Author: admin

POOLE regained the BSN Series title after a dramatic 52-38 (94-86 on aggregate) win over the Redcar Bears. The Pirates wrapped up the title in heat 14 as Cooper Rushen rode the boards on the opening lap to oust Jake Allen and take the win to secure Poole’s first trophy of 2026. 

Both skippers top scored for their respective sides with Zach Cook hitting 11 whilst Charles Wright, who was unbeaten until his last ride, hit 14 for the Bears. 

Redcar boss Gavin Parr praised his side’s efforts across the tie. Parr said, “The lads battled so hard but we fell just short across the 30 heats. The team spirit was excellent and all of them gave everything.”

Heat one saw the Pirates gate but with Wright coming to grief on the opening bends, the race was stopped and all four riders were invited back for the re-run. The re-run saw Wright win convincingly, and with Jake Mulford repeating the trick from 24 hours previously and keeping Richard Lawson at the back, Redcar increased their aggregate lead to eight points. 

However, Poole levelled matters on the night in heat two as Slater Lightcap, (returning to the saddle after a hand injury kept him out of the first leg) won, and with Kyle Newman 3rd ahead of Simon Lambert, the hosts had their first heat advantage. 

After Jake Allen continued from where he left off at the ECCO Arena to win a shared heat three, Poole struck the first seismic blow in heat four as Cook opened his account with a comfortable win, and with Newman holding off Jason Edwards, Wimborne Road rose to their skipper and the local lad as they reduced the arrears to two points on aggregate.  

Nevertheless, the Bears were in determined mood and they re-established their six point aggregate lead in heat five as Wright won again, and with Mulford riding intelligently to hold 2nd, the visiting support had plenty to cheer as the Bears hit back. 

Lawson opened his account for the evening as he closed out Edwards to win heat six, and with William Cairns just getting the better of Lambert (after the Bear briefly wrestled 3rd away from the young Brit), the Pirates were two ahead on the night. 

After Cook continued his unbeaten start to win a shared heat seven, the temperature was turned up a notch before, and after a controversial heat eight. 

As the riders prepared their starting ruts, Mulford and Cairns were not giving an inch as they went elbow to elbow. Mulford pulled back after packing his rut for his start, and as Mulford was away from the tapes, Cairns pulled into the Redcar man’s gate, enraging Mulford who kicked Cairns’ bike with Cairns then removing Mulford’s cut-out. 

In response to the starting gate drama, the referee put on the red lights and Newman pulled away from the tapes. After things had seemed to settle down, all four riders prepared to start the race, only for SCB referee Christina Turnbull excluding Newman for missing the two minutes!

Whilst Poole boss Neil Middleditch remonstrated with the referee, he replaced Newman with Lightcap and the Pirates responded with a 5-1 as Cairns won, with the crowd going wild as Poole levelled the meeting on aggregate. 

The fiery atmosphere seemed to benefit Poole as Lewi Kerr and Cooper Rushen both passed Edwards to send Poole into a priceless four point aggregate lead with a statement 5-1, and suddenly, the Pirates had the upper hand for the first time in the tie. 

Heat 10 saw Lawson win, and with Cairns using every inch of the Wimborne Road track to ensure Jody Scott remained in 4th, Poole secured a 4-2 and a six point aggregate advantage. 

However, the Bears were not done yet, and Wright continued his perfect evening with a heat 11 tapes to flag win, and with Mulford backing up his skipper in 3rd, Redcar were back within striking distance of Poole on aggregate. 

After two unsatisfactory starts to heat 12, Jody Scott gave many onlookers flashbacks to the 2025 BSN Series Final as he rode the boards and every inch of the track to try and pass both Pirates riders. 

Newman and Kerr gated on a 5-1 but Scott passed Kerr entering lap two, only to go slightly wide on the opening bends of lap two, allowing Kerr back through. However, Scott looked quicker than both of his opponents and he cut back on successive laps to wrestle 2nd from Kerr but Newman held on to win, and with Kerr comfortably 3rd, Poole were six ahead and on the brink of the BSN Series crown. 

Heat 14 saw Rushen manoeuvre past Allen on the outside to win, and with the Pirates six ahead with one heat remaining, the crowd erupted as their side had regained the BSN Series title. 

