Tobias Thomsen: Ready to Bring Fire to Plymouth in 2026 🔥

When the Plymouth Gladiators began shaping their ambitions for 2026, one name kept rising to the top of the wishlist Tobias Thomsen. After impressing during guest appearances and earning a reputation for relentless determination, raw entertainment, and an all-action riding style, the Danish racer now arrives at the Coliseum as a full-time Gladiator.

Known for bringing equal parts passion and unpredictability to the track, Thomsen isn’t just here to score points, he’s here to ignite the crowd and help drive a club he believes is “on the rise” toward silverware. With a strong connection to the fans, a love for the tight confines of the Plymouth circuit, and a clear hunger to succeed, he promises a season packed with intensity, commitment, and unforgettable moments.

We caught up with Tobias to talk about why Plymouth felt like home, his winter preparations, and why supporters should prepare for “fire and chaos” when tapes go up in April.

🔵 What attracted you to signing for the Plymouth Gladiators, and how did the move come about?

I really enjoyed my time when I guested for Plymouth last season, that was a big factor. From there, Gary kept chasing me because he really, really wanted me to sign. And when a club shows that much belief in you, it makes the decision a lot easier.

He told me he liked my attitude and what I was doing at Poole, and that he wanted that same energy at Plymouth. The opportunity was there for a while, I knew they wanted me during the summer so it felt like the right time to make it happen.

The crowd, the atmosphere, and everything going on at the club also played a big part. I want to be part of that project, because I think that’s the right way forward for British Speedway.

🔵 Was there anything specific about the club that made it the right move?

When you arrive at some clubs, you can just feel the spirit straight away. Plymouth feels like home – it feels safe, grounded, and built around good people.

I’m a bit of a hillbilly really, a farmer boy from the countryside, and Plymouth being a little out in the country feels like my kind of place. Those people are my people. On top of that, racing on a Saturday suits my calendar perfectly with kids racing and family life, so everything just lined up.

🔵 What are your first impressions of the club so far?

I’ve been down there a few times now and it just feels good. There’s a small community around the club, everyone helps each other, and you can tell they really want to succeed.

It’s a small club, but one that’s ambitious and ready to go far. You can see that in the team they’ve put together, and it feels like a club on the rise.

🔵 You’ve raced at Plymouth before, what do you think of the track?

To be honest, it’s not always an enjoyable track to ride, but somehow I’m quite good around there! It’s small, there’s not much room for errors, you have to be sharp and aggressive and that suits me perfectly.

I’m not usually strongest on big tracks, but on small to medium ones I’ve always been decent. If Plymouth get it dialled in as a home track, it’s one of the biggest advantages in the league. I genuinely think the team could go unbeaten at home if we all click, because it’s such a tough place to come and race.

🔵 How much did the team setup and atmosphere influence your decision?

It definitely played a part. I like the way they work around the team and the atmosphere they create. But again, the main thing was feeling wanted. When a club wants you the way Plymouth wanted me, it just feels right.

🔵 How have you been spending the off-season preparing for the new season?

It’s been the usual work, building bikes, getting new equipment, and looking at areas where I can improve. But the biggest part of any speedway rider’s winter is raising money.

You need to raise thousands and thousands of pounds just to get a season going with engines, services, and equipment. So my main focus has been fitness and sponsorship. I’ve been working tireless hours on it, but I won’t give in, I’ll get there.

🔵 Have you made any changes to your training this winter?

Not many, but one small change. Normally I take November and December completely off, no speedway, no training, nothing. This time I decided to train a little through those months, because January is always so hard when you start again from nothing. That’s probably the main adjustment I’ve made.

🔵 How are you feeling heading into the new season with Plymouth?

I’m feeling really good. It’s a fresh start in England with a new team, and everything feels positive. The team looks strong, the club feels like it’s on the rise, and it’s going to be fun to be part of that journey. I’m very optimistic.

🔵 What do you feel you can bring to the team this year?

Fire. Simple as that, fire and chaos.

Entertainment is important. You have to bring something to the crowd, and that’s what I do. Entertainment, passion, and hopefully a lot of points. So buckle up.

🔵 What would you like to say to the Plymouth fans ahead of the new campaign?

Be ready for fireworks. Clear out the trophy cabinet because we’re coming to fill it. That’s why I’m there, to win trophies and put on some great racing.

Buckle up, people. See you in March.

🔵 Finally… will we see donuts at the Coliseum this season?

I have more prepared than donuts, So be ready

🎟️ Tickets for all April fixtures and season tickets are now available to purchase on our website.

We’re excited to announce that our online ticketing system is now live.

