ITV to screen Cab Direct British Final this Saturday

NEWS Tuesday 11th August 2026, 4:00pm

by British Speedway

  Edinburgh Monarchs

Live speedway is to make a sensational return to free-to-air television – with this Saturday's Cab Direct British Final at Belle Vue to be screened by ITV4 and ITVX.

British Speedway is delighted to have concluded arrangements with ITV plc for the live broadcast of the showpiece major event at the National Speedway Stadium, Manchester on August 15 (7pm).

In a further boost, long time Championship backers Cab Direct have agreed a deal to become title sponsors of the prestige meeting which will feature Grand Prix star Robert Lambert defending the title.

Seven former British Champions will line up on Saturday, as well as some of the sport's top rising talent including 16-year-old Cooper Rushen and 17-year-old home favourite Will Cairns.

The return to ITV platforms will evoke memories of televised speedway coverage on the World of Sport programme which ran until the mid-1980s.

Nowadays, ITV4 is the main linear television outlet for ITV Sport, with motorsport playing a key role in its output. The event will also be shown on ITV's streaming platform ITVX.

Securing the backing of the UK's leading taxi supplier, Cab Direct, is yet more positive news for the event as the company continue to extend their support for British Speedway.

Peter Facenna, Managing Director of Cab Direct, said: "We've been proud supporters of British Speedway for several years through our sponsorship of the Cab Direct Championship, so it's fantastic to see the British Final return to free-to-air television.

"ITV coverage will help showcase the speed, skill and excitement of the sport to a wider audience and inspire a new generation of fans.

"Speedway has deep roots in communities across the UK, and we're proud to support an event that celebrates the very best of British Speedway."

Premiership CEO Phil Morris said: "I'm delighted we can once again bring speedway to free-to-air television, and especially for such a big event as the British Final.

"We know we can expect a night of top-class racing with so much at stake for the riders on a superb circuit which always produces thrilling action.

"To have it on free-to-air television with ITV is fantastic news for the sport."

Live coverage from Belle Vue on Saturday August 15 will get underway at 7pm with the meeting parade, with the opening race at 7.15pm.

Monarchs number 1 Dan Thompson will ride at number 8 in the line up, see the full draw now:

CAB DIRECT BRITISH FINAL DRAW: 1 Anders Rowe, 2 Cooper Rushen, 3 Craig Cook, 4 Robert Lambert, 5 Adam Ellis, 6 Drew Kemp, 7 Will Cairns, 8 Dan Thompson, 9 Jason Edwards, 10 Danny King, 11 Charles Wright, 12 Dan Bewley, 13 Jody Scott, 14 Leon Flint, 15 Chris Harris, 16 Tom Brennan. Reserves: 17 Jake Mulford, 18 Ace Pijper.