This weekend sees the return of Speedway to Iwade, as the Kent Eagles kick-off their 2026 season with a competitive fixture against Norwich Stars.

It is all the remarkable as it looked like there would be no speedway at the Old Gun Site this season.

The action is set to get underway at mid-day (with admission available from 10 a.m.) The clash is likely to prove not only a curtain-raiser for the home side but also a statement of intent for the 2026 season ahead.

Following a period of uncertainty over the winter months, the Kent outfit return to action under a restructured management setup with racing set to be contested under the NORA banner. The move will ensure regular action at Iwade once again, a small but focused itinerary of fixtures designed to rebuild momentum and reconnect with supporters who followed the Eagles faithfully throughout the 2025 campaign.

A scan down the respective team line ups reveals a quality, entertaining and a wholly competitive edge. Experienced duo Edward Kennett and long-time Kent fan favourite James Shanes lead the Eagles into combat, forming a points potent triple spearhead alongside Jack Kingston. The big three will be offered capable backing by Nathan Hargrave, who represented them last year, Connor King and Alex Chadd.

The opposition, Norwich Stars, carry historic weight in British speedway circles. While the original club dates back to the mid-20th century, modern incarnations in events like this reflect the sport’s grassroots revival and exhibition culture. That makes them an unpredictable opponent, capable of mixing seasoned riders with emerging talent.

Norwich return to track action having effectively spent more than six decades in the speedway wilderness. Their resurgence comes under the watchful eye and guiding hand of supremo Jason Pipe who tasted managerial success only last year as he steered the King’s Lynn Young Stars to National Development Trophy success.

On track, bringing leadership and top tier experience to the Stars sextet is Simon Lambert. Providing youth to Lambert’s experience is another name well known to the Kent fan base is Jake Mulford who represented the Kings. Native to Norwich Mulford is also representing Redcar in the Championship in 2026.

The engine room of the visitor’s side witnesses such names as Kenzie Cossey, Dylan Huthwaite, Mickie Simpson and Ollie Binns, all of whom are highly rated and have performed well in the past around the Old Gun circuit.

Already, the fixture has the feel of something more than just an opening meeting, it’s a relaunch. For the Eagles, a strong performance would validate the off-track work done to see speedway continue at Iwade.

For supporters, it’s the return of a familiar thrill and unmistakable intensity of close-quarters racing that speedway can bring.

Expect competitive racing, a lively atmosphere, and the first real indication of what this new-era Kent Eagles team will be striving to achieve in season 2026.