The opening league fixture of the campaign sees Leicester host Middlesbrough at the Hydroscand Arena, Beaumont Park on Sunday April 19.

Prior to that, newcomers Buxton stage the Regina Chains Fours on Sunday April 5 before heading to Leicester for the first leg of a Challenge on April 12.

Champions Oxford Chargers commence their title defence at home to Middlesbrough on Sunday April 26.

Edinburgh, runners-up last year, open up against Oxford on Friday May 1, whilst King’s Lynn’s first fixture sees them face Leicester at home on Wednesday May 20.

2026 WSRA National Development League Fixtures

• These fixtures are correct as of 20th March 2026, dates change all the time so please check with the home team before travelling that the meeting is still on and that the start time is correct.

Buxton Bulls

Edinburgh Monarchs Academy

Kings Lynn Young Stars

Leicester Lion Clubs

Middlesborough Tigers

Oxford Chargers

Words and Feature Image by British Speedway

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The WSRA have given their backing to the sport’s third tier since 2023, initially by linking up with Oxford Chargers, and then supporting the NDL as a whole from the following season.

The competition will again be known as the WSRA National Development League in 2026, and the six clubs will work alongside the WSRA in promoting the charity.

Initially founded as the Veteran Speedway Riders’ Association back in 1957, the charity became the WSRA in 2006 and now has over 700 members comprising former riders, officials and speedway supporters.

The flagship of the WSRA is the National Speedway Museum at Hertfordshire Zoo, Broxbourne, and their active programme of social events culminates in the annual end-of-season Awards Dinner.

British Speedway chairman Rob Godfrey said: “This has been a successful partnership for the last two seasons, and we’re all very pleased to see it continue.

“Our thanks to the committee for extending their backing of the NDL and showing their support for the Development level of the sport.

“I’m sure the six clubs involved will be putting on plenty of competitive racing this season under the name of the WSRA National Development League.”

WSRA Secretary Graham Brodie added: “The WSRA is very happy to continue our partnership with British Speedway as part of our aim to encourage young riders to progress in their speedway careers.

“It is our contribution to the future of the sport, and we will continue to explore ways in which we can support the next generation of potential champions.

“We wish the WSRA National Development League every success in the coming season.”

2026 WSRA NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE: Buxton Bulls, Edinburgh Monarchs Academy, King’s Lynn Young Stars, Leicester Lion Cubs, Middlesbrough Tigers, Oxford Chargers.

Fixtures for the 2026 WSRA NDL season will be announced in the near future.

Words by British Speedway – Feature Image courtesy of Mark Lee Sing

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Morley, 31, arrives with over a decade of National Development League experience and a reputation as one of the level’s most reliable starters. He averaged 8.38 during a late-season stint last year and boasts a strong record around the Hydroscand Arena, Beaumont Park.

The former Kent rider will now lead a youthful Lion Cubs side in 2026.

Speaking to the club’s official website, manager Jen Crossland said: “Ben was in touch with us when we heard that Kent wouldn’t be running this year, which of course is a shame, and we said we’d be interested to talk once the points limit was known.

“When it became clear that we could use him, it was a sensible move for us to make, especially as we’d already seen how well he fitted in when he guested for us home and away against Oxford.

“Obviously he’s the most experienced rider in the team by a long way and we saw in those meetings last year how prepared he is to get involved in helping out the younger riders, which is so important at this level, and that made him the logical choice to be captain.”

The Lion Cubs have also retained 21-year-old Meadows for a second season. After an injury setback midway through 2025, he returned strongly and posted some eye-catching performances during the run-in.

Crossland added on the Leicester website: “Eli is a rider who will benefit from a consistent run in the team, and he showed that when he came back from injury, because he picked up plenty of important points.

“We’re pleased to be able to give him the opportunity to continue his progress, and he also fitted in really well with everyone at Leicester so we’re looking forward to working with him again.”

Meanwhile, one of the club’s most familiar young faces is stepping up full-time. Fifteen-year-old Seth Norman, who has been a regular mascot and youth competitor at Leicester in recent years, moves into the NDL side after impressing in a late-season opportunity.

