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The Plymouth Gladiators are delighted to announce the return of Joe Thompson for the 2025 Championship season.

The Plymouth Gladiators are delighted to welcome back Alfie Bowtell for the 2025 season.

BRITISH Speedway Promoters’ Ltd is pleased to confirm all clubs will return to contest the 2025 season.

The sport’s AGM has been completed where rules, regulations and arrangements for next year have been finalised, including a high-profile weekend early in the season when both of the Championship’s major events will take place.

Workington will host the Championship Pairs at the GT Tyres Arena on Saturday April 5 (3pm) with Scunthorpe the venue for the Championship League Riders’ Championship on Sunday April 6 (3pm).

2025 will also see the return of a British Semi-Final, which will take place at Leicester, offering the on-track opportunity for riders to qualify for the British Final at Belle Vue. Dates for those events are to be confirmed.

Both the Premiership and Championship will enjoy stability of membership, with no changes to competing teams, and all of the existing competitions taking place once again.

However, an exciting addition to the Premiership KO Cup is the inclusion of Championship winners Poole along with all seven regular top-flight clubs.

Meanwhile, the sport is set to build on its commitment to youth development with a potential extension to the National Development League, due to entries from new teams, which is likely to result in an increased number of fixtures for the riders.

A new initiative is also planned from Ipswich on the subject of development, and the club will reveal full details in due course.
During the AGM significant talks were also held regarding the future of the sport over the coming years. We will be providing more updates on the various initiatives and developments during the winter.

BSPL Chairman Rob Godfrey said: “I’m really pleased that all the clubs have come back to the table, and we have consistency in terms of fixtures and competitions.

“We spoke last year about the importance of Youth development so it’s pleasing to see that looks like being extended, and certainly Ipswich are going above and beyond with what they’re planning.

“There is plenty to look forward to next season but also a great deal of work going on further down the line, and we’re all positive about what’s to come.”

PREMIERSHIP

Clubs: Belle Vue, Birmingham, Ipswich, King’s Lynn, Leicester, Oxford, Sheffield.

Points limit: 40 (for the top six) plus Rising Star.

KO Cup draw: Birmingham v Leicester, Poole v Sheffield, King’s Lynn v Oxford, Belle Vue v Ipswich. Ties to be raced in the same week. Semi-finals: Birmingham/Leicester v Poole/Sheffield, King’s Lynn/Oxford v Belle Vue/Ipswich.

It can also be confirmed that King’s Lynn have switched their regular race-night to Monday, which provides assistance in terms of fixture planning and evens out the schedule between Mondays and Thursdays.

Premiership CEO Phil Morris said: “I’m pleased we have strength and continuity in terms of keeping the same points limit, along with the Rising Stars, and the same competing clubs, and we felt there was no need to make change for change’s sake.

“The points limit itself was agreed over a month ago, following several meetings leading up to the AGM, and it’s pleasing that we’re also looking at rule changes and improvements for 2026, so we are trying to look a year in advance.

“In terms of fixture planning, we are looking into doing more Bank Holiday double-headers, and all clubs have discussed which others they can work with in terms of reasonable distances to travel.

“It’s good to have all the teams in the KO Cup, including Oxford this time, and we felt it would be great to have eight clubs competing with no byes, so Poole were invited in as Championship champions, and they accepted.

“They will be given a concession to build to Premiership level whilst keeping the majority of their team, and should there be any rider clash, the Premiership team would take priority.”

CHAMPIONSHIP

Clubs: Berwick, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Oxford, Plymouth, Poole, Redcar, Scunthorpe, Workington.

Points limit: 40 (for seven riders), set for three years.

KO Cup draw: Preliminary round: Edinburgh v Workington; Quarter-finals: Scunthorpe v Oxford, Berwick v Redcar, Poole v Plymouth, Glasgow v Edinburgh/Workington.

BSN Series: Scottish – Berwick, Edinburgh, Glasgow; Northern – Redcar, Scunthorpe, Workington; Southern – Oxford, Plymouth, Poole.

Championship Pairs: Workington, Saturday April 5 (3pm)

Championship League Riders’ Championship: Scunthorpe, Sunday April 6 (3pm)

BSPL Chairman Rob Godfrey said: “It’s an exciting prospect to be opening the Championship season with the two shared events.