The final race of a pulsating final saw Allen and Wright gate and the Bears looked set to finish their season on a high. However, Allen crashed and was excluded from the re-run. The restaging saw Lawson take the win to lower Wright’s colours as the Pirates celebrated their triumph. 

Poole Pirates = 52 (94)

1. Richard Lawson = 10+1

2. Will Cairns = 7

3. Lewis Kerr = 6

4. Cooper Rushen = 7+2

5. Zach Cook = 11

6. Slater Lightcap = 5+1

7. Kyle Newman = 6+1

Redcar Bears = 38 (86)

1. Charles Wright = 14

2. Jake Mulford = 5+1

3. Jody Scott = 3+1

4. Jake Allen = 9

5. Jason Edwards = 4

6. Simon Lambert = 0

7. Ace Pijper = 3+1

REDCAR struck the first blow in the first leg of the BSN Series Final with a pulsating 48-42 win over the Poole Pirates. The Bears, who are aiming to retain their title, had a 12 point lead at one stage in the meeting but the Pirates battled back, leaving the tie finely balanced ahead of the second leg tonight in Dorset. 

Charles Wright top scored for the “Agilia” Bears including a stunning heat 15 win whilst Zach Cook struck 12 for Poole. 

Redcar boss Gavin Parr was pleased with his side’s display despite Poole reducing the arrears to six points. Parr said, “I was pleased to get the win over a strong Poole side but after being 12 points up I do feel like we let things slip a little. However, we have given ourselves a chance for the second leg tonight.”

Heat one saw Jake Mulford taste the ECCO Arena shale on the opening bend and all four riders were invited back for the re-run. The re-run saw Will Cairns take an impressive win over Wright, but with Mulford holding off Richard Lawson, the opening race was shared. 

The reserves race saw Simon Lambert and Ace Pijper dominate from the gate for a comfortable 5-1 heat advantage to send the hosts into an early four point lead. 

Heat three saw Cooper Rushen and Jody Scott both fall with all four riders invited back for the re-run. The restaging saw Jake Allen take the win, but with Scott falling on the opening bends, it was another shared heat. 

After a shared heat four won by Zach Cook, Poole hit back in heat four to level matters as Cairns took another big win, and with Lawson holding off the attentions of Allen for second, the reigning league champions were level. 

Wright, the British number two, secured his first chequered flag of the evening with a strong win over Cook, and with Mulford 3rd, the Bears were back in front. 

Heat seven saw Lewi Kerr lock up on the opening bends, and with Rushen collecting his partner (after being left with nowhere to go), the race was stopped. The referee excluded Kerr with the former Bear limping back to the pits with an ankle concern. 

The re-run saw Lambert continue his recent upturn in form with an impressive win, and with Jason Edwards holding off Rushen, the Bears fans went wild as their side had opened up a six point advantage on home shale. 

Redcar were beginning to run riot, and heat eight brought more success as Mulford won, and with Pijper second, the “Agilia” Bears had a remarkable ten point lead midway through the first leg. 

Heat nine saw the Bears pairing gate, but with Allen leading, Jody Scott ran out of room on the backstraight, allowing Cook through for 2nd. However, with Allen continuing his stellar evening with his second heat win and Scott 3rd, the reigning BSN Series champions were 12 ahead against the much fancied Pirates.  

Poole steadied the ship in heat 10 as Kerr battled his way past Mulford for the win, with the Pirates man taking an important win for his side after a crash in his previous heat, but with Rushen 4th, Redcar’s 12 point lead was still intact.

Heat 11 saw Edwards gate, but with Lawson passing the Bears man on the outside, a shared heat was looking likely, However, Cairns recovered from his 4th place in his previous ride to pass Lambert for 3rd to reduce the arrears to ten on Teesside. 

After the newly crowned British U19 champion Scott won a shared heat 12, the Pirates struck back in the next race as Cook won, and with Lawson behind his skipper, suddenly Poole were back within six of their hosts. 

Heat 14 saw Rushen, the British U21 champion take the win, and with Kyle Newman retaking 3rd on the final bends (after Lambert had passed the Poole man on bend two of the final lap), the Pirates were within four of the Bears heading into heat 15. 

