The Bulls have secured the signing of Luke Harris, with the 27-year-old joining on a 4.51 average. Harris returned to speedway in 2025 after a five-year absence, gaining valuable track time with the Steelers and Kent, and his experience is seen as a key asset as Buxton Bulls prepare for their NDL comeback.

Manager Laurence Rogers said: “Luke is experienced, and I think the Buxton track will suit him, and he can give the heat leaders solid support. He’s on a giveaway average, and as I put different possible teams down on paper, he fitted a lot of them, so I went for him.”

Buxton have also confirmed Jack Shimelt as their sixth signing, with the 21-year-old arriving from the Belle Vue Colts. Shimelt has been part of the Colts’ set-up for the past three seasons and impressed with a strong run of scores towards the end of the 2025 campaign.

Rogers added: “Jack did some MDL meetings for me at Birmingham in 2024 and showed great promise. I watched his scoring at Belle Vue last year, and clearly he was improving, especially when he moved out of the reserve berth. He will start at reserve for the Bulls but has his eyes on moving into the top five.”

With Harris providing experience and Shimelt offering youthful progression, Buxton continue to build a balanced squad as they gear up for life back in the National Development League.

Feature Image courtesy of British Speedway

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The promising youngster had some impressive scores including a seven ride paid maximum against Oxford for the Steelers. He turns 17 before the new season starts, and is looking to improve on his solid season in 2025.

He commented; “I am looking forward to riding for Buxton on a track a lot different from where I was last year, as it’s a technical track and will teach me good throttle control skills. “

Promoter Laurence Rogers thinks the teenager will blossom at Buxton; “He has a lot of potential and his second season in 2025 saw him flourish. With the support of skipper Jack Smith and number 1 Alfie Bowtell, he has two riders who will be helping him.”

Words and Image by Buxton Speedway

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He becomes the third former Birmingham rider to put pen to paper for the 2026 season as the club return to speedway for the first time since 2018, having started his career with the Brummies in 2018.

He renews his association with Bulls boss Laurence Rogers again;
“Laurence saw me ride my first laps on a speedway bike at a mini track that former rider Derek Cooper had built by his moto cross track. Then, in 2018, I went to the Birmingham press and practice, and he offered me a team spot with the Brummies. I also rode in the MDL for the Birmingham Bulls. Last year, I returned to Birmingham in the National Development Trophy in addition to Oxford in the league. When he contacted me I was interested in coming to Buxton and I travelled up on Sunday to view the track and all the work they’ve been doing and for a chat with Laurence and now I am looking forward to the new season as a Buxton rider.”

Rogers is delighted to snap up Butcher;
“He is one of the engine room of the team. I know how he works, and he knows how I do, and I know he will settle in quickly and get amongst the points once we get started.”

Words and Image courtesy of Buxton Speedway

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The DUCTAIR Buxton Bulls have named 27-year-old Jack Smith as their first recruit and club captain for their comeback season. Smith, who will also be back with Berwick in 2026, brings valuable experience and leadership to the Derbyshire outfit.

A former Belle Vue racer, Smith began his senior career with Birmingham in 2016, where he was part of the National Trophy and National League Championship-winning side. A move to Belle Vue followed in 2017, where he enjoyed further success, lifting the Knockout Cup with the Aces and winning league honours with the Colts.

Smith admitted he was immediately keen to be involved when news of Buxton’s return emerged.

“When I heard Buxton was coming back, I was interested in being part of it. I don’t live far away, so despite being at Berwick on a Saturday night, travelling home on a Sunday is not too bad.

“It’s an honour to be asked to captain the DUCTAIR Bulls, and I’m sure we will put together a good side to challenge for honours. The work the volunteers have been doing is quite amazing, and fans will be pleasantly surprised by how the place looks. The stands on the home straight look great and they’re also building a disabled and wheelchair area.

“I’m looking forward to hearing who else we’ll have in the side as we aim to be right up there challenging for the title.”

Promoter Laurence Rogers was delighted to secure Smith’s services – and to hand him the captaincy.

“Jack has impressed me with his enthusiasm for riding for us, and we had no hesitation in offering him the role of captain. He wants success, and that fits perfectly with our aims. That’s one down and six more to sort and announce.”

The Bulls quickly followed up Smith’s signing by announcing Alfie Bowtell as their second recruit for 2026, strengthening their top end as speedway returns to the picturesque Derbyshire hills.

