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Last Updated: Feb 4th, 2010 - 16:38:08 |
Belle Vue have landed a major pre-season boost by agreeing a 'substantial' deal with a new main sponsor, Autogate Systems of Bolton.
They will be known as the Belle Vue Autogate Aces after the company's managing director and speedway fan Mark Hennessey stepped up his backing from last season.
He sponsored the club last year when One51 were the main backer but Autogate, who make security systems, have taken over that role while One51 stay on board.
Hennessey said: “The company has had a good year and we have been able to agree substantial cash backing with the Aces. We are also talking about other areas where we could become involved.
“Even though the team didn't do too well last season we are excited about this year. They are a local team and we are in a position to continue to sponsor them. We have found that backing the Aces has helped our brand awareness.
“We brought a lot of our clients to Belle Vue last year and they really enjoyed themselves. A lot of them didn't know much about speedway but when they went they were really impressed with the noise, the smell and the excitement of the racing.
“It has encouraged to come back again to back the club. It's true that I am a big fan of speedway, and of Belle Vue, but commercially this tie-up has worked for Autogate and that is the most important factor.
“When I bring people to Belle Vue, in what is a more relaxed atmosphere, it is easier to talk to them and tell them more about the company. It creates a good situation for building relationships with them.
“We are already working on the list of clients we will definitely be bringing more people to the stadium during the season. I am sure this will benefit everyone concerned.
“We do have tables reserves for our use in the main stand but I take my guests outside as soon as the racing starts. It isn't the same without the smell and noise of the bikes.
“Speaking as a fan, I am very excited about the team. David Gordon and Chris Morton have put together for this season. If we don't make the play-offs I'll be most disappointed.
“Great teams have great riders who can lead from the front and we have them in Hans Andersen and Peter Karlsson.
“Then we've got Charlie Gjedde coming back from his operation and can look forward to youngsters like Patrick Hougaard coming through. I am sure the fans will be very impressed by this team.”
Aces' chief David Gordon said: “We are very happy that Autogate have agreed to be our main sponsor and also that One51 will be staying with us.
“Mark Hennessey is a real enthusiast who enjoys his speedway and it is good for everyone that he can do that and support the club through sponsorship at the same time.”
The Aces will open their season with a War of the Roses challenge match at Premier League Sheffield on March 18.
They will track their full squad, minus new No 1 Hans Andersen and Ricky Ashworth. Andersen will fulfil a booking to ride in an open meeting at Swindon while Sheffield captain Ashworth, who is doubling up with the Autogate Aces, will line up for his parent club.
Aces team boss Chris Morton said: “It will be good to get the boys together for what will be a very useful meeting on a good track to help their preparations for the new season.
“It would have been good to have Hans with us as well but he will be in action at Swindon and that is the main thing at this point in the season.
“Ricky will be riding for Sheffield but the bonus is that it means we can include the rest of the squad in the team.”
The Aces have a staff meeting at the stadium next Monday (7 30) when all existing members are asked to attend along with anyone interested in becoming involved.
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