The final race of a thrilling evening saw Wright bolt through the pack to win, despite drama behind the Bears skipper. The Pirates looked set to challenge Wright but Lawson dropped a chain on lap two. The final two laps saw Wright take the win, and with Allen 3rd, Redcar had a six point advantage ahead of the decisive second leg at Wimborne Road tonight. 

Redcar Bears = 48 

1. Charles Wright = 11

2. Jake Mulford = 6+2

3. Jody Scott = 4

4. Jake Allen = 10

5. Jason Edwards = 5+2

6. Simon Lambert = 6

7. Ace Pijper =  6+2

Poole Pirates = 42

1. Richard Lawson = 7+2

2. Will Cairns = 7

3. Lewis Kerr = 6+1

4. Cooper Rushen = 6

5. Zach Cook = 12

6. Jordy Loftus (G) = 0

7. Kyle Newman = 4+1

Tuesday night, experience Speedway the VIP way for the BSN Series Grand Final

Step into one of our exclusive lounge for a premium race night experience with unbeatable views and added hospitality.

Enjoy:

• Balcony seating overlooking the track

• Complimentary food & drink

• Full race programme

• Dedicated host for the evening

All for just £14 (£7 for children) extra on your entry ticket

Spaces are limited – once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Planning a corporate event?

Did you know our lounges are also available to hire for businesses and private groups? They’re the perfect setting to entertain clients, reward staff or celebrate a special occasion while enjoying an exciting night of Speedway.

Anyone interested contact Ian on 07827293866 or email indrinkel@msn.com

Redcar Speedway can confirm that Charles Wright will unfortunately be unable to take his place in Saturday’s Championship League Riders’ Championship at Sheffield, with Jody Scott stepping in to represent the Agilia Bears.

Charles is required to race for Gorzów in Poland on Sunday, where the meeting has been scheduled for a 1pm start (12pm UK).

Following confirmation of the start time, both Charles and the club have explored every realistic travel option to try and make it possible for him to compete at Sheffield on Saturday evening before travelling to Poland.

Unfortunately, with the Sheffield meeting not starting until 7.00pm, there is no viable travel option that would allow Charles to fulfil both commitments and arrive in Gorzów in the required time for Sunday’s fixture.

Under the international fixture priority system, the Polish Ekstraliga fixture takes precedence, meaning the situation is outside both Charles’ and Redcar Speedway’s control.

We appreciate that supporters will be disappointed not to see Charles representing the club at Sheffield, and nobody is more disappointed than Charles himself.

However, we are delighted that Jody Scott has agreed to step in at short notice and represent the Redcar Agilia Bears.

Jody has enjoyed an excellent season and thoroughly deserves the opportunity to compete against the Championship’s best.

We know Jody will give everything in Redcar colours on Saturday, and we hope all Bears supporters will get right behind him.

Redcar Bears Speedway would like to place on record our heartfelt thanks to Jamie Swales, who has announced that he will step down from his role as Promoter at the end of the 2026 season.

Jamie will leave his role after seven years as a Promoter with the Bears, a period in which the club has grown enormously both on and off the track.

While we are naturally sad to see Jamie leave the Promoter’s role, we completely understand and respect his decision to devote more time to his career and other areas of his life.

As Jamie explained in his own announcement:

“It hasn’t been an easy decision, but I now need to dedicate more time to other areas of my life. It has been an honour to lead a club that has so many connections to my family and has been such a huge part of my life.”

We believe it is important to recognise just how much work, commitment and personal sacrifice goes into running a Speedway club.

For seven years, Jamie has carried that responsibility, working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that Redcar Bears not only survived, but continued to progress, compete and establish itself as one of the most ambitious clubs in the sport.

And the results speak for themselves.

Over the last six seasons, the Bears have reached the playoffs four times, contested two Knockout Cup Finals, won three Pairs titles plus a silver medal, celebrated an Individual Riders’ Champion and lifted the BSN Series title in 2025.

But Jamie’s contribution cannot simply be measured in trophies and results.

Throughout his time as Promoter, there has been a constant determination to build a club that is sustainable for the long term while still having the ambition to compete at the highest possible level.

That balance is not easy to achieve.

As Jamie himself said:

“I’m sure managing a speedway club could be an easier job if we weren’t so ambitious or so determined to keep moving the club forward while making sure it remains sustainable.

