Big news for Berwick Bandits fans! They've just finalized their team for the 2026 season, and it includes a fresh face: UK newcomer Reid Battye! This signing is set to shake things up in the Cab Direct Championship.
Battye, a 24-year-old from Australia, has been making waves back home. He racked up an impressive 19 points across the four rounds of the recent national championship series. Talk about a strong start!
He'll be joining the Bandits with a starting average of four points, and will be riding at reserve alongside Jack Smith.
Manager Stewart Dickson is clearly excited about the new addition. He stated that Battye's performances in Australia really stood out. Dickson also noted that while Battye might be relatively new to speedway, he brings a wealth of racing experience from other disciplines.
Dickson is confident that, with the support of club owner Jamie Courtney and co-promoters Steve Dews and Sarah Bulman, they've assembled a team that will be a force to be reckoned with in 2026. He believes the team will be challenging on all fronts and that the supporters will be fully behind them. But here's where it gets interesting...
Could Battye's lack of team sport experience be a potential hurdle? While his individual skills are undeniable, the dynamics of team racing are unique. It will be exciting to see how he adapts.
What do you think of this new signing? Do you believe Battye will be a valuable asset to the Bandits? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
