Hopes were high that Riss would be in a position to return to the Cheetahs side this week however, as Team Manager Peter Schroeck explains, Riss needs more time and less pressure
“Erik’s progress to full health is slow and very frustrating for both parties. After much discussion, Erik is on board with our decision as he wants the best for us as a Club, and it gives him more time to recover.”

Edward Kennett has not ridden in British Speedway since injury in 2022 however, he has maintained his fitness riding grass-track and has also recently signed for the Ipswich Witches in the Premiership

“Edward’s decision to make a comeback to Racing is no surprise to me. We are very excited to give him the opportunity to join Oxford Cheetahs and knowing he will give his best efforts to the club” Schroeck concluded.

The Kennett name is no stranger to Oxford, with Edward’s uncle ‘Gordon Kennett’ a regular for the Oxford Rebels between 1972 and 1975, as well as guesting as a team manager, when Oxford were in the wilderness and riding invitational challenge meetings. Another uncle, Barney Kennett joined his brother Gordon at Oxford in 1975 and is a regular visitor to Sandy Lane whilst also currently being the World Speedway Riders Association President.

The Oxford Cheetahs will line up against the Redcar Bears on Wednesday June 3rd, tickets are on sale at www.oxfordspeedway.club/tickets . A full preview of the fixture will follow.

Words and Feature Image by Oxford Speedway

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Launching the 2026 FIM Speedway season, the event takes place 24 hours before the WWK Schwaiger & Partner FIM Speedway GP of Germany – Landshut on Saturday, May 2 – the opening round of the SGP World Championship.

For the first time since 2023, the FIM SWC makes a popular return to the FIM Speedway calendar for 2026, with events taking place across three different countries – Germany, Latvia and Poland.

Riga’s Bikernieki track stages 11.lv FIM SWC Semi-Final 2 on Friday, August 7, featuring Latvia, Denmark, Norway and Sweden. The winner of each Semi-Final joins hosts Poland and 2025 FIM Speedway of Nations world champions Australia in the BOLL FIM SWC Final at Warsaw’s PGE Narodowy on Saturday, August 29.

National team managers must list a squad of up to 10 riders three weeks before their Semi-Final, before narrowing this down to a five-rider starting line-up six days before racing.

Germany names a side featuring a blend of youth and experience, with former Speedway GP star Kai Huckenbeck captaining the squad.

He is joined by three riders who won Germany’s first-ever FIM Speedway world team championship of any kind, 2025 FIM Speedway of Nations – SON2 winners Norick Blodorn, Mario Hausl and Hannah Grunwald – the 2025 FIM Women’s Speedway Gold Trophy winner.

They are joined by two-time FIM Long Track world champion Erik Riss, Kevin Wolbert, Valentin Grobauer, Ben Iken, Janek Konzack and Lars Skupien.

Great Britain’s squad is led by two Speedway GP riders in captain Robert Lambert and world No.3 Dan Bewley. They team up with their 2021 and 2024 FIM SON world title-winning teammate Tom Brennan.

Former British champion Adam Ellis and 2025 SGP2 star Dan Thompson also join the squad along with Landshut Devils duo Charles Wright and Leon Flint, who call the OneSolar Arena home in Poland’s National Speedway League.

Competing in their first-ever FIM SWC Semi-Final, Ukraine’s challenge is led by SGP2 world champion Nazar Parnitskyi, who makes his Speedway GP debut in 2026 after being promoted into the line-up following triple world champion Tai Woffinden’s withdrawal due to injury.

Parnitskyi joins forces with captain Marko Levishyn, young prospect Roman Kapustin, Andrii Karpov, Andrii Rozaliuk, Stanislav Melnychuk, Vitalii Lysak, Danko Hladkovskyi, Volodymyr Zlaman and Nazar Fedorchuk.

Former Speedway GP racer Jan Kvech captains the Czech Republic squad, with Vaclav Milik and SGP2 sensation Adam Bubba Bednar joining him.

Also in the squad are Daniel Klima, former SGP3 star Adam Nejezchleba, Bruno Belan, Jaroslav Vanicek and Jan Jenicek.