Norman, who has progressed through the British Youth Championship and transitioned to 500cc machinery, scored 9 and 9+2 in the season-ending double-header last year to underline his readiness.

Crossland said on the club website: “I think everyone has enjoyed watching Seth progress over the last few years during his laps as mascot and also in the British Youth Championship.

“It was a special moment when we were able to bring him into the team for the final meeting of last season, and he did the club and himself proud.

“We have a great history of bringing talented youngsters into the Lion Cubs team, and I’m sure Seth will take his opportunity with both hands.”

Norman completes a youthful 2026 line-up, with experience anchored by skipper Morley and returning Tom Spencer.

Leicester have also confirmed they will continue to stage National Development League fixtures on Sunday afternoons at the Hydroscand Arena. Discussions over the full fixture list are ongoing, with dates subject to the Premiership schedule.

Alongside league racing, the club are planning a potential NDL challenge fixture and will also host a British Under-21 semi-final, with the date to be confirmed.

Leicester Lion Cubs 2026:Ben Morley 8.38, Freddy Hodder 8.32, Max Perry 7.82, Tom Spencer 6.38, Ryan Ingram 5.18, Eli Meadows 3.63, Seth Norman 2.00.
Total: 41.71

Images courtesy of Leicester Speedway

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King returns to NDL competition after a brief spell with Belle Vue in 2025 when he stepped in as injury cover. His route into the sport came later than most – he made his league debut at the age of 20 with the Isle of Wight in 2019, before further opportunities arrived with Kent across the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

After time away for personal reasons, the chance to build a full campaign from the outset proved too good to refuse when the Young Stars came calling.

Speaking to the club’s official website, King said:

“When King’s Lynn asked me about coming to them, I couldn’t really say no!

“I’ve been going to King’s Lynn for many years, since I was young. I started going when the likes of Kevin Doolan and Kozza Smith were there, so to now all of a sudden be riding for them is a bit crazy.

“It’s great to be part of such a local team, and I think that will help the fanbase. When I rode at Mildenhall there used to be a lot of people who came to watch, because they only saw me twice a year, so I think there will be a lot more people there with closer riders.

“Jason has told me to come in and enjoy riding again, and hopefully do what I need to do.

“I know pretty much all of the other riders, really apart from the reserves, although I’ve seen Kenzie a couple of times at Mildenhall, and I’ve heard good things about Ollie too.”

Team manager Jason Pipe believes King has plenty of room for growth and is eager to see him rediscover his enjoyment on track.

Pipe told the club website:

“Connor is a rider who many think has been around the speedway scene for quite a few years now, but in fact he’s only ridden in 38 NDL meetings since 2019!

“He was a rider I was wanting to bring into the Young Stars team last season, but unfortunately his average was just slightly too high on 3.39, when I only had 3.18 to play with.

“I’m so pleased for him that I’ve been able to bring him in this season. Another local rider and now we go to the tapes with six of the seven riders being local to King’s Lynn, which should appeal to the spectators.

“I know the riders are happy riding for their local club and it can also benefit riders with sponsorship, which I know it already has with one or two from speaking with them.

“I believe Connor is on a false average and I do believe we will see him up this in 2026 and he’ll start to enjoy racing his bike again. Being in a team from the very start makes Connor feel wanted and he’s told me that he likes the King’s Lynn track.

“I’ve had a good chat with Connor and I’ve explained to him that there is very little pressure on him and we are going to get him enjoying his speedway again. All I’ve asked from him is to go out and aim to pick up those third places in each of his rides.

“I’ve told him he needs to be listening to what Simon Lambert tells him, because it will all be good advice, which Connor knows he’ll benefit from.

“Connor is serious about racing again and last year he upgraded his machinery by buying two bikes from a Premiership rider. Those bikes are in tip top condition and he’s no excuses there, so it’s now up to Connor himself where he goes from here. This is his chance now and he needs to grab it with both hands.”