“But those ambitions come with a huge amount of work and responsibility.”

We have seen first-hand just how much of that work takes place away from the race track, and we would like to thank Jamie for every hour, every difficult decision and every challenge he has taken on in his time as Promoter.

We would also like to acknowledge the incredible support Jamie has received from his wife, Leanne, who has herself given so much to Redcar Speedway and will continue in her role with the club.

Jamie described Leanne as “an absolute rock” to him personally, and we know how important her contribution has been to the Bears.

We would also like to thank the many people who have shared this journey with Jamie — our owners, management team, riders, sponsors, partners, volunteers, and of course our brilliant supporters.

Jamie has rightly highlighted the role of the Redcar faithful in making everything worthwhile:

“Your loyalty and passion for this club is ultimately what makes all of the work worthwhile. There have been nights at the ECCO Arena that I will never forget, and being able to play a part in creating some of those memories has been an absolute privilege.”

We hope Jamie can look back on those memories with the same pride that we do.

Looking to the future

Although Jamie’s time as Promoter will come to an end after the 2026 season, the work of moving Redcar Bears forward continues.

We can confirm that we are already at an advanced stage of discussions with an experienced individual to join Leanne Swales and Keith Miller as co-Promoter.

Those discussions are progressing positively, and we hope to be able to provide supporters with a further update in the near future.

Our ambition remains unchanged.

We want Redcar Bears to be a sustainable club that competes, challenges and wins — while continuing to provide our supporters with a Speedway club they can be proud of.

That is the legacy Jamie leaves behind.

As Jamie said in his statement:

“I feel I can step away knowing that Redcar Speedway is not only a sustainable club, but one that now expects to compete, expects to challenge and expects to win silverware.

“That is something I am immensely proud of.”

And he should be!

Thank you for seven years of commitment to the Redcar Bears.

Thank you for the hours that supporters saw — and the countless hours they didn’t.

Thank you for the ambition, the hard work and the determination to keep pushing this club forward.

Most of all, thank you for helping create a Redcar Bears that can look to the future with genuine optimism.

Thank you, Jamie. ❤️🤍

REDCAR rounded off their home Cab Direct Championship league campaign with an impressive 51-39 victory over the Glasgow Tigers. Redcar’s 12 point success also saw them secure the aggregate point 93-87. 

Returning as a guest, Nicolai Klidt hit a paid maximum (11+1) whilst Jody Scott excelled with 13 including a superb heat 15 win whilst Tigers guest Anders Rowe struck 10 for the beaten visitors. 

Redcar boss Gavin Parr was happy with his side’s performance. Parr said, “ It was great to finish the league season (at home) with a win, hats off to Glasgow for getting on with things and not complaining when the track was tricky (due to the rain) early on. I’d like to mention Nicolai (Klindt) and Jody (Scott) who were our standout performers in a good home performance.”

The “Agilia” Bears started well as Klindt won comfortably from the gate, and with Jake Mulford 3rd (despite being 2nd in the early stages), the hosts began with a 4-2 heat advantage. 

However, the Tigers were not behind for long as they struck a 5-1 in the reserves race as their guest Reid Battye continued his recent impressive form to win, and with Freddy Hodder 2nd, Glasgow bit back with vengeance. 

Heat three saw Redcar hit back as Scott won comfortably and with stand-in skipper Jake Allen 2nd when Glasgow guest Drew Kemp crashed, the race was awarded as a 5-1 and the Bears had re-asserted their two point advantage. 

Redcar’s momentum looked set to be abruptly halted in heat four as the all-action Battye led comfortably, and with Rowe 2nd entering the last lap, Glasgow looked set to lead again. However, disaster struck for the Australian entering bend 3 as he came down, gifting Redcar a 3-3 when they looked set to fall behind. 

Redcar doubled their lead in the next race as Allen won despite Harris fighting his way past Scott and challenging the Redcar man, but with Scott settling in 3rd, the Bears had started in spritely fashion. 

After a pair of shared races won by Klindt and Kevin Juhl-Pedersen respectively, Redcar’s lead was stretched to six points in heat eight as Mulford rode a classy opening two bends to win, and with a battling Simon Lambert passing Kemp, Redcar were in command. 

