Speedway GP star Dan Bewley would love to start his 2026 season in style by ending his five-year wait for a Peter Craven Memorial victory in Manchester on Monday.
The Cumbrian is a regular podium finisher in the National Speedway Stadium’s season opener, having been second in 2024 and third in 2023 and 2025. But he has not won the event since 2021.
Bewley faces stiff competition from Belle Vue teammate and reigning champion Brady Kurtz, as well as four-time winner Jason Doyle and former Aces star Max Fricke. But he would love to lift the prize in his opening fixture of 2026.
He said: “It’s been a while, and it’s a pretty cool trophy for the Peter Craven with the old shield, so I wouldn’t mind another!
“I’ve never been at the back of the final, but I really don’t want to try it either! It’s interesting with six riders, and obviously it’s a pretty historic meeting remembering Peter Craven. It’s a pretty cool meeting to be part of.”
The meeting culminates in a five-rider semi-final and six-rider final after a Speedway GP-style 20-heat round robin.
PETER CRAVEN MEMORIAL TROPHY DRAW: 1 Nicolai Klindt, 2 Peter Kildemand, 3 Jan Kvech, 4 Chris Holder, 5 Tom Brennan, 6 Norick Blodorn, 7 Max Fricke, 8 Jason Doyle, 9 Niels-Kristian Iversen, 10 Brady Kurtz, 11 Zach Cook, 12 Dan Bewley, 13 Tate Zischke, 14 Chris Harris, 15 Adam Ellis, 16 Rasmus Jensen. Reserves: Will Cairns, Freddy Hodder.