The colour draw for WWK Schwaiger & Partner FIM SWC Semi-Final 1 has also been completed by the FIM. Germany lines up in yellow, with Great Britain in red, Czech Republic in blue and Ukraine in white. Each colour hands the four countries an allocated set of starting positions for the 20 heats.

Tickets for the opening weekend of the FIM Speedway season are available online. Book HERE now.

WWK SCHWAIGER & PARTNER FIM SPEEDWAY WORLD CUP SEMI-FINAL 1 SQUADS:

GREAT BRITAIN – RED
1. Robert Lambert (captain)
2. Dan Bewley
3. Tom Brennan
4. Adam Ellis
5. Leon Flint
6. Dan Thompson
7. Charles Wright
Team Manager: Oliver Allen

CZECH REPUBLIC – BLUE
1. Jan Kvěch (captain)
2. Adam Bubba Bednář
3. Václav Milik
4. Daniel Klíma
5. Adam Nejezchleba
6. Bruno Belan
7. Jaroslav Vaníček
8. Jan Jeniček
Team Manager: Zdeněk Schneiderwind

UKRAINE – WHITE
1. Marko Levishyn (captain)
2. Roman Kapustin
3. Nazar Parnitskyi
4. Andrii Rozaliuk
5. Stanislav Melnychuk
6. Vitalii Lysak
7. Danko Hladkovskyi
8. Volodymyr Zlaman
9. Andrii Karpov
10. Nazar Fedorchuk
Team Manager: Sergii Golovnia

GERMANY – YELLOW
1. Norick Blödorn
2. Valentin Grobauer
3. Hannah Grunwald
4. Mario Häusl
5. Kai Huckenbeck (captain)
6. Ben Iken
7. Janek Konzack
8. Erik Riss
9. Lars Skupien
10. Kevin Wölbert
Team Managers: Sascha Dörner and Mathias Bartz

Words by FIM Speedway – Feature Image by Taylor Lanning

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Belle Vue Aces

Brady Kurtz
Dan Bewley
Zach Cook
Norick Blodorn
Peter Kildemand
Tate Zischke
Will Ciarns – Rising Star

Kings Lynn Stars

Max Fricke
Jan Kvech
Chris Harris
Ben Cook
Paco Castagna
Cooper Rushen
Jody Scott – Rising Star

Ipswich Witches

Tom Brennan
Danny King
Tobiasz Musielak
Scott Nicholls
Richard Lawson
Philip Hellstrom-Bangs
Jason Edwards – Rising Star

Leicester Lions

Ryan Douglas
Sam Masters
Dan Thompson
Nick Morris
Kyle Howarth
Drew Kemp
Joe Thompson – Rising Star (replacing Dan Gilkes on a 28 day contract)

Northampton Foxes

Jaimon Lidsey
Matej Zagar
Niels-Kristian Iversen
Nicolai Klindt
Troy Batchelor
Kye Thomsen
Luke Harrison – Rising Star

Sheffield Tigers

Jack Holder
Chris Holder
Anders Rowe
Josh Pickering
Leon Flint
Jye Etheridge
Luke Kileen – Rising Star

Feature Image courtesy of Mark Lee Sing

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Racing at the Northampton Shaleway, the Foxes have been late to the party in terms of team building, with their opening meeting being only 3 weeks away, but they have assembled a strong-looking septet led by Aussie ace Jaimon Lidsey, and experienced campaigners Matej Zagar, Niels-Kristian Iversen, and Nicolai Klindt, plus Aussies, Troy Batchelor and Kye Thomsen. Luke Harrison will be the club’s rising star.

You can follow the Northampton Foxes on Facebook >>HERE<<

Feature Image courtesy of the Northampton Foxes

The post Northampton Foxes reveal their full 2026 team appeared first on Speedway Hub UK.

Images courtesy of Brett Thurlow Photography

The former Glasgow man, now lining up at No.1 for Edinburgh, scored 11 points in the qualifiers before producing a superb semi-final ride, sweeping from third to first ahead of Kevin Juhl Pedersen and Danny King. He carried that momentum into the Final, hitting the front around the outside on turn four and controlling the race to take the win, with Juhl Pedersen second and Peter Kildemand completing the podium.