“It should be a real bonanza weekend of racing with top line-ups, and we’ll be looking to give good value with hopefully some joint promotions across the meetings.

“We want to get these in at a time when rider availability is not a problem, and we’ve got to recognise the change of format with the British GP, with more going on there with the qualifying the day before, so that’s why we’ve moved these events to the beginning of the season.”

BRITISH WOMEN’S OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP: Following the success of this season’s event at Leicester, this meeting will once again take place at Beaumont Park in 2025, running in conjunction with a round of the British Youth Championship.

TESTIMONIALS: Four riders have been granted Testimonial Meetings in respect of their long service to British Speedway. Those riders are: Ryan Douglas, Jason Doyle, Nicolai Klindt and Tai Woffinden.

REFEREES: It has been highlighted that the increase in live transmission of meetings in the UK (TV and streaming) has put referees under the spotlight more than ever before. The SCB made a presentation to the members of the BSP Ltd, whereby continued work with the Association of Referees will take place to assist the referees, and to try and help improve the sport in all areas.

Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, 

I would like to say thank you to you all.  The Sponsors and fans have been amazing this year, and a HUGE thank you has to go to all of the volunteers and staff who helped myself and the club throughout the horrendous winter with the track alterations, through to the finale of our season. 

This season the racing has been a start stop affair with the fixtures and the usual weather cancellations, but I do need to congratulate the riders who wore the ProwPark race jackets this year as 100% effort was given and totally appreciated and all of the help given throughout the worst winter I have seen at Plymouth with track preparation.

I was hoping to have a finale on the 28th of this month, but having seen the weather forecast take a downturn for the following days ahead I have decided to cancel. 

It is a disappointment, however I am delighted to have witnessed the quality of the racing that I have seen in the previous months and I can now look forward to upgrading some more of the stadium over this winter. 

I sincerely apologise to everyone who was looking forward to another great spectacle at The Coliseum.

If any business would like to get involved to help to push the club forward for 2025, please contact our commercial manager Paul Swarbrick by emailing paul@plymouth-speedway.com

Thanks again for all of your support

Mark

The Plymouth ProwPark Gladiators completed their Cab Direct Championship fixtures, losing 54-36 against the Workington Comets at the GT Tyres Arena.

Dan Thompson continued his impressive form over the season, top scoring with 15.

With the Comets also taking the aggregate bonus point, the Gladiators finished the season 8th in the Cab Direct Championship.

Workington Comets = 54 (101)

1. Josh Pickering (G) – 2’, 3, 3, 3 = 11+1 (Paid Maximum)

2. Simon Lambert (G) – 3, 2’, 3, 1 = 9+1

3. Antti Vuolas – 3, FX, 3, 2, 2’ = 10+1

4. Paco Castagna (G) – 2’, 2, 1, 1 = 6+1

5. Troy Batchelor – 3, 2, 3, 2’, 3 = 13+1

6. Sam McGurk – 1, 0, F, 0 = 1

7. Paul Starke – 0, 2’, 2’, 0 = 4+2

Plymouth Gladiators = 36 (79)

