’m really excited about the team that Mark (Lemon) has put together. It’s pretty solid from top to bottom and, assuming everyone pulls their weight, I think we will be very strong.”

Photo: Taylor Lanning