ARMCHAIR fans are being invited to speedway’s longest-running social event on the British Speedway Network.
The sold-out World Speedway Riders’ Association Awards Gala will be live-streamed around the world for the first time.
The WSRA and BSN have joined forces so that supporters can watch the presentation of the coveted Steel Shoes from Leicester’s Marriott Hotel on Saturday, November 8.
The awards honour current riders, clubs and legends of the past with world champion turned Hollywood star Bruce Penhall the very special guest of honour.
In all there are ten awards that will be handed out in front of a black-tie audience including four times world champion Hans Nielsen, and no less than seven world finalists including Bengt Jansson, Chris Morton, Chris Louis, Jim McMillan, Doug Wyer, John Davis and Jan Staechmann.
BSN’s cameras will be there to bring all the glitz and glamour to supporters in a two-hour show hosted by award-winning presenter and commentator Ian Brannan.
Tickets for British speedway’s night of nights sold out in record time this year and the joint venture between the WSRA and BSN will ensure a world-wide audience as the broadcast is available free of charge.
The two-hour live stream is not only a first for the WSRA, but also for the broadcaster with viewers able to watch the sold-out event free of charge starting at 8.30pm.
WSRA chairman, Bert Harkins, said: “The Gala Dinner is always the highlight of the WSRA calendar and it’s hoped that having a live-stream of the awards will boost our profile as a charity as we look to get new members whether they’re a rider, official or supporter.
“We have a longstanding commitment to supporting injured riders, but in more recent years we’ve sponsored the National Development League to help bring on youngsters and we introduced the WSRA NDL Rider of the month award this year too.
“A big thank-you to owners Ben (Duffill) and Martin (Hunter) from BSN for agreeing to broadcast the awards ceremony, they do a fantastic job so I hope people enjoy the stream.”
BSN co-owner, Ben Duffill added: “We’re delighted to be given the opportunity to team up with the WSRA by live-streaming their awards ceremony
“We hope supporters enjoy this free live-stream as we wrap up another season of broadcasting British speedway.”
Guest of Honour and two-time world champion Bruce Penhall is only in Britain for two nights but will meet supporters at the special ATPI Evening with Bruce Penhall at The Theatre, Plantsbrook School, Sutton Coldfield, B72 1RB, on Friday, November 7, 2025 (7-9.30pm).
A limited number of tickets for that unique occasion are still available priced at £30 each which includes a £5 donation to a charity of Bruce’s choice in memory of his 21-year-old son Connor, who was tragically killed by a drunk driver while working on a closed Freeway in California in 2012.
To purchase tickets call WSRA secretary/treasurer Graham Darling on 07737 440296.