1. Nico Covatti R/R (BB – 1, DT – 2, AB – 0) = 3

2. Alfie Bowtell – 0, 1, 0, 1’, 0 = 2+1

3. Dan Thompson – 1, 3, 3, 2, 2, 3, 1 = 15

4. Joe Thompson – 0, 1, 0, 2’ = 3+1

5. Ben Barker – 1, 1, 1, 2, 1, 0 = 6

6. Patrick Baek – 3, 0, 0, 1 = 4

7. Jacob Hook – 2’, 0, 1, 3 = 6+1

Heat Results

Heat 01: Lambert, Pickering, Barker, Bowtell 5-1, 57.2

Heat 02: Baek, Hook, McGurk, Starke 1-5, 6-6, 58.1

Heat 03: Vuolas, Castagna, D. Thompson, J. Thompson 5-1, 11-7, 57.6

Heat 04: Batchelor, Starke, Barker, Hook 5-1, 16-8, 57.3

Heat 05 Re-Run: D. Thompson, Castagna, Bowtell, Vuolas (FX) 2-4, 18-12, 58.2

Heat 06: Pickering, Lambert, Barker, Baek 5-1, 23-13, 56.9

Heat 07: D. Thompson, Batchelor, J. Thompson, McGurk 2-4, 25-17, 58.4

Heat 08: Lambert, Starke, Hook, Bowtell 5-1, 30-18, 58.4

Heat 09: Vuolas, Barker, Castagna, Baek 4-2, 34-20, 57.8

Heat 10: Pickering, D. Thompson, Lambert, J. Thompson 4-2, 38-22, 57.5

Heat 11 Re-Run: Batchelor, D. Thompson, Bowtell, McGurk (F) 3-3, 41-25, 58.5

Heat 12: D. Thompson, Vuolas, Baek, Starke 2-4, 43-29

Heat 13: Pickering, Batchelor, Barker, Bowtell 5-1, 48-30, 58.6

Heat 14: Hook, J. Thompson, Castagna, McGurk 1-5, 49-35, 59.1

Heat 15 Re-Run: Batchelor, Vuolas, D. Thompson, Barker 5-1, 54-36, 59.0

Courtesy of Speedway Updates

Image credit: Dave Payne

The Plymouth ProwPark Gladiators take on the Workington Comets on Saturday in their final away fixture in the Cab Direct Championship. (tapes up 3pm)

The Gladiators again run Rider Replacement for the injured Nico Covatti, whilst Alfie Bowtell returns having missed the recent home clash against Oxford and Patrick Baek moves to the reserve berth.

The clash is a must win for Comets who are currently 4th in the Championship, with the Glasgow Tigers still in the chase for the final Play-off spot. Josh Pickering comes in for Craig Cook who dislocated his shoulder last night riding for the Leicester Lions, whilst Simon Lambert guests for Claus Vissing and Paco Castagna comes in for injured Aussie star, Tate Zischke.

Teams:

Workington Comets:

1. Josh Pickering 2. Simon Lambert  3. Antti Vuolas – 4. Pasco Castagna 5. Troy Batchelor 

6. Sam McGurk 7. Paul Starke 

Plymouth ProwPark Gladiators:

1. R/R for Nico Covatti  2. Alfie Bowtell 3. Dan Thompson 4. Joe Thompson 5. Ben Barker

6. Patrick Baek 7. Jacob Hook

Image credit: Dan Westlake

The Plymouth ProwPark Gladiators suffered last heat heartache when the Oxford Cheetahs snatched a 47-43 victory at the Coliseum.

In another close, competitive meeting, the Gladiators had opened up a 10 point lead after heat 5 before the Cheetahs took heat advantages in the 8th and 9th and a 2-4 heat advantage in the penultimate race to level the scores.

The nominated heat 15, saw the Cheetahs take a maximum 5-1 from Scott Nicholls and Sam Masters to take victory on the night.

Dan Thompson, Ben Barker and Joe Thompson top scored for The Gladiators with 12+1, 12+1 and 12 respectively.

Plymouth Gladiators = 43 (82)

1. Nico Covatti R/R (BB – 3, DT – 2, JH – 0, MP – 0) = 5

2. Max Perry (G) – 0, 0, 0 = 0

3. Dan Thompson – 3, 3, 2, 2, 1’, 1 = 12+1

4. Patrick Baek – 1, 0, 0 = 1

5. Ben Barker – 3, 3, 3, 1’, 2, 0 = 12+1

6. Joe Thompson – 3, 0, R, 3, 2, 2, 2 = 12

7. Jacob Hook – 2’, 2’, 1, 0, 1’ = 6+3

Oxford Cheetahs = 47 (98)