Behind the headline result, there was plenty to take from the rest of the field. Justin Sedgmen, Kildemand and Leon Flint all topped the scoring charts with 12 points in the qualifiers, underlining their consistency, while Juhl Pedersen and King both showed strong early-season form in reaching the Final stages. Kyle Howarth and Ben Barker were solid throughout on eight points apiece, while Chris Harris, Kye Thomson and Tom Brennan all showed glimpses despite missing out on the latter stages.

Further down the order, Jason Edwards and Victor Palovaara had steady nights, while youngsters Sam Hagon and Tate Zischke gained valuable track time against experienced opposition. Reid Battye and Ace Pijper were unable to trouble the scorers, but the meeting offered a useful early benchmark across the Championship field.

Thompson said: “It’s the perfect start for me. I’m now at No.1 at Edinburgh so it was important to show I can beat other No.1s. It’s nice to begin the season with a strong performance and win.”

Results

SCORES: Justin Sedgmen 12, Peter Kildemand 12, Leon Flint 12, Dan Thompson 11, Kevin Juhl Pedersen 10, Danny King 9, Kyle Howarth 8, Ben Barker 8, Chris Harris 7, Kye Thomson 7, Tom Brennan 6, Jason Edwards 6, Victor Palovaara 5, Sam Hagon 4, Tate Zischke 2, Reid Battye 0, Ace Pijper (res) 0.

SEMI-FINAL: Thompson, Juhl Pedersen, King, Flint.

FINAL: Thompson, Juhl Pedersen, Kildemand, Sedgmen.

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Photographer Brett Thurlow has provided us with the pictures for this article and also gives us his predictions for the Championship campaign ahead!

Berwick Bandits

Berwick look strong on paper, especially at the top end, where their heat leader trio could be one of the most potent in the league.

Peter Kildemand brings both points and entertainment home and away, while Nick Morris offers consistency as a proven heat leader. Victor Palovaara impressed last season and, if he can deliver that level more regularly, completes a very strong top three.

The second strings add further strength. Jye Etheridge returns looking to push towards heat leader status, while Lasse Fredriksen is someone who has question marks by his name — but if he finds form, Berwick’s top five could be among the best in the league.

At reserve, Jack Smith brings experience and stability, and starting the season with a familiar club could suit him well. Alongside him, Australian newcomer Reid Battye arrives with a strong reputation from back home and will benefit from having an experienced side around him.

If Battye settles quickly and contributes consistently, Berwick could prove very difficult to beat. With a powerful top three and solid backing throughout the team, the Bandits have the ingredients to be genuine contenders if everything clicks

Key Rider: Reid Battye – If the Aussie can live up to expectations and the Bandits have a high-scoring reserve duo, they are going to be tough to beat

Prediction:

Paul: 3rd in the table, losing out in the Semi Finals of the Play-offs
Brett: 6th

Their line-up

Nick Morris
Peter Kildemand
Victor Palovaara
Jack Smith
Jye Etheridge
Lasse Fredriksen
Reid Battye

Edinburgh Monarchs

Edinburgh have made a statement with the signing of Dan Thompson, who switches from rivals Glasgow and now steps into a genuine number one role. His sharpness from the tapes should suit Armadale, and he looks ready to lead the side.

Justin Sedgmen remains a key figure and a rider closely associated with the Monarchs’ success. On his day he is a top performer, but greater consistency — particularly away from home — will be important if Edinburgh are to challenge.

Paco Castagna adds both points and presence, while Kye Thomson provides strong support and could push into the top three if his form continues to develop.

Jonatan Grahn offers reliability in the second string role, although Edinburgh may need a little more depth overall. The reserve pairing of Jordy Loftus and Mitchell Cluff has potential, but both are still relatively inexperienced at this level and could be tested over the course of the season.

If their top end delivers consistently, Edinburgh have the capability to compete — but strength in depth could prove the deciding factor.

Key Rider: Jordy Loftus and Mitchell Cluff. The Monarchs really need one of their reserves to step up to the plate.

