BRITISH SPEEDWAY JANUARY 28, 2026
(SPEEDWAY 1)
A CLEAR FUTURE HELPS SMITH
BERWICK’S Jack Smith says his pre-season preparations have been boosted by having clarity over his future at an early stage.
Smith is back for a second year with the Bandits in the Cab Direct Championship, but this will be the first time since 2021 that he has been contracted to a second tier club for the start of a season.
He said: “It’s mentally tough getting bikes and yourself ready without actually being signed for a team.
“Despite that, you have to be fully prepared and ready to go in case the call comes. It’s like going into the season with a blindfold on.
“This winter I had two contracts signed early (Berwick and Buxton NDL) and as a result I am in the best shape physically, mechanically and mentally ever.”
(SPEEDWAY 2)
DOUBLE NDL title winner Arran Butcher has made the switch to returning club Buxton for the 2026 season.
25-year-old Butcher was a member of Leicester’s victorious third tier side two years ago, before replicating that success with Oxford Chargers last season.
He now moves to the Hi-Edge Raceway to link up with promoter Laurence Rogers, who was in charge at Birmingham when Butcher began his career in 2018.
Rogers said: “Arran is one of the engine room of the team. I know how he works, and he knows how I do.
“I know he will settle in quickly and get amongst the points once we get started.”
(SPEEDWAY 3)
KING’S Lynn have added Kenzie Cossey to their National Development League team for his first season at that level.
20-year-old Cossey is the grandson of former racer Trevor Hedge, who started his career with Norwich and then rode for King’s Lynn in 1975, and the nephew of another former rider, the late Gavin Hedge.
He now has an NDL team place for the first time, although he did make two guest appearances for the Young Stars last year as well as racing as an unattached rider in the National Development Trophy.
Manager Jason Pipe said: “I’m delighted to have Kenzie in the team this coming season. He was our No.8 in 2025, so I’m so happy to be able to give him a team spot in 2026.
“Having one of his best mates, Jake Mulford, in the same team will help Kenzie massively and it’s a great start to bringing a great team spirit to the side.”
