The Cab Direct Championship is arguably the most eagerly anticipated British Speedway League to get underway in 2026, and with all nine teams announcing their full 1-7’s and with the first official (BSN Series) match already taking place, it’s time to deep dive into the lineups and get out our crystal balls and make our predictions for the season.

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

Peter Kildemand

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

Chris Harris

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 d...

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