Poole Pirates win back the BSN Series from Redcar

Poole Pirates have won the BSN Series back from Redcar Bears. The Dorset speedway club beat the holders 52-38 at Wimborne Road on Wednesday 23 September 2026, turning a six-point first-leg deficit into a 94-86 aggregate win, the Bournemouth Echo reported.

The result is confirmed by British Speedway's official report, which calls it Poole's regaining of the trophy. Redcar had beaten the Pirates to the same title in last season's final, also decided at Wimborne Road.

How did Poole turn the final around?

Poole trailed 48-42 after the first leg at Redcar on Tuesday 22 September, having been twelve points down on the night after ten races, the Echo reported. Back at home, the Bears held their aggregate lead for the first half of the meeting before three straight heat advantages swung it.

Will Cairns and Slater Lightcap took a 5-1 in heat eight to draw level on aggregate. Lewis Kerr and Cooper Rushen followed with another 5-1 in heat nine to put Poole in front for the first time, and Richard Lawson and Cairns stretched the lead to six in heat ten. Shared heats in 13 and 14 then took the Pirates past 90 points with one race to spare.

Rushen won heat 14 to settle it. He told the Echo he "just saw red" going to the tapes, and credited captain Zach Cook for rallying the team at around heat five. Lawson then won the final heat, becoming the only rider to beat Redcar skipper Charles Wright on the night.

Pirates manager Neil Middleditch told British Speedway the team had lacked fire early on but responded, and he credited Gary Havelock for his part in the win. Redcar boss Gavin Parr said his riders had given Poole a real battle.

What comes next for the Pirates?

The BSN Series is the first of two finals for Poole this season. The Pirates also reached the Championship Grand Final with a win at Edinburgh, and will face either Scunthorpe or Glasgow, according to the Echo. Dates had not been confirmed when we published, so check the Poole Pirates website for the fixture.

What it means for visitors

A speedway night at Wimborne Road is one of the more unusual things to do in Poole, and the season is nearly over, so a Grand Final home leg is likely to be the last chance to see the Pirates until spring. Poole Stadium is on Wimborne Road, north of the town centre, a short hop from Poole railway station and a straightforward trip from Bournemouth. The Bournemouth Guide's local guide to Poole covers the town, and its getting around without a car guide has the trains and buses between the two towns.

Make a day of it by the water first; our guide to things to do in Poole covers the Quay, the harbour and Poole Park. If you want to stay in Poole itself, where to stay in Poole compares the areas, and our serviced apartments near Poole page covers the options from Bournemouth. Driving to the stadium? The Help Centre's parking guide explains parking at our buildings. For the other big sporting draw in town, see our guide to Bournemouth football and the Cherries page.