Berwick Bandits have completed the signing of Victor Palovaara as they continue to build towards the 2026 season.
The 31-year-old Swede makes the switch from Edinburgh where he rose from reserve to number one last season and joins Peter Kildemand and Nick Morris as confirmed starters for the Borders’ club.
Palovaara made a stunning return to British speedway after a six-year hiatus in 2025, making a mockery of the assessed five-point starting average which allowed him to take seven rides in is seven of the opening nine meetings.
By the start of June the former Newcastle and Glasgow racer had banked 141 points, averaging over 16 points per meeting at a CMA of 9.70. Among the points blitz were three 20-point hauls and a match-winning 19-point return against the Bandits at Armadale in the BSN Series.
Palovaara ended the season on a 7.35 average as the Monarchs qualified for the play-offs, losing to bitter rivals Glasgow in a last-heat decider at Ashfield.
Berwick boss Stewart Dickson – who was team manager at Glasgow when Palovaara made his British debut as a 20-year-old in 2014 – is delighted with his new signing.
“In Victor, Peter and Nick we have a strong and experienced spearhead both home and away.
“Victor’s early-season form was superb last year and we were on the receiving end in both the BSN Series and Championship clashes and I expect him to get dialled into Shielfield Park straight away.
“It’s a strong start to our team building and along with club owner Jamie Courtney and promoters Steve Dews and Sarah Bulman we are working hard to finalise a team which will be looking to qualify for the play-offs at the very least in 2026.”
Words by Berwick Speedway – Images courtesy of Jack Cupido
