Was it the roar of the engines or the thrill of the race that drew you here? Welcome to the National Speedway Stadium. This multi-purpose stadium stands on Kirkmanshulme Lane in Gorton, Manchester. It is home to the Belle Vue Aces and Belle Vue Colts speedway teams. The Manchester Titans American football team also call it home.
The story of the National Speedway Stadium began in 2007. Chris Morton and David Gordon proposed a new stadium. It would be a national speedway stadium and home to the Belle Vue Aces. Years later, in September 2014, Manchester City Council approved the plans. The site was once a grassed area with hockey pitches.
Construction started in October 2014. The National Speedway Stadium opened in March 2016. It was part of Belle Vue’s regeneration scheme. The new stadium was built near the former Belle Vue Stadium. The old stadium closed in 2020 and is planned for housing now.
The National Speedway Stadium has a capacity of 3700 seated. Temporary stands can increase the total to 6500. The stadium quickly became a major venue for speedway events.
In 2016, the stadium hosted the Race-Off and Final of the Speedway World Cup. Poland won, and Great Britain came in second. The stadium hosted the 2021 Speedway of Nations grand final. Great Britain won that year. In 2024, the stadium hosted the Speedway of Nations and Speedway of Nations 2.
Looking ahead, the National Speedway Stadium will host a round of the Speedway Grand Prix in 2025. This will be the first time it has hosted this event.
The Belle Vue Aces have a long and rich history. Racing in Belle Vue started in 1928 at the Belle Vue greyhound stadium. In 1929, the North Manchester Speedway Club moved to Hyde Road stadium. This stadium was part of the Belle Vue Zoological Gardens.
The Belle Vue Aces joined the National League in 1932. They became the leading club, winning the title multiple times. During World War II, Belle Vue was the only track to stay open. From 1946 to 1960, the Aces were often runners-up. Peter Craven, a Belle Vue rider, became world champion in 1955.
In 1963, the Aces won the league title but faced tragedy. Peter Craven died after a challenge match. In 2016, the Aces moved to the new National Speedway Stadium. They finished top of the league but lost in the play-off finals. They won the Knockout Cup in 2017. In 2022, the club won their 13th league title. The Aces won their 14th league title in 2024.
The National Speedway Stadium is more than just a sports venue. It is also available for corporate and private events. It can host up to 400 delegates. The Peter Craven Suite offers views of the speedway track.
As you leave the National Speedway Stadium, remember the history and excitement that fills this place. From its origins to its future, it remains a hub for speedway and a source of pride for Manchester.