Bowtell, who was surprisingly left without a Championship team spot, has enjoyed several strong seasons with Plymouth and brings proven quality to the National Development League newcomers. The Essex-based rider was quick to agree terms when approached.

“It didn’t take me long to agree to join the Bulls when Laurence messaged me. I know him well and rode for him at Birmingham in 2023.

“I know he and the volunteers have been working non-stop all winter at Buxton, and they have great plans for the club. I’m really happy to be part of that. Jack and I will be a strong spearhead.”

Rogers believes the pairing of Smith and Bowtell gives Buxton an excellent platform to build on ahead of their return season.

“Alfie is a great team man and a rider who always gives his full commitment. He was our Rider of the Year at Birmingham in 2023, and together with Jack, they give us two strong heat leaders. We’ve got other signings in the pipeline that will give us a solid and competitive side.”

With their first two signings in place, optimism is already growing around Buxton as preparations continue for their eagerly anticipated return to British Speedway in 2026.

Images courtesy of Buxton Speedway

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Words and Image by Buxton Speedway

Meanwhile, weekly refurbishment activity at the picturesque Derbyshire Peak District venue continues. This includes the installation of a new drainage system by former Stoke rider Shaun Tedham, who has a groundworks company.

Track work has been delayed in recent days and weeks by heavy rain, snow and frost but John Roberts and Ritchie Cawthorne have already levelled out both bends and more work will continue before the track is tested. Fence posts have all been renewed and secured with tyres in readiness for the air fence to be attached. Once that is done, the track will be inspected and then practice sessions and training schools will commence.

The old changing rooms and bar have been demolished and levelled, allowing for new changing rooms and a shower block.

A caravan overlooking the first turn will become a sponsors’ lounge, where backers can watch racing and be entertained, as well as a media area.

New covered stands are almost erected, although the roofs will not being added until just before the season starts. In between the two stands, located either side of the referee’s box, will be a designated area for wheelchair-users.

Retaining a popular option from the club’s previous stint, fans will still be able to watch racing from their cars on the back straight.

Buxton are on the front foot in terms of gaining sponsorship support, having secured backing from locally-based Critchlow Plant Ltd, who have provided the necessary piping and stones. Critchlow have come on board as associate team sponsors after Dave Critchlow contacted the club in response to the club’s proactive social media output.

Another new sponsor is Peter Haymes at Codeck Ltd, who is coming on board to rebuild the existing pits, extending them, and also building the new junior pits for the Midland Development League riders.

Percy Mycock is helping towards concreting the pits as well through Breedon and his own company, R.T. Mycock & Sons Ltd of Buxton. This is a big help to the club, Percy having already helped source a bowser, roller and the changing rooms.

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Last season the third tier ran a National Development League (NDL) of six teams; Belle Vue, Edinburgh, Leicester (Lion Cubs), Middlesbrough, Oxford and a combined Sheffield/Scunthorpe side, alongside a separate National Development Trophy (NDT) competition involving five other clubs ; Birmingham, Kent, King’s Lynn, Leicester (Fox Cubs) and Plymouth.

Since the end of the 2025 season, Birmingham has closed, while there are doubts about the future of Kent, and Leicester have indicated they will not put out a second third division team again next year. So who knows how the NL set-up will look come next spring?

With the Premiership desperately trying to survive with at least five teams, and the second tier Championship poised to retain the same nine starters from last season, the British Speedway Promoters’ Ltd have delayed confirming the overall structure of UK speedway until track bosses meet for their AGM in early January.

Frustratingly, it means the Bulls are having to put their team-building plans on hold, even though they have a ‘wants’ list, and a number of riders have already expressed interest in joining the Peak District outfit on their return after an eight-year absence.

Buxton promoter Laurence Rogers said: “I have had calls from riders wanting to know if we would be interested in them, so it would be good to be able to give them good news and make some team announcements.

“If there are two National League divisions again next season we will apply to compete in both, which would mean more chances for a great number of riders.

“We have no restriction on how many meetings we can run at Buxton, so we want to maximise our track facilities and, most importantly, the opportunities to develop young riders.

“We are working closely with our landlords at the adjacent car racing circuit and trying to avoid clashes of dates with them as much as possible. We recently had a very productive meeting with their commercial manager, and have plans for several joint ventures, including displays, fayres and social events.”

Words by Buxton Speedway – Feature Image courtesy of  Phil Mcglynn

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Promoter Laurence Rogers outlined his plans for the Derbyshire club:

“We’re going to do all we can to help produce future British speedway stars by building a smaller track – alongside the main one – where small children can come and ride, to learn and gain experience years before they are ready for bigger, more powerful machinery.