Prediction:

Paul: 9th
Brett: 9th

Their line-up

Justin Sedgmen
Dan Thompson
Jordy Loftus
Paco Castagna
Kye Thomsen
Mitchell Cluff
Jonatan Grahn

Glasgow Tigers

Glasgow look set to be one of the most entertaining sides in 2026, with Chris Harris, Kyle Howarth and Leon Flint all returning to form a strong, hard-racing heat leader trio.

At reserve, Freddy Hodder remains with the club after a solid 2025 and will be expected to build on that form. Glasgow may need him to hit the ground running, particularly with two newcomers to British Speedway in Kevin Juhl Pedersen and Mario Häusl, who could take time to adapt.

Sam Hagon adds further strength and has an excellent record at Ashfield, where he has claimed two British Under-21 titles. That familiarity with the circuit could prove a major asset, especially in the early part of the season.

If the new signings settle quickly, Glasgow have the makings of a very competitive side — but their early-season form may hinge on how quickly those riders find their feet.

Key Rider: Again, two, for Glasgow. To be successful, they need one or both of their new riders, Kevin Juhl Pederson and Mario Hausl, to have a successful debut season.

Prediction:

Paul: 4th, losing in the playoff semi-finals
Brett: 1st – 3rd in the Play offs

Their line-up

Chris Harris
Kyle Howarth
Leon Flint
Freddy Hodder
Kevin Juhl Pedersen
Mario Hausl
Sam Hagon

Oxford Cheetahs

Sam Masters once again leads Oxford in 2026 and remains one of the standout number ones in the league. He is backed up by Erik Riss and Anders Rowe, giving the Cheetahs a solid-looking top three.

Riss will be looking to put his health issues behind him, and if Oxford are to challenge this season, both he and Rowe will need to consistently deliver around the eight-point mark. Behind them, there are question marks over depth.

Mitch McDiarmid showed flashes of his potential last year and is capable of big performances, but may still need time before becoming a regular heat leader. Luke Killeen faces an important season and will need to take the next step, with Oxford relying on improvement from their second string pairing.

At reserve, Daryll Ritchings and Dayle Wood complete the line-up, but compared to some rivals, this area could prove a weakness. Ritchings impressed on his return last season, while Wood will be aiming to bounce back after a tough year.

Oxford’s strength lies in its top end, but its chances this season could depend on whether the rest of the team can provide consistent support.

Key Rider: Luke Kileen. A big year for the Young Aussie in the main body of the Team. With weaker reserves, they need him to make a giant leap.

Prediction:

Paul: 7th
Brett: 5th

Line Up

Sam Masters
Anders Rowe
Eric Riss
Daryll Ritchings
Dayle Wood
Mitch McDiarmid
Luke Kileen

Plymouth Gladiators

Plymouth have gone big for 2026 with the signings of former British Champions Scott Nicholls and Danny King. Both bring huge experience and, if they hit form, could be very difficult to beat around the Coliseum.

Ben Barker remains a key figure and a rider who thrives at Plymouth. If the Gladiators are in contention for the play-offs, you can expect him to be right at the centre of it.

Joe Thompson continues to progress and looks capable of a breakthrough season. If he finds that next level in 2026, he could become a major asset to the side.

Daniel Klima is something of an unknown after limited appearances last year, but he has a strong pedigree on the continent and, if he adapts to the tighter UK circuits, could develop into a real contributor as the season goes on.

Tobias Thomsen arrives from Poole and should offer solid, consistent scoring in the second-string role, even if major gains are not expected.

At reserve, Tom Spencer gets another opportunity and will be looking to build his average. If he can consistently contribute around the three-point mark, he will have done his job.

Plymouth’s strength lies in their experience at the top end, and if the supporting cast can step up, they have the potential to be super competitive — particularly on home shale.

Key Rider: Daniel Klima. If he gets dialled into the British tracks and gets a 6-point-plus average, the Gladiators could be in for a big year.

Prediction

Paul: 2nd in the league and 2nd in the Playoffs
Brett: 3rd in the league and runners-up in the playoffs

Line up

Scott Nicholls
Danny King
Tobias Thomsen
Joe Thompson
Ben Barker
Daniel Klima
Tom Spencer

Poole Pirates

Reigning champions Poole Pirates once again look exceptionally strong, with another well-built 1–7 that makes them clear contenders in 2026.