Glasgow boss Cameron Brown opted to bring in Harris in as a tactical substitute alongside Rowe but this did not deter Scott as he made an electric gate to win with remarkable ease, nullifying the tactical move even though the Tigers packed the minor placings. 

Heat 10 saw Klindt make it a remarkable four wins from four with another comfortable tapes to flag win, but with Mulford 4th, the Bears lead remained at six points and the aggregate scores were level. 

Heat 11 saw Sam Hagon hit the deck on the opening bends and the Tigers man was excluded from the re-run. The re-run saw Harris manoeuvre his way past Edwards for the win in the sixth shared race of the evening. 

Scott continued his stellar evening with a fantastic heat 12 win, and with Ace Pijper splitting the visitors pairing in 3rd, the “Agilia” Bears were eight ahead and two ahead on aggregate. 

Heat 13 saw a superb opening two bends from Edwards who chased the dirt to win, and with Klindt working alongside his teammate to keep Rowe at the back, Redcar had secured the win and the hosts were on the verge of the aggregate point. 

Heat 14 saw Allen pass Juhl-Pedersen for the lead, but with Battye tasting the ECCO Arena shale, he was excluded and a re-run was ordered. The re-run saw Juhl-Pedersen win a shared race which secured Redcar all three points on offer. 

The final race of the evening saw Scott ride way beyond his years and leave Rowe and ex-GB star Harris in his wake to win a shared heat by the proverbial mile, with the youngster leaving his bike on the start line after the race to run to the supporters on bend one, with fans desperate for a high five from one of Britain’s brightest stars. 

Redcar Bears = 51 (93)

1. Nicolai Klindt = 11+1 Paid Max

2. Jake Milford = 4

3. Jody Scott = 13

4. Jake Allen = 7+1

5. Jason Edwards = 9

6. Simon Lambert = 5+3

7. Ace Pijper = 2+1

Glasgow Tigers = 39 (87)

1. Chris Harris = 9+2

2. Sam Hagon = 0

3. Drew Kemp (G) = 4

4. Kevin Juhl Pedersen = 8+1

5. Anders Rowe (G) = 10

6. Freddy Hodder = 3+2

7. Reid Battye (G) = 5

This Friday, experience Speedway the VIP way.

Step into our exclusive De-Fleet Lounge for a premium race night experience with unbeatable views and added hospitality.

Enjoy:

• Balcony seating overlooking the start line

• Complimentary food & drink

• Full race programme

• Dedicated host for the evening

All for just £14 extra on your entry ticket (£7 for kids – no programme or drink)

Spaces are limited – once they’re gone, they’re gone!

Anyone interested contact Ian on 07827293866 or email indrinkel@msn.com

Planning a corporate event?

Did you know our lounges are also available to hire for businesses and private groups? They’re the perfect setting to entertain clients, reward staff or celebrate a special occasion while enjoying an exciting night of Speedway

REDCAR fell to a 46-44 defeat at Shielfield Park as the Bears play-off hopes took a massive blow.

Redcar led until heat nine and only fell behind in heat 13, but with the meeting level heading into heat 15, Nick Morris completed a faultless full maximum, and with Jye Etheridge 3rd, Berwick’s undefeated home record remained intact. Nick Morris’ maximum was backed up by Jye Etheridge (11) whilst Simon Lambert returned to form with a paid 12 point haul for Redcar, (11+1).

The Bears began with a heat advantage as Jody Scott took an impressive tapes to flag win, and with Charles Wright in 3rd, the Bears had a start to build on. Heat two saw a blistering race as Lambert passed Jack Smith and his teammate Ace Pijper on lap one but the Brit was not done there as he built up his speed and passed Reid Battye on the final lap to take the win, and with Pijper 3rd, Redcar had an early four point lead.

Redcar’s dream start continued in heat three but not after controversy in the first staging of the race. Jake Allen was battling with the Bandits guest Dayle Wood when Wood came down. Wood was incensed with Allen but the referee excluded the home man, with Wood continuing his remonstrations in the pits. The re-run saw Allen win, and with Scott 3rd, the Bears had opened up an early six point lead at Shielfield Park.

However, Berwick hit back in heat four as Morris won, and with Battye making an equally impressive start, the hosts reduced the arrears to two points with a maximum heat advantage.

