Kent Eagles will bring the curtain down on the 2026 Speedway season on Sunday, in a three teams challenge.

The Kent outfit bring down the curtain with a fitting finale, facing off against not just one but arguably their two toughest opponents of the campaign at the Old Gun site.

The Norwich Stars triumphed over the Eagles in a dramatic run off in the season opening Pioneers Cup and the Thurrock Hammers came within a heartbeat of doing similar as the victory slipped from their grasp in controversial circumstances, the much reported final lap, the fifth and superfluous one that was ruled out, the finishing order amended and with that the Ken Ex trophy slipped from the Hammers grasp and into the Eagles claws.

Suffice to say the Thurrock contingent will be looking to atone for that moment whilst Jason Pipe, team manager of the Stars will be looking to carry on his proud record of never having lost a meeting at Iwade in six attempts

Edward Kennett, fresh from a success laden visit to New York, and double Best Pairs victor Jack Kingston will lead the line for the hosting Eagles with invaluable support coming in the shape of Nathan Hargrave, Connor King and Alex Chadd.

Big news in the final few days heading into the clash comes in the form that Jason Edwards, who featured in that now infamous five lapper earlier in the year will return to head up the Hammers offensive. Providing quality back up to Edwards will be Ben Whalley who has scored many a point around the Iwade circuit already this term. Also, providing fire power from the engine room of the side will be former Kent exponent Alex Spooner along with (unrelated) duo James Laker and Rhys Laker.

Norwich supremo Jason Pipe names a strong side, one that he hopes will continue his run of success at the Kent venue, Dan Gilkes is an imposing presence that heads the stars line up while the pair that piled up the points on behalf of the Isle of Wight in the Eagles most recent home meeting, Mickie Simpson and Ollie Binns make their return to potentially ‘Star for the Stars’. With the highly rated Harry Fletcher added to the mix it can easily be seen that they will be ready and capable to keep the ‘Pipe dream’ alive.

So, whether it be the Kent Eagles, the Thurrock Hammers or indeed the Norwich Stars, three strong and evenly matched line ups head into battle, no quarter asked and none given in what is likely to prove a thrilling encounter, the perfect Season Finale and one in which anything could happen.  

Eagerly anticipating his team’s final bow in what has proved a wholly successful campaign Eagles Team Manager David Graveling, said: “What a season we have had here at Iwade and what a way to end the year, three strong teams and too close to call. You can be certain that our own Eagles will be all out to make it a winning conclusion.”

Kent Eagles: Edward Kennett, Connor King, Jack Kingston, Nathan Hargrave, Alex Chadd.

Thurrock Hammers : Jason Edwards, James Laker, Ben Whalley, Alex Spooner, Rhys Laker.

Norwich Stars : Dan Gilkes, Mickie Simpson, Ollie Binns, Harry Fletcher, fifth rider to be confirmed.