British Speedway has concluded arrangements with ITV for the live broadcast of its showpiece Cab Direct British Final at the National Speedway Stadium, Belle Vue, Manchester, on August 15 (7pm) across ITV4 and ITVX.
In a further boost, long-time Championship backers Cab Direct have agreed a deal to become title sponsors of the prestige meeting which will feature Grand Prix star Robert Lambert defending the title.
Lambert, who is currently also in contention for the world title, clinched his second British crown last year at the same venue in a deciding race widely regarded as one of the best in the history of the sport.
He overcame former champions Charles Wright, Dan Bewley and Chris Harris in a remarkable four way, four lap battle which went right down to the wire.
The return to ITV platforms will evoke memories of televised speedway coverage on the World of Sport programme, which ran until the mid-1980s.
ITV4 has become the established home of the British Touring Car Championship, along with being free-to-air broadcast partner of the FIA Formula E series.
ITVX is the streaming service operated by ITV, containing exclusive content in addition to that which is broadcast free-to-air.
Securing the backing of taxi supplier Cab Direct is more positive news for the event, as the sponsor continues to extend its support for British Speedway.
Cab Direct has been the title sponsor of the Championship league since 2023, subsequently adding the KO Cup competition under the MAXiCab brand, and they will now put their name to one of the sport’s major events for the first time.
Richard Botchway, ITV Sport assistant commissioner, said: “It’s great to bring the Cab Direct British Final free-to-air on ITV this weekend. We have a long standing relationship with British Speedway and are pleased to continue showcasing the very best British Racing action to our audience.”
Peter Facenna, MD of Cab Direct, said: “We’ve been proud supporters of British Speedway for several years through our sponsorship of the Cab Direct Championship, so it’s fantastic to see the British Final return to free-to-air television.
“ITV coverage will help showcase the speed, skill and excitement of the sport to a wider audience and inspire a new generation of fans.
“Speedway has deep roots in communities across the UK, and we’re proud to support an event that celebrates the very best of British Speedway.”
Live coverage from Belle Vue on Saturday August 15 will get underway at 7pm with the meeting parade, with the opening race at 7.15pm.