Heat five saw Wright take his first chequered flag of the evening over Victor Palovaara, and with Lambert 3rd, Redcar struck their 4th heat advantage after only 5 heats. Redcar’s rapid start continued in heat six as Jason Edwards won, and with Lambert passing Bandits guest Luke Killeen for 3rd, the play-off chasing visitors were in command at 15-21.

Berwick boss Stewart Dickson used his tactical substitute in heat seven as Palovaara joined Morris at the tapes. However, despite Morris taking the win, Palovaara was last, meaning Redcar’s 6 point lead remained intact.

However, Berwick are not undefeated at home all season for nothing and a 5-1 in heat eight saw the hosts hit back as the in-form Etheridge won, and with Battye in 2nd, the home supporters had their eyes set on a comeback win.

Despite the Bandits closing in on the “Agilia” Bears, the visitors recorded their sixth 4-2 of the evening as Edwards won again, and with Lambert blasting his way into an important 3rd, Redcar were four ahead.

However, Redcar’s lead evaporated in heat 10 as the impressive Bandits skipper Etheridge won, and with Battye holding off his compatriot Allen for 2nd, the match was suddenly all square.

After Morris won a shared heat 11, heat 12 saw a barnstorming race. Smith led from the gate, but Lambert passed the Bandits reserve. However, both Battye and Smith were not done with Lambert and with the Bears man opting to ride low on the final bend, both Bandits sensed an opportunity, but Lambert had enough to take the chequered flag to ensure Redcar remained level with the Bandits.

Heat 13 saw Berwick take the lead for the first time as Morris won despite Wright’s best efforts, and with the previously pointless Killeen 3rd, the hosts had a slender two point lead with two races remaining. However, the hosts lead did not last long as Allen won heat 14, and with Lambert finishing his impressive evening off with another 3rd place, we had a level meeting heading into heat 15.

The final race of a tense evening saw Allen and Morris battle going into the first turn but Morris came out on top, with Allen dropping to the back behind Etheridge with Wright in 2nd. Despite both Bears best efforts, the Bandits secured a 4-2 to preserve their undefeated home run and secure two league points with the Bears taking home the aggregate point for their efforts.

Berwick Bandits = 46 (89)

1. Luke Kileen (G) = 1
2. Jye Etheridge = 11
3. Victor Palovaara = 4
4. Dayle Wood (G) = 0
5. Nick Morris = 15 MAX
6. Jack Smith = 2
7. Reid Battye = 13+4

Redcar Bears = 44 (91)

1. Charles Wright = 10
2. Jake Mulford R/R
3. Jody Scott = 5+1
4. Jake Allen =10+1
5. Jason Edwards = 7
6. Simon Lambert = 11+1
7. Ace Pijper = 1

The Redcar Agilia Bears came agonisingly close to a valuable away victory on Friday night, eventually going down 48–42 to the Glasgow Tigers after leading for much of a thrilling Cab Direct Championship encounter at Ashfield.
With both sides firmly in the battle for the play-offs, there was plenty at stake in Scotland, and the Bears produced an excellent performance which deserved more than the final scoreline suggests.

Redcar took the fight to their hosts and twice established an eight-point advantage, putting themselves in a superb position to claim what would have been a huge victory on the road.
The Bears’ strength throughout the side was again evident, with Jody Scott and Ace Pijper leading the way with 9+2 apiece, while skipper Charles Wright also collected nine points.

With the meeting entering its closing stages, Redcar still held that eight-point advantage and looked well placed to leave Ashfield with the league points.
However, the home side produced a dramatic late fightback.
A crucial Glasgow 5–1 from guests Nick Morris and Reid Battye in Heat 12 changed the complexion of the meeting before the Tigers took control over the final three races.

With Leon Flint enjoying an outstanding night for the hosts and Chris Harris also producing a big score, Glasgow completed the turnaround to take the meeting 48–42.
It was a frustrating conclusion for the Bears after such a strong display away from home, but the six-point margin means Redcar leave Glasgow with plenty still to race for when the two sides meet again at the ECCO Arena later this month.

Scott and Pijper’s performances were particular positives, while Jake Mulford added 5+1, Jason Edwards five and Jake Allen 4+2 as all seven Bears contributed to the final total.
The result leaves Redcar disappointed not to have converted an excellent position into victory, but the performance once again demonstrated that the Bears are capable of competing with the Championship’s leading sides on their own tracks.