1. Sam Masters – 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 2’ = 15+1

2. Cameron Heeps – 1’, 1’, 3, 0 = 5+2

3. Ashton Boughen – 0, 2, 1’, 3 = 6+1

4. Jordan Jenkins – 2, 1’, 2, 3 = 8+1

5. Scott Nicholls – R, 1, 3, 1, 3 = 8

6. Luke Killeen – FX, 2’, 0, FX = 2+1

7. Jody Scott (G) – 1, 1, 1 = 3

Heat Results

Heat 01: Barker, Masters, Heeps, Perry 3-3, 51.85

Heat 02: J. Thompson, Hook, Scott, Killeen (FX) 5-1, 8-4, Awarded

Heat 03: D. Thompson, Jenkins, Baek, Boughen 4-2, 12-6, 54.27

Heat 04 Re-Run x2: Barker, Hook, Scott, Nicholls (R) 5-1, 17-7, 53.72

Heat 05: D. Thompson, Masters, Heeps, Baek 3-3, 20-10, 53.62

Heat 06: Masters, D. Thompson, Nicholls, Perry 2-4, 22-14, 52.99

Heat 07: Barker, Boughen, Jenkins, J. Thompson 3-3, 25-17, 53.59

Heat 08: Heeps, Killeen, Hook, J. Thompson (R) 1-5, 26-22, 55.37

Heat 09: Nicholls, D. Thompson, Scott, Baek 2-4, 28-26, 51.85

Heat 10: J. Thompson, Jenkins, Boughen, Hook 3-3, 31-29, 53.87

Heat 11: Masters, J. Thompson, Barker, Heeps 3-3, 34-32, 53.49

Heat 12: Boughen, J. Thompson, D. Thompson, Killeen 3-3, 37-35, 54.56l

Heat 13: Masters, Barker, Nicholls, Perry 2-4, 39-39, 54.33

Heat 15: Nicholls, Masters, D. Thompson, Barker 1-5, 43-47, 52.40

Courtesy of Speedway Updates

Image Credit: Dan Westlake

The Plymouth ProwPark Gladiators conclude their 2024 home season when they take on the Oxford Cheetahs in the Cab Direct Championship at The Coliseum this evening (31st August) with tapes up 7pm.

The Cheetahs currently sit second in the Championship table and took a 51-39 victory over The Gladiators at Sandy Lane earlier in August, although the Gladiators secured a 49-41 victory at The Coliseum in the BSN Series, back in May.

The Gladiators are without both Nico Covatti and Alfie Bowtell due to injury, and have yet to confirm Rider replacements / guests*, whilst Jody Scott comes in for Adam Roynon at reserve for the Cheetahs.

* Any guest updates will be confirmed on the Gladiators Facebook channel

Plymouth ProwPark Gladiators

1 TBC* 2 TBC* 3 Dan Thompson 4 Patryk Baek 5 Ben Barker (Capt) 6 Joe Thompson 7 Jacob Hook

Oxford Cheetahs

1 Sam Masters, 2. Cameron Heeps, 3. Ashton Boughen 4. Jordan Jenkins  5. Scott Nicholls, 6. Luke Killeen 7. Jody Scott.

Meeting Info:

Gates Open: 5:45pm

Tapes Up: 7pm

Admission: (Cash only at the gate, no cards)

Adults Seating £20

Adults Standing £18

11-17 Years £11

Under 11 Free.

For those unable to attend, the meeting will be streamed on Gladiators Live. Click here for full information. Please note this is the only official stream, all other links are spam, please do not click them.

The recent postponed clash away at Workington, has now been rescheduled for Saturday, September 7th. Tapes up at 3.00pm

The Poole Pirates took all of the points with a 41-49 victory over the Plymouth ProwPark Gladiators in another nip and tuck meeting at The Coliseum.

The Gladiators had led from the second heat through to heat 10, before former Gladiator Paul Stake teamed up with Richard Lawson in the 11th heat, to take a maximum heat advantage to level the scores. 

The Gladiators edged back in front in the 12th heat thanks to a 4-2 from the Thompson twins, before Ben Barker was excluded after a coming together with Tom Brennan in heat 13.  The re-run saw the Pirates claim a 5-1 followed by further 4-2 heat advantage in the 14th and a 5-1 in the nominated heat 15, to take victory on the night along with the aggregate bonus point. 

Dan Thompson again top scored for the Gladiators with 13, backed by brother Joe Thompson (10+3) and Alfie Bowtell with 8.

The Gladiators away fixture at Workington tomorrow (25th August) has been postponed due to the weather.

Scores and heat results.