Richard Lawson leads the side and remains one of the most reliable number ones in the league, delivering both home and away. Alongside him, Zach Cook continues to develop and could well push for that top spot as the season progresses.

Lewi Kerr adds further experience, and another year at Wimborne Road could see him step up again. Dan Gilkes returns after an injury-hit campaign, but with strength around him, he should be able to build back into form as the season unfolds.

Fraser Bowes could prove to be one of the signings of the season. His average remains low after his debut year, but he showed clear potential and, if that continues, could develop into a heat leader as the campaign progresses.

At reserve, Poole looks particularly strong. Will Cairns impressed last year and, with more experience behind him, could take another step forward. Alongside him, Cooper Rushen arrives as one of the most exciting young prospects in the sport, having produced outstanding performances in the NDL.

With strength throughout the team and serious depth at reserve, Poole once again has all the ingredients to be a major force in 2026.

Key Rider: Fraser Bowes.  His potential is huge, and 2 points plus on his average could easily be achievable.

Predictions

Paul: Last in the League and 1st in the Playoffs
Brett: 2nd in the League and 1st in the Playoffs

Line Up

Richard Lawson
Will Cairns
Fraser Bowes
Dan Gilkes
Lewi Kerr
Cooper Rushen
Zach Cook

Redcar Bears

After ending 2025 with BSN Series success, expectations are high for Redcar Bears heading into the new season. However, an early blow came with injury to Charles Wright, forcing the club into a change at the top of the order.

Experienced Dane Nicolai Klindt comes in to fill that role and will need to deliver strongly if the Bears are to be challengers. If he can match expectations, Redcar still have the foundations of a competitive side.

Jake Allen joins from Scunthorpe and will be aiming to improve on last season’s average, while Jason Edwards continues his steady progression and now looks ready to push towards a higher scoring role.

Jordan Jenkins returns from injury and may need time to regain full sharpness, while Jake Mulford is now firmly established in the main body of the team and will be targeting further progression.

At reserve, Jody Scott and Ace Pijper both showed strong development last season and will be expected to continue that upward trend.

Redcar have a settled core and plenty of potential throughout the team, but their chances of challenging for the play-offs may depend on how quickly their new-look top end settles and whether their improving riders can take another step forward.

Key Rider: Jody Scott.  The Bears need Jody to continue his upward trajectory for them to succeed in 2026

Prediction

Paul: 8th
Brett: 8th

Line Up

Nicolai Klindt  (replacing the injured Charles Wright)
Jake Allen
Jordan Jenkins
Jason Edwards
Jake Mulford
Ace Pijper
Jody Scott

Scunthorpe Scorpions

After a difficult 2025, Scunthorpe Scorpions have made significant changes to avoid a repeat this season.

The headline signing is Josh Pickering, who brings genuine top-end quality and could well challenge for the Championship’s highest averages. Having a strong number one immediately gives the Scorpions a much firmer foundation.

The question is who will consistently support him. Luke Harrison showed real progression last season and could be ready to step into a more prominent role if that improvement continues.

Both Connor Mountain and Michael Palm Toft come into 2026 looking to bounce back after challenging campaigns, while Simon Lambert starts on a reduced average and could prove a valuable asset if he rediscovers his previous form.

At reserve, Nathan Ablitt returns with a point to prove after missing out last season, and Ryan Ingram has been making strong progress in the NDL and could chip in with useful scores.

Scunthorpe’s season may hinge on how well their supporting cast backs up Pickering, but if riders like Palm Toft and Lambert return to form, they could quickly move back into play-off contention.

Predictions:

Paul: 6th
Brett: 7th

Line up

Josh Pickering
Ryan Ingram
Luke Harrison
Connor Mountain
Michael Palm Toft
Nathan Ablitt
Simon Lambert

Workington Comets

After a disrupted 2025 season due to off-track issues, Workington Comets head into their third Championship campaign looking for greater stability and a stronger push up the table.

Troy Batchelor continues as a reliable number one, while Craig Cook returns to his home club. On his day, Cook remains one of the most exciting riders in the league, and if he commits to a full season, Workington could be a serious threat.