Attention now turns to the remaining league fixtures as the battle for the play-off places continues

GLASGOW 48: Leon Flint 16, Chris Harris 12+2, Nick Morris 9, Kevin Juhl Pedersen 5, Reid Battye 4+1, Freddy Hodder 2, Sam Hagon 0.
REDCAR 42: Jody Scott 9+2, Ace Pijper 9+2, Charles Wright 9, Jake Mulford 5+1, Jason Edwards 5, Jake Allen 4+2, Simon Lambert 1.

LIVE Speedway is to make a sensational return to free-to-air television – with this Saturday’s Cab Direct British Final at Belle Vue to be screened by ITV4 and ITVX.

British Speedway is delighted to have concluded arrangements with ITV plc for the live broadcast of the showpiece major event at the National Speedway Stadium, Manchester on August 15 (7pm).

And in a further boost, long time Championship backers Cab Direct have agreed a deal to become title sponsors of the prestige meeting which will feature Grand Prix star Robert Lambert defending the title.

Lambert, who is currently in contention for the World title, clinched his second British crown last year at the same venue in a deciding race widely regarded as one of the best in the history of the sport.

He overcame former champions Charles Wright, Dan Bewley and Chris Harris in a remarkable four way, four lap battle which went right down to the wire.

Seven riders who have previously won the title figure in the draw, as well as some of the sport’s top rising talent including 16-year-old Cooper Rushen and 17-year-old home favourite Will Cairns.

The return to ITV platforms will evoke memories of televised speedway coverage on the World of Sport programme which ran until the mid-1980s.

Back then, top events such as the World Final, British Final and international Test Matches were regularly featured, bringing the sport to the widest possible audience and making household names out of many of the riders.

Nowadays, ITV4 is the main linear television outlet for ITV Sport, with motorsport playing a key role in its output.

It has become the established home of the British Touring Car Championship, along with being free-to-air broadcast partner of the FIA Formula E series, and outside of motorsport there is a regular Saturday night EFL highlights programme featuring action from all three Football League divisions.

ITVX is the streaming service operated by ITV plc, containing exclusive content in addition to that which is broadcast free-to-air.

Securing the backing of the UK’s leading taxi supplier, Cab Direct, is yet more positive news for the event as the company continue to extend their support for British Speedway.
Cab Direct have been title sponsors of the Championship league since 2023, subsequently adding the KO Cup competition under the MAXiCab brand, and they will now put their name to one of the sport’s major events for the first time.

Peter Facenna, Managing Director of Cab Direct, said: “We’ve been proud supporters of British Speedway for several years through our sponsorship of the Cab Direct Championship, so it’s fantastic to see the British Final return to free-to-air television.

“ITV coverage will help showcase the speed, skill and excitement of the sport to a wider audience and inspire a new generation of fans.

“Speedway has deep roots in communities across the UK, and we’re proud to support an event that celebrates the very best of British Speedway.”

Premiership CEO Phil Morris said: “I’m delighted we can once again bring speedway to free-to-air television, and especially for such a big event as the British Final.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved in putting this all together, and especially Cab Direct for coming on board as title sponsors.

“We plan to make the event a real spectacle, and that will be the case for everyone attending on the night as well as those watching on ITV.

“We know we can expect a night of top-class racing with so much at stake for the riders on a superb circuit which always produces thrilling action.

“Even by Belle Vue’s standards the Final last year was extraordinary, but we hope this year’s event will be just as memorable, and to have it on free-to-air television with ITV is fantastic news for the sport.”

Live coverage from Belle Vue on Saturday August 15 will get underway at 7pm with the meeting parade, with the opening race at 7.15pm.

CAB DIRECT BRITISH FINAL DRAW: 1 Anders Rowe, 2 Cooper Rushen, 3 Craig Cook, 4 Robert Lambert, 5 Adam Ellis, 6 Drew Kemp, 7 Will Cairns, 8 Dan Thompson, 9 Jason Edwards, 10 Danny King, 11 Charles Wright, 12 Dan Bewley, 13 Jody Scott, 14 Leon Flint, 15 Chris Harris, 16 Tom Brennan. Reserves: 17 Jake Mulford, 18 Ace Pijper.