Plymouth Gladiators = 41

1. Nico Covatti R/R (BB – 1’, DT – 3, JT – 1’, AB – 1) = 6+2

2. Alfie Bowtell – 2, 0, 3, 2, 1 = 8

3. Dan Thompson – 2, 2, 3, 2, 3, 1 = 13

4. Patrick Baek – 0, 1’, R = 1+1

5. Ben Barker – 1’, 3, 2, 1, X, 0 = 7+1

6. Joe Thompson – 3, 1’, 2’, 1’, 1, 2 = 10+3

7. Jacob Hook – 2’, FX, 0, 0 = 2+1

Poole Pirates = 49

1. Richard Lawson – 3, 3, 1, 2’, 2’, 3 = 14+2

2. Sam Hagon – 0, 0, 0 = 0

3. Ben Cook – 3, 3, 0, 0 = 6

4. Zach Cook – 1, 0, 3, 3, 2’ = 9+1

5. Tom Brennan – 2, 2, 3, 3 = 10

6. Paul Starke (G) – R, 1’, 3, 2, 1 = 7+1

7. Ben Trigger (G) – 1, 1’, 1 = 3+1

Heat Results

Heat 01: Lawson, Bowtell, Barker, Hagon 3-3

Heat 02: J. Thompson, Hook, Trigger, Starke (R) 5-1, 8-4, 54.55

Heat 03: B. Cook, D. Thompson, Z. Cook, Baek 2-4, 10-8, 53.16

Heat 04: Barker, Brennan, Trigger, Hook (FX) 3-3, 13-11, Awarded

Heat 05: Lawson, D. Thompson, Baek, Hagon 3-3, 16-14, 52.99

Heat 06: D. Thompson, Brennan, Starke, Bowtell 3-3, 19-17, 53.06

Heat 07: B. Cook, Barker, J. Thompson, Z. Cook 3-3, 22-20, 53.29

Heat 08: Bowtell, J. Thompson, Trigger, Hagon 5-1, 27-21, 54.45

Heat 09: Brennan, D. Thompson, Lawson, Baek (R) 2-4, 29-25, 52.87

Heat 10: Z. Cook, Bowtell, J. Thompson, B. Cook 3-3, 32-28, 53.51

Heat 11: Starke, Lawson, Barker, Hook 1-5, 33-33, 53.63

Heat 12: D. Thompson, Starke, J. Thompson, B. Cook 4-2, 37-35, 53.93

Heat 13 Re-Run: Brennan, Lawson, Bowtell, Barker (X) 1-5, 38-40, 53.13

Heat 14: Z. Cook, J. Thompson, Starke, Hook 2-4, 40-44, 53.55

Heat 15: Lawson, Z. Cook, D. Thompson, Barker 1-5, 41-49, 53.52

Courtesy of Speedway Updates

Image credit: Dan Westlake.

The Plymouth ProwPark Gladiators quickly return to track action, when they take on the Poole Pirates in the Cab Direct Championship at The Coliseum this evening (24th August) – tapes up 7pm.

Following the close defeat away at The Redcar Bears last night, the Gladiators will be looking to bounce back and take victory against the high flying Pirates, who currently sit at the top of the Cab Direct Championship.

The Gladiators will run Rider Replacement for the injured Nico Covatti, unless a suitable guest becomes available*, whilst former Gladiators Ben Trigger and Paul Starke come in for Tobias Thomsen (compassionate leave) and the injured Vinne Joe Foord for The Pirates.

Plymouth ProwPark Gladiators

1 RR / TBC* 2 Alfie Bowtell 3 Dan Thompson 4 Patryk Baek 5 Ben Barker (Capt) 6 Joe Thompson 7 Jacob Hook

Poole Pirates 

1 Richard Lawson 2 Sam Hagon 3 Ben Cook (Capt) 4 Zach Cook 5 Tom Brennan 6 Paul Starke (G) 7 Ben Trigger (G)

* Any guest will be confirmed on the Gladiators Facebook channel

Meeting Info:

Gates Open: 5:45pm

Tapes Up: 7pm

Admission: (Cash only at the gate, no cards)

Adults Seating £20

Adults Standing £18

11-17 Years £11

Under 11 Free.

For those unable to attend, the meeting will be streamed on Gladiators Live. Click here for full information. Please note this is the only official stream, all other links are spam, please do not click them.