BRITISH SPEEDWAY APRIL 21, 2026
(SPEEDWAY 1)
WILD CARD BRENNAN
IPSWICH star Tom Brennan has been named as wild card for the upcoming double FIM Grand Prix of Manchester on June 5-6.
Brennan’s appearance in the prestige event was confirmed on Monday when the Witches raced at the National Speedway Stadium, the venue for the GP meetings.
He said: “As soon as I got the call-up for it, it was like a dream come true, to be in the British GP. For me, it’s always a big goal and words can’t describe how excited and honoured I am to have the opportunity.
“It’s a double-header, so I get two cracks at it. It will be really cool to learn from everybody and learn from the whole experience.
“When I did Cardiff in 2024, that pushed my career on massively. Just to be around those top guys and in that environment is definitely important. To have two days of racing makes it even better.”
Meanwhile Anders Rowe and Dan Thompson have been announced as track reserves for the GP meetings.
(SPEEDWAY 2)
BELLE Vue fought back from eight points down to overcome Ipswich 51-39 in a dramatic ROWE Motor Oil Premiership opener at the National Speedway Stadium.
The Witches stunned their hosts with back-to-back 5-1s in Heats 4 and 5 to go 19-11 up with Rising Star Jason Edwards defeating World No.3 Dan Bewley.
But the Aces came roaring back with Brady Kurtz in sensational form, and they took the lead for the first time in Heat 10.
Both teams used tactical substitutes during the meeting but whilst Tom Brennan won Heat 14 for the Witches, a 3-3 ensured a home win before Kurtz and Bewley wrapped things up with a last race 5-1.
Kurtz piled up 17 points from six rides for the Aces with Bewley on 10+3, unbeaten after his first ride. Brennan scored 11 from six for the Witches, and Danny King added 9+2.
Belle Vue boss Mark Lemon said: “Ipswich got off to a great start and that was a little bit concerning, I’m not going to lie, and having to use a tactical in Heat 7 wasn’t the plan!
“I wasn’t feeling too optimistic that we could turn it around in a heartbeat, and the resistance that Ipswich put up against us was a good effort.
“But we came good at the end and obviously we had Brady and Dan performing like they have, which is fantastic, but we don’t want to be relying on those guys week in week out.”
Edwards said: “For me personally, it was my best meeting at Belle Vue. It’s always a really tough place to go.
“The nice thing is everywhere I am going at the moment, I am improving a lot from what I did last year and gradually getting there, so that’s a really positive step.”
(SPEEDWAY 3)
KING’S Lynn defeated newcomers Northampton 50-40 at the Adrian Flux Arena to open their account in the Premiership KO Cup southern section.
Stars skipper Chris Harris was in excellent form with 12+2 from five rides, and he shared in three 5-1s with the in-form Ben Cook.
The Foxes put in an encouraging display in their first meeting and had the majority of race winners, nine to the home side’s six, with Jaimon Lidsey taking the flag four times on his way to a bumper 15+1 haul from seven rides.
King’s Lynn manager Rob Lyon said: “It was a much better performance tonight and it’s something to work on, although we’re still not where we want to be.
“We’ve still got to go to Northampton away in this mini-league, so we’ll see what we can do there, but this was much, much better.”
Northampton co-promoter Paul Hunsdon said: “For a brand new team and a new set-up we’re really pleased with the way it went.
“I thought Jaimon showed every inch of his ability, it was a great performance and his ride in Heat 15 just summed it up.
“The King’s Lynn boys rode very well, but we’ll accept the ten-point deficit and I think everyone has gone home reasonably happy with their performance.”
(SPEEDWAY 4)
OXFORD boss Peter Schroeck has given his backing to German racer Erik Riss who has once again been hit by illness.
Riss has suffered a reoccurrence of previous health issues with his eyes, a problem he felt had been resolved.
He missed the Cheetahs’ home win over Poole last Wednesday and is unable to put an estimate on his likely period of absence at this stage.
Schroeck said: “The most important thing is that we give Erik full support.
“I’ve spoken to him and I know how gutted he is. His health and recovery come first – and we know he’s doing everything possible to get back to full fitness.
“Things could change very quickly, or it might take longer, so we need to be patient.”
(FIXTURES)
WEDNESDAY APRIL 22:
BSN SERIES: Oxford (32) v Plymouth (57) 7.30
THURSDAY APRIL 23:
PREMIERSHIP KO CUP (NORTH): Leicester (49) v Sheffield (41) 7.30
PREMIERSHIP KO CUP (SOUTH): Ipswich v Northampton 7.30
FRIDAY APRIL 24:
MAXICAB KO CUP Q/F 2nd leg : Edinburgh (39) v Redcar (51) 7.30, 1st leg: Glasgow v Plymouth 7.30