The move completes the Young Stars’ declared one-to-seven, with the management confident the blend of home knowledge and potential improvement will stand them in good stead for the campaign ahead.

Young Stars 2026: Simon Lambert 9.20, Jake Mulford 8.67, Mickie Simpson 8.42, Jacob Clouting 7.03, Connor King 3.39, Kenzie Cossey 3.25, Ollie Binns 2.00 – total 41.96.

Feature Image courtesy of Kings Lynn Speedway

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Perry will be going into his fourth campaign overall with the Lion Cubs whilst Ingram enjoyed a highly successful debut campaign in 2025.

Manager Jen Crossland said: “It was a shame that Max missed so many meetings for us last season because of injury and commitments elsewhere, but when he was available he did a great job and we’re pleased to have him back.

“It’s amazing that Ryan was actually worried this time last year that he wouldn’t be able to get around Leicester, and then look what he achieved in his first season.

“He was a real success story and the improvement he made as the year went on was exceptional, and that was shown by him also picking up a Championship place for 2026 after just one season in the NDL.”

Words and Images by British Speedway

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The 26-year-old arrives at the Adrian Flux Arena after four seasons with Oxford, playing his part in National Development League title triumphs in 2023 and 2025. The Suffolk-born racer is also well known in local circles thanks to his family ties, with father Savalas a former British Under-21 Champion who spent much of the 1990s with Ipswich.

Clouting enjoyed the strongest year of his career to date last term, lifting his NDL average beyond seven after producing a far more consistent string of performances.

Now he heads to a venue he already knows, and the opportunity for regular outings on a bigger circuit is something he is relishing.

Speaking to the club’s official website, Clouting said: “I’ve been used to riding at Oxford and Kent, which are smaller tracks, so it’s nice to switch it up and come to a big, fast track like King’s Lynn.

“It’s actually the first track I ever rode when I first started speedway around nine years ago, so I’m definitely looking forward to coming back there.

“Even on practice days it’s quite a grippy track, and I know a lot of people say there’s a home advantage there, so we’ll see what happens!

“I broke my hand last year which set me back a bit later on, but it started quite well and I was a bit more consistent, which has been my trouble in the past – I might have popped out and beaten some good riders, but then I’ve made mistakes later in meetings, so it’s just about being consistent this year.

“We’ve got some strong heat-leaders with Jake Mulford and Simon Lambert, and they’re obviously going to score well so there’s not that much pressure on myself – but I want to go out there and up my average this year, that’s my goal.”

Clouting is the fifth rider to be declared by the Young Stars, joining Mulford, Lambert, Kenzie Cossey and youngster Ollie Binns in the septet.

Manager Jason Pipe has tracked the former Oxford man for some time and believes a fresh environment could unlock further progress.

Pipe told the club website: “Jacob is a rider who I’ve been keeping an eye on for the last couple of seasons. He has come to the stage in his career now that he’s very much in need of a new challenge, and I’m so pleased that he has agreed to come and join us this year.

“I also think if he takes a liking to the Lynn track, I do believe he has every chance to becoming our third heat-leader.

“It’s also a bonus that Jacob personally knows the rest of the team, which will be great for a good team spirit.

“With the riders I’ve seen this year coming into a starting 1-7 in the Championship, this is somewhere Jacob needs to be and could find himself there 2027 and he’s quite capable of doing that, if that’s what he really wants.

“I urge Championship promoters and team managers to keep an eye on Jacob this season. I do believe some riders can sometimes get overlooked when it comes to deciding that last spot in the Championship teams.”

Feature Image courtesy of Kings Lynn Speedway

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Lambert is no stranger to life at the Adrian Flux Arena, having enjoyed several spells with the Stars across a career spanning more than two decades. A long-time fan favourite, he also staged his Testimonial meeting at the venue in 2017. More recently, the experienced racer has spent the past six seasons competing for Scunthorpe in the Championship, while also gaining management experience with the combined Scunthorpe/Sheffield NDL side and stepping in for Lynn boss Rob Lyon during a Premiership home win over Oxford last season.

