BRITISH Speedway has announced a further extension of the charity partnership between the World Speedway Riders’ Association and the National Development League.
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