THREE-TIME World Champion Jason Crump gave BSN his Cab Direct Championship verdicts for 2025 as the new season kicks off with the Championship Pairs and CLRC this weekend.

Crump said "It has to be said that this league looks really even, not one team really leaps out as being red-hot favourites. 

"Poole have dominated since returning to the second tier, apart from when Glasgow got the better of them in 2023. 

"But the Pirates have got a big job ahead having lost both big-hitters Tom Brennan and Ben Cook. 

"No predictions from me. On paper Redcar and Glasgow look decent but on paper means nothing. The most important thing for any success is steering clear of injuries. I think it’s going to be a fascinating Championship season."

BERWICK

THE Bandits looked to have a really good on paper with the spearhead of Peter Kildemand and Craig Cook. To have two ex-Grand Prix riders at Shielfield Park was sensational. 

Sadly it’s been a bit of a nightmare start with Kildemand getting an early knock and doubts over whether Cookie will be available. If they can be at full strength, the likes of Drew Kemp and Bastian Borke will be key. 

EDINBURGH

THE Monarchs’ hopes will all be about the unknown quantities in Jonatan Grahn and Oskar Polis. If they come in and do a good job, this is suddenly a very good side. Justin Sedgmen is solid as a No.1 and with Victor Palovaara starting at reserve, they could be very dangerous. Paco Castagna and Kye Thomson have progressed well over the years and if they can improve further, this is a solid side. 

GLASGOW

THIS is a very exciting looking team. There’s so much young talent and all British, if these guys click it’s going to be a huge season at Ashfield. 

Any team with Chris Harris at the helm will always be in with a shout. You always know what you get from Kyle Howarth. But the likes of Dan Thompson, Ashton Boughen and Leon Flint could be a real handful. Dan is one of the most improved riders in UK speedway and is very effective. The key could be Freddy Hodder delivering a decent return from reserve. 

OXFORD

THERE’S no doubt the Cheetahs look a bit weaker at the top end without Scott Nicholls. Jordan Jenkins, Cameron Heeps and Dan Gilkes really need to go up a gear for Oxford to be in the mix. There’s loads of potential in the side. Luke Killeen has shown tons of promise and Mitch McDiarmid comes in for his first UK season. The key for me is whether someone can step up for the No.5 spot with big points. 

POOLE

JUST for a change, the Pirates don’t look as dominant on paper. But you can never underestimate a team run by Neil Middleditch. He has a habit of getting the best out of every rider under his wing. Richard Lawson is consistent and they will look to Lewis Kerr to be the same. Anders Rowe and Zach Cook have potential. The introduction of Will Cairns will be huge mid-season. It will be interesting to see how he copes with the Championship. 

PLYMOUTH

THE Gladiators have a really good look about them with Nicolai Klindt coming in. Ben Barker is always fabulous to watch. If this bunch can sort out a strong home advantage, they could be really dangerous at times. Joe Thompson has been improving rapidly while Lass Fredriksen and Alfie Bowtell can be very effective. I think it could be a really good season in Devon. 

REDCAR

THERE’S no doubt the Bears look a very strong side. Charles Wright and Danny King are brilliantly solid at all times. But their middle order looks quality with Erik Riss, Jason Edwards and Jake Mulford. That’s a good-looking top five. Erik has got so much ability, it could be a big season for him. If Ace Pijper and Tom Spencer can contribute, this Redcar side has the potential to go all the way. 

SCUNTHORPE

THE Scorpions are a really hard team to judge. There’s a few unknown quantities. Steve Worrall is always dependable and Jake Allen has settled well at Scunny. Simon Lambert is always solid and Connor Mountain is a good Championship scorer. It will probably come down to the Kennedys to decide how good a season unfolds at the Eddie Wright Raceway. 

WORKINGTON

JUST like a couple of other teams, the Comets need someone to step up a level to be a big-scoring No.5. Troy Batchelor will do a solid job at No.1 and Antti Vuolas has been a fabulous addition to the Championship while Tate Zischke will want to carry on from where he left off in 2024.  The one thing about Worky is they have strong reserves which might give them a decent edge.

 

Jason Crump was talking to BSN in association with ATPI.

 

Words by Holeshot Media. 

Images by Taylor Lanning.