Northampton Foxes set for speedway debut

The new Northampton Foxes team will make their competitive debut on Monday evening in a Knockout Cup meeting away to King's Lynn Stars.

Speedway Great Britain confirmed last month that Northampton would join the list of Premiership clubs in 2026 and will stage home meetings at the International Shaleway, near Brafield-on-the-Green.

Only six riders will be involved against the Stars after Niels-Kristian Iversen was injured in a crash last week.

And four of them, including captain Nicolai Klindt, have previous experience of riding for the Stars.

Team manager Chris Adams said on their Facebook page: "It does feel strange not to have had the usual pre-season preparations, but I've spoken to every rider in the team individually, and they all know what my expectations of them are and what I expect from the first meeting.

"It's going to be difficult because having the lads together for a press and practice where you can all bond and practice together is something that we're missing, so that may play a tiny part as this is our first time together.

"But the lads are eager to get going. They know it's an official meeting, they are all prepared for it, and we'll have to see what Monday brings."

There will be six teams in the top flight of British speedway this year after Birmingham and Oxford left following last season.

And Northampton will host reigning Premiership champions Ipswich Witches in their first home meeting on 30 April.