Jonas Jeppesen impressed during his spells last year and, if he carries that form into 2026, completes a strong-looking top three. Behind them, Tate Zischke has clear potential and, if he can rediscover his pre-injury speed, could be a major contributor.

Niklas Holm Jakobsen is new to the league and will be aiming to build steadily, while Vinnie Foord looks capable of improving on last season and adding valuable points to the side.

At reserve, Jamie Etherington begins his debut Championship season and will be looking to gain experience while contributing where possible.

If Workington can find consistency and get the best out of their top end, they have the potential to be competitive — but much may depend on how their key riders perform over the full campaign.

Key Rider: Craig Cook – The Comets’ season could all depend on which Craig Cook turns up.

Prediction

Paul: 5th
Brett: 4th in the League and Playoffs

Line up

Jonas Jeppesen
Tate Zischke
Vinnie Foord
Troy Batchelor
Craig Cook
Niklas Holm Jakobsen
Jamie Etherington

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Leon Flint, Sam Hagon and Ben Barker have been confirmed as the final additions to the line-up, while Edinburgh’s Kye Thomson steps in to replace Charles Wright, who is sidelined following injury sustained at Redcar’s season opener.

Barker continues his remarkable record of appearances in the event, maintaining a perfect run of entries since its inception. The Plymouth rider remains a long-time supporter of the meeting, having benefitted from the Ben Fund during his career, and brings both experience and commitment to the field. He also returns to a venue he is familiar with, having previously represented Glasgow.

Flint arrives at Ashfield in strong form after an active winter campaign that has seen him racing abroad, leaving him well prepared heading into the new season. Now established as a key figure in Glasgow’s Championship line-up and stepping up in the Premiership, the Northumberland rider continues to build on his steady progression in the sport. Having previously received support from the Ben Fund, his involvement in the event adds further significance.

Hagon, who will also represent Glasgow this season, heads into the meeting with an excellent recent record at Ashfield, including back-to-back victories in the British Under-21 Final at the venue. After overcoming injury setbacks in recent seasons, he returns to action keen to use the meeting as both preparation for the campaign ahead and an opportunity to support a cause that has assisted him during his career.

Thomson completes the line-up as a late replacement and will make his first appearance in the Bonanza. The Edinburgh rider has shown strong form at Ashfield in the past and will be looking to build momentum early in the season with a solid performance.

The Ben Fund Bonanza remains a key fixture in the British speedway calendar, raising vital funds to support riders who suffer injury, and once again features a competitive and well-balanced field.

The full line-up includes Chris Harris, Peter Kildemand, Tom Brennan, Kyle Howarth, Justin Sedgmen, Nick Morris, Tate Zischke, Danny King, Dan Thompson, Adam Ellis, Victor Palovaara, Dan Gilkes, Ben Barker, Sam Hagon, Leon Flint and Kye Thomson, with Ace Pijper named as reserve.

Tickets are available online via Glasgow Speedway, with admission also available on the gate.

Feature Image courtesy of Brett Thurlow Photography

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Current Lion Cubs riders Max Perry, Ryan Ingram and Seth Norman are named in the line-up, along with Cooper Rushen, Jordy Loftus and Stene Pijper who appeared for the club at NDL/NDT level last year.

There are eight qualifying places available for the Final, joining the eight seeded riders to compete at Redcar on Sunday June 7.

Leicester co-promoter Jen Crossland said: “We’re very pleased to stage this event, and it’s good that there will be plenty of familiar faces for the supporters.

“Several of the riders have had good meetings here in the past and I’m sure it will be a competitive battle for the qualifying places.”

BRITISH U21 SEMI-FINAL: Max Perry, Jordy Loftus, Cooper Rushen, Senna Summers, Ashton Vale, Jamie Etherington, Ryan Ingram, Stene Pijper, Charlie Southwick, Harry Fletcher, Kenzie Cossey, Lee Harrison, Seth Norman, Ollie Binns, final two riders TBC.

Seeded to British U21 Final: Luke Harrison, Will Cairns, Ace Pijper, Jody Scott, Ben Trigger, Luke Killeen, Vinnie Foord, Freddy Hodder.

Words and Images by British Speedway

The post 2026 British Under 21 Semi Final date and Line up confirmed! appeared first on Speedway Hub UK.