Now returning to the NDL in a racing role, Lambert’s appointment serves a dual purpose. It provides the vastly experienced racer with additional track time as he looks to rebound from a difficult 2025 campaign, while also adding proven leadership and heat-leader strength to a Young Stars side preparing for what is expected to be one of the strongest NDL seasons in years.

Speaking to the King’s Lynn Speedway website, Lambert explained how the move came about and why it appeals to him at this stage of his career, admitting he is eager for the extra meetings and the chance to both compete and mentor younger riders within the team. He also stressed his commitment to racing all fixtures and embracing the challenge ahead as a rider-coach.

Young Stars manager Jason Pipe acknowledged that the signing may surprise some, but insisted Lambert’s inclusion was key to building a competitive side within the newly agreed points limit. Pipe told the club website that Lambert’s experience, professionalism, and leadership qualities made him the ideal choice to captain the team and guide its younger members, drawing comparisons with successful rider-coach roles he has worked with previously.

Pipe added that while there is no pressure on Lambert to deliver big scores every week, his presence alone is expected to lift the entire team, both on and off the track, and he believes his influence could be worth several points per meeting.

Lambert becomes the fourth confirmed signing for the Young Stars, joining Jake Mulford, Kenzie Cossey, and Ollie Binns, with further team news expected to follow shortly.

Feature Image courtesy of Kings Lynn Speedway

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Jordy Loftus, Connor Coles, and Dayle Wood return from the 2025 team which finished runners-up in the league, joined by new faces Vinnie Foord, Jamie Halder, Anika Loftus, and Ben Whalley.

Monarchs Academy manager Scott Wilson gives the full run down on his 2026 team, “I put a post out on my social media a week or two ago, saying how excited I was for the new season. I hope now the Monarchs supporters can see why I said that! I’m very pleased with the team I’ve put together.

“With the points limit being where it is this season, it quickly became obvious that teams were going to have strong heat leaders throughout the league. We have been able to match that by adding Vinnie to what we had last season with Jordy, Dayle and Connor. It gives us a powerful top 4, particularly at home.”

Strength in depth approach

Wilson continued, “The key, though, was to be clever with the points we had remaining to try to ensure we were solid all the way through. Jamie and Ben give me the guarantee of a strong rider in the no.6 spot all season and I really do believe that will be important. Backing up the top 4 is crucial, and we are in good position to do that.

“The team being built with such strength-in-depth allows Anika to come in for her first season of UK racing with no pressure on her shoulders. We know the talent she has, but being able to ride free of pressure is important at this early stage in her UK career.

“Jordy set his sights on the no.1 race jacket last season and he was unlucky not to achieve that before the end of the season, however his performances in 2025 mean he starts in that position for 2026. Nothing phases this young man and I know he is determined to prove himself as a no.1 rider at this level.

“Of course, Jordy will face plenty of competition for that no.1 spot in the team. Dayle and Connor each filled that spot last season and can push for it again in 2026. Those two will be crucial in so many ways, as much off-track as on it. I know what I’m going to get from Dayle and Connor and that stability is important in any successful side. Equally, they know the club inside out having both spent several years at Edinburgh. That will be important for someone like Ben, who is new to everything.”

Exciting newcomers

There will be four new riders in the team next year, Wilson introduced them, “Vinnie is one I’m really excited about. Firstly, because of his talent on a speedway bike. He is one who will excite the fans, that’s for sure. I watched him carefully last year and I felt there was a growing maturity about him which is why I expect him to really push on this season. He was so keen to be part of things at Edinburgh, it was a no brainer!

“Jamie was so impressive on his visit to Armadale last year that when I spoke to him and learned that he might be available, I knew we had to make sure we got him. He’s a trapper and a very tidy rider too, I believe Edinburgh can bring the best out in him.

“Ben really is the rider who allowed me to build the team with such top end strength, because I knew I had a rider on a false 2.00 average lower down the team. Of course, we’ll need to give him time to settle in but having kept a close eye on him in New Zealand and Australia in recent years, I expect him to improve significantly on that starting average. Ben had interest from several clubs but after a couple of conversations he and I shared, he was in no doubt about where he wanted to be.”