“Our 100-metre mini track will be ideal for kids with Revvi bikes and other beginner bikes, a place where parents can bring their boys and girls who dream of becoming speedway stars, or simply to enjoy riding in a friendly, non-pressurised environment. We will be organising regular sessions soon. We have unlimited use of the speedway track, so can offer opportunities for beginners of all ages on various bikes. They will also be featured in some way in the second-halves at Buxton. Youth development is our aim, and providing as much track time as possible.”

Meanwhile, Buxton’s industrious volunteer team continue to work on improving facilities for spectators and riders at the picturesque Peak District venue. This include revamping buildings, pits renovation and construction of a junior pits.

“We’re working non-stop, for sure,” added Rogers, who keenly awaits British Speedway Promoters Ltd’s structure for 2026 ahead of Buxton Bulls’ official application to join the third tier National League, in whatever form that may take.

Words and Image by Buxton Speedway

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With this in mind, Buxton intend to take on the running of the Midland Development League, which was run out of Birmingham this year, with three other teams involved.

This mini league is run and co-ordinated by Buxton promoter Laurence Rogers, who is a long-term advocate of youth development and says this is the main aim of his new club in the Peak District.

Rogers outlined his plans: “I aim to run the MDL mainly out of Buxton with hopes that a few more clubs will join the competition. The plan is to run four sides that give young riders a base from which to get valuable track time.

“I have introduced new names to the sport through my tie-up with the Formula Grass Association, where a large number of youngsters have added speedway to their racing activities. That link will continue with Buxton taking over Birmingham’s sponsor role.”

Rogers intends to preserve the identities of several once successful former clubs who used to be based not too far from Buxton but disappeared from the sport for one reason or another.

He explained: “To hopefully stimulate interest among fans of tracks no longer in existence we will adopt team names in their identity. Subject to our acceptance back into speedway, the teams would carry the familiar nicknames of Potters, Kings and Wolves, with one more to be decided upon.

“Buxton’s application to return has sparked lots of interest and enthusiasm among fans of numerous former clubs, including Stoke, Crewe and Wolverhampton, along with my old team Birmingham, who closed in September. These fans, many starved of regular action for years, have recently expressed their support for the 2026 Buxton revival through online comments and say they are looking forward to paying us a visit. We hope their interest will be further rekindled by re-adopting some famous old names.”

Whether the NL retains the same structure for 2026 is for the governing British promoters (BSPL) to decide in the coming days and weeks – and the new Buxton Ductair Bulls team are very eager to be part of whatever unfolds. But that’s not all Rogers has in store for those visiting the picturesque hillside venue when weekend racing hopefully resumes next season for the first time in seven years.

He continued: “In addition, we will be running 125cc and 250cc races to bring on the youngsters, in readiness for them reaching the age of 15 and moving on to 500cc machines, by staging regular practices for all age groups. Our aim is to promote youth development for the long-term benefit of British speedway and I have a few ideas about how we can incorporate all types of machine engine sizes in our second-halves.”

Meanwhile, extensive track work over the past few weeks means Buxton are ever nearer to holding their first practices under the new regime. The volunteers are busily replacing the fence-posts and then the air fence will be put up and the track will be tested before announcing practice dates.

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The unique Derbyshire venue last staged the sport in 2018 but agreement has been reached with landlord Barry Watson to bring back regular speedway, and the emphasis under its new promotion will once again be on youth development.

The venture is led by Laurence Rogers, following the recent closure of Birmingham for redevelopment, with investment from brothers Tony and Melvyn Hipkiss along with Chris and Sheila Bowen who were long-term backers at Perry Barr through Ductair Engineering.

Rogers said: “We will be running regular practice sessions and training schools whilst making an application to ride in any National Development League formats for 2026.

“There were both league and trophy competitions in 2025 and we want Buxton involved in whatever 2026 brings.

“This is an opportunity I could not ignore. We have kept the MDL going and brought on many riders and want to continue this at Buxton along with giving track time to the up-and-coming 125 and 250cc riders.

“I must thank Barry for his help and support of our plans, he has been most helpful. Also a big thank you to our investors and our main sponsors Ductair, plus our superb volunteers who are 100 per cent behind our plans and will be giving up their weekends to get the work done.

“We are hoping that initial track work will be underway soon and we can start practices as soon as possible.”

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