Super six as Kye Thomson signs on with Edinburgh Monarchs

The Australian is preparing for his sixth season with the club having joined in 2021, a rider who has developed from the reserve position into a main heat leader. He enjoyed a hugely productive spell at No.5 this year and is hoping to cement that position in 2026.

There is just one void to fill with Thomson joining compatriots Jordy Loftus, Mitch Cluff, and Justin Sedgmen, as well as Jonatan Grahn, and new No.1 Dan Thompson.

“Yeah, it is great to be back and I am looking to kick on again next season," the 27-year-old said. "From about mid-season on to the end I felt I did that this year and that has given me a lot of confidence. I was really enjoying my speedway and I didn’t want the season to end.

Thomson has his eye on silverware in 2026. Picture: Jack Cupido

“I gained a lot of confidence and experience riding at No.5 and I enjoyed that as it gave me something to ride for knowing I was in the big heats. I actually hope to be back at No.5 next year and keep that going.”

The heartbreaking semi-final defeat to arch rivals the Glasgow Tigers still irks Thomson, who is desperate for a taste of silverware in 2026.

"I really felt we could go all the way and we were perhaps a little unlucky not to," he said. "Losing Paco (Castagna) for the away leg at Ashfield was a big blow, not just on the track, but in the pits. That has just made me want success even more and I think 2026 can be a big year for the club.

“The team we have I think we can have a great season. Bringing in Dan Thompson is a great move and I will be looking to lean on him as well, especially when it comes to gating. He was such a consistent strong starter last season so I’ll be asking him for advice on that.

“At the other end we will have a full season of Jordy and it was great when he came in last season, him and his family were great in the pits and he will have learned a lot.

"I think he will kick on as well. It looks a strong team and I can’t wait to get back for the season. I will not be doing too many meetings over the Aussie summer as it is a lot of travelling and the costs add up. Doing the Aussie championships, for example, would probably cost me around $10,000, not to mention two weeks off work and away from the family, so I made the decision this year that I would rather work and then put the money into my equipment for next year.

“I will be buying a new engine and some other things, I did that last season as well and it helped so I know this is the way to progress. I also have a new fitness regime and I think that will help as well."