West Cumbrian speedway star Richard Lawson is set for Danish SpeedwayLigaen action in 2026 after agreeing terms with newly-promoted Brovst club Nordjysk Elite Speedway.
The former British Championship runner-up has enjoyed a real upsurge in form in the UK in recent years, particularly impressing for Championship club Poole, where he has won three league and cup doubles in four years, including a trophy treble in 2024.
He has confirmed a return to the Pirates for 2026 and will also compete for an unnamed Polish side next year.
Lawson starred on his single Danish appearance in 2025, scoring 14 paid 16 points for Fjelsted away to Region Varde. He believes some more regular Danish rides will help him continue his upward trajectory in the sport.
The 39-year-old said: “Although I’ve gradually become a veteran in the speedway sport, I’m always trying to improve my performance. I am coming from the best season of my career so far and I think I can still do better.
“I raced one match in Denmark last year and I really enjoyed it. I like the format and the whole setup of a league match in Denmark. When Mike (NES team leader) called me, I was very excited and didn’t take long to sign the contract.”
Lawson is joined in the squad by his former Poole teammate Tobias Thomsen, plus Swedish international Timo Lahti, former Speedway GP star Tomas H Jonasson, Ukrainian Marko Levishyn, former SGP2 star Esben Hjerrild, Dimitri Buch and Rasmus Funch-Larsen.
While NES isn’t rated among the title favourites; it’s a side he is backing to surprise.
He said: “I am really looking forward to riding for NES in 2026. I will do my part to lead the team to many victories.
“I think that the team will go a little under the radar – just like I do myself. I hope that we as a team will produce some good results and provide good entertainment for the fans. Hopefully we can impress and have a successful season together.”
Lawson started his career with Workington Comets and spent five seasons at Derwent Park from 2009 to 2013, being part of the Fours winning team and the Young Shield.
He is the son of former Comet star and current Workington co-promoter Steve Lawson.