A first for Monarchs

Anika Loftus will join younger brother Jordy in the side, a signing Wilson is excited about, “Anika brings plenty of excitement, not least by becoming the first female rider to represent the Edinburgh Monarchs! I know we have a growing female fan base and this signing, particularly for the young girls in our support, is a wonderful thing.

“Of course, Anika is here on merit. She has shown enough promise back home in Australia to convince us that she is deserving of an opportunity at this level. I know she’s super excited to be part of the club and knowing her personality, I am certain she is going to be a real asset to the club in so many ways.

“Some supporters may, quite rightly, be wondering why Lee Harrison has not been retained in the team from last season. Lee was involved in a pretty big crash in the early part of last season and is still working to regain his confidence and form. At this time, Lee wishes to take a small step back from NDL racing to finish rebuilding that confidence.

“I believe Lee has a bright future in the sport and, as his manager, I have to do what is best for Lee in the long term to ensure he is not lost to speedway completely. He remains very much a part of the club and we look forward to seeing him back in an Academy race jacket in the future.”

Monarchs supporters can look forward to seeing the Academy team take on Buxton, King’s Lynn, Leicester, Middlesbrough, and Oxford in the race for the 2026 WSRA National Development League title.

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The Tigers have persuaded Ben Trigger to shelve plans to take a year out, and he rejoins the club in a heat-leader berth with Nathan Ablitt also added to the top end of the side. Youngster Harry Sadler, son of former rider Nigel, will be a newcomer to the NDL at reserve.

Captain and No.1 Ace Pijper returns from 2025 along with younger brother Stene, with Kai Ward and Charlie Southwick also named after lining up for the club last season.

Promoter Jamie Swales said: “I’m extremely pleased with the team we’ve assembled for 2026. Rider development will always be at the heart of what we do with Middlesbrough, with a clear eye on producing future Redcar Bears riders, but I’m particularly happy that we’ve also built a highly competitive team.

“This is a side capable of pushing for honours, while still keeping the average age of the squad at around just 18 years old, which is something we’re very proud of.

“We are also still actively looking for a title sponsor for the Middlesbrough Tigers. With the team shaping up as well as it has, 2026 could be a fantastic season for a business to have its name associated with the club.”

Words and Image by British Speedway

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The 15-year-old, who celebrated his birthday last September, is widely regarded as one of the most exciting prospects to emerge from the British Youth Championship in recent years. Binns has been a consistent front-runner in a fiercely competitive 250cc class over the past two seasons and made a strong impression after stepping up to 500cc machinery in 2025.

He gained valuable experience at the Adrian Flux Arena when he competed in the Young Stars’ Pride of the East meeting last October, scoring six points, before a guest outing for the Leicester Fox Cubs at Plymouth yielded 3+2 prior to an unfortunate final-ride crash that resulted in a broken collarbone. Now fully recovered, Binns is ready to take on his first full NDL campaign with the Young Stars.

Speaking to the King’s Lynn Speedway website, Binns said he is relishing the challenge ahead:
“I’m really looking forward to the season. It’s my first year in the NDL, so it’s an exciting new challenge and I’m keen to keep developing while contributing as much as I can to the team. I really enjoy riding at King’s Lynn and I’m grateful for the opportunity. There’s no pressure on me — I’ll just give it everything and hopefully score some important points.”

Young Stars manager Jason Pipe is delighted to have secured one of the country’s brightest young talents and believes the demanding Lynn circuit will aid Binns’ development. Pipe told the club’s website:
“Ollie could have chosen an easier track for his debut season, but he was happy to take on the challenge here. Once he gets his head around the Lynn track, it will make him a much better rider. He’ll come in at No.7, with no pressure on what he scores, and there will be plenty of support around him to help him enjoy his racing and develop.”

Binns becomes the latest confirmed member of the Young Stars’ 2026 squad, joining Jake Mulford and Kenzie Cossey, with further team news expected soon.

Feature Image courtesy of Kings Lynn Speedway

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