Feature Image courtesy of Ian Rispin

The home side established control early in the meeting, racing into a 22-8 advantage after five heats. The pairing of Connor Mountain and Luke Harrison played a key role in that start, combining for two maximum 5-1 results to put the Scorpions firmly on the front foot.

Redcar worked their way back into contention as the meeting progressed, reducing the deficit and setting up a tense conclusion. The result was ultimately decided in Heat 14, when the Bears required a maximum to force a last-heat decider.

In a crucial moment, Mountain moved past Jason Edwards to secure second place, but the race ended in dramatic fashion on the final bend when contact between the two riders resulted in Mountain crashing heavily into the fence. He was able to walk away from the incident, and Edwards was excluded, with the race result standing as a 3-3—enough to confirm victory for the hosts.

There was plenty of entertainment throughout the afternoon, with Scunthorpe’s new number one Josh Pickering delivering a standout performance. The Australian was in impressive form, producing a number of strong rides including a remarkable charge from the back to win Heat 10. He ended the meeting as top scorer with 13+1, winning four races and showing his quality at key moments.

Nathan Ablitt also impressed for the Scorpions on his return to Championship racing, contributing 7+1. His afternoon included a Heat 1 maximum alongside Pickering after Redcar’s Kyle Howarth fell while contesting the lead.

All seven Scunthorpe riders contributed to the win, including 16-year-old debutant Ryan Ingram, who scored 2+1 despite not being at full health.

Redcar’s scoring was evenly spread across the team, with Ace Pijper and Jason Edwards leading the way on 8 points apiece, both showing strong form throughout the meeting. Kyle Howarth and Jake Allen were close behind with 7+1 each, providing solid backing in the middle of the order, while Jake Mulford added 4. Further contributions came from Jordan Jenkins and Jody Scott, who both recorded 3+1, ensuring all riders chipped in on a day where the Bears battled hard but were unable to overturn Scunthorpe’s early advantage.

Speaking after the meeting, Ablitt said via the Scunthorpe Speedway website:

“I felt really good today. It was the first time I’ve ridden out of reserve at this level, so I was really happy to score paid eight.

“I enjoyed racing at No 2. I had Josh (Pickering) with me in three of my races and we had some good races against the opposition. Riding with him – following him and learning off him – is only going to help me out. And the crowd love Josh, because he is box office.

“It was a long year last year and I had an injury which ruled me out for much of last season. I broke my scaphoid last June and it just wouldn’t heal. I ended up having surgery on it in December. This afternoon was my first meeting in nine months and it makes the struggles worthwhile.

“I had a positive meeting today and I just want to keep building. I’m happy my points contributed to a victory for the team and it gives us something to work for on Friday at Redcar.”

The two sides will meet again later this week, with the return fixture scheduled for Friday at Redcar’s ECCO Arena, where the Bears will look to respond on home shale.

Results

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With Wright facing a spell on the sidelines, the Bears have opted for proven Championship quality, with Klindt stepping in on a temporary basis as they look to maintain momentum in the early stages of the season.

Promoter Leanne Swales acknowledged the challenge of filling the void left by their captain but is confident the club have secured the best possible option available, saying on the Redcar website:

“Replacing someone like Charles is almost impossible, and the list of options really isn’t very long. However, we believe we’ve secured the very best rider available in Nicolai.

“He brings vast experience and a proven track record at Championship level, and we’re really looking forward to working with him during Charles’ recovery.

“This is a temporary move, and Charles will be back leading from the front as soon as he’s ready. But we were keen to avoid falling into the trap of previous seasons where we had to rely heavily on guests.”

Klindt, 37, arrives with a wealth of experience, including two Danish Under-21 titles. He was a key figure for Plymouth in 2025 and also featured in the Premiership with King’s Lynn. Joining the Bears on an 8.36 average, he offers both consistency and top-flight know-how.

The Dane is set to make his Redcar debut this Friday at the ECCO Arena as the Bears face Scunthorpe in a crucial BSN Series encounter.

Redcar head into the fixture needing to overturn a 10-point deficit if they are to secure the bonus point, as they continue their defence of the BSN title.

Feature Image courtesy of Redcar Speedway

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