You can now book your tickets quickly and securely from the comfort of your home, making the whole process smoother and more convenient than ever. Online tickets help you save time by avoiding queues, guarantee your entry by securing your place in advance, and provide a safe and reliable way to pay. They also support a more eco-friendly approach by reducing paper use.

Start booking today and enjoy a faster, easier way to secure your place. We can’t wait to welcome you.

Buy Tickets

Plymouth Gladiators Speedway are delighted to confirm that OBM Motorcycles have been secured as the club’s main sponsor for the 2026 season, marking an exciting new chapter for the club.

Earlier this year, OBM Motorcycles were impacted by a highly publicised incident in which valuable vintage speedway motorcycles were stolen while in transit to a prestigious classic motorcycle auction in Las Vegas. The incident attracted widespread attention across the global speedway and classic motorcycle community.

In the aftermath, the British speedway fraternity rallied together in remarkable fashion, highlighting the strength and unity of the sport. Despite the setback, OBM Motorcycles reaffirmed their commitment to speedway by stepping forward to become principal sponsors of the Plymouth Gladiators, underlining both their resilience and their long-term belief in the sport’s future.

An OBM Motorcycles spokesperson said:

“OBM Motorcycles is delighted to confirm its partnership with the Gladiators as principal sponsor for the 2026 season. This agreement represents a strategic collaboration with a club that has demonstrated resilience, ambition, and a clear long-term vision. The Gladiators’ commitment to providing a family-orientated, welcoming, and child-friendly environment strongly aligns with OBM’s values and community focus. Their ‘Fuel the Future’ initiative also reflects our shared commitment to innovation and the long-term development of British speedway. We look forward to working closely with the club as it enters an exciting new era and to supporting its continued growth both on and off the track.”

OBM’s backing aligns perfectly with the club’s forward-thinking vision and the Fuel the Future mission, which has become a defining theme in the ongoing evolution of the Plymouth Gladiators. The partnership brings together an internationally active motorcycle brand and a club with renewed momentum both on and off the track.

With new additions to the team and a competitive side assembled for the 2026 campaign, the Gladiators are firmly focused on building a bright and successful future.

Promoter and Director Mark Philips welcomed the announcement:

“Securing OBM Motorcycles as our main sponsor for 2026 is a huge step forward for the club. OBM operate on an international stage, and their decision to partner with Plymouth speaks volumes about the belief they have in our direction, our people, and our ‘Fuel the Future’ mission. It immediately raises the profile of the club and gives us tremendous confidence going into the new season.”

As part of the new partnership, the club will officially compete under a new name for the 2026 season: Plymouth OBM Gladiators Speedway

Further announcements regarding the 2026 campaign will be made in due course.

Welcome to the gladiator catch up as we are joined with team manager Garry May. Race nights may last three hours, but building a speedway team takes months. As Plymouth Gladiators gear up for the new campaign, Garry May offers an insight into the planning, people and philosophy behind the scenes and why team spirit, trust and entertainment are just as important as points on the track.

Garry, a lot of people only see you on race nights making tactical decisions. How much actually goes on behind the scenes?

A lot more than people probably realise. People think I just make the changes and that’s it, but there’s loads that goes on behind the scenes. You’re talking to riders constantly about gates, setups, confidence, what they’re feeling on the bike.

You’ve got to understand your riders. Some riders you leave alone, some riders you put an arm around, and some riders you give a bit of a rocket. But it’s never just about shouting at someone. Riders don’t want to come last they’re risking their lives and their wages every time they go out there.

How early does planning for a season like this begin?

Me and Mark normally start towards the end of September. This year was the same. Even though we had to wait until the AGM in January to really finalise things, we already knew roughly what we wanted to do.

Riders start messaging you early asking if you’re interested in them coming to Plymouth. You don’t commit straight away, but you put names to one side and work out what kind of team you can build. So by the time everything’s confirmed, a lot of the thinking has already been done.

What were the key things you and Mark wanted from this year’s team?

The main thing was reliability and balance. Last year we struggled at times with availability, but that’s just speedway. When Nikolaj was away riding abroad, we had to adapt.

The guests we brought in last year Kai Thompson, Zane Kennedy, Tobias Thomsen  none of them let us down. They all scored points for us. But this year, bringing in Danny King and Scott Nicholls gives us two proper leaders. They know how to score points and how to guide a team.

What excites you most about this particular group of riders?

It’s the mix. Danny and Scott are experienced, they’ve been there and done it. Ben Barker is Mr Plymouth he gets the crowd going, he wants the club to do well, and he’s 100% behind it.

Tobias showed how much he loved Plymouth when he guested for us. Joe just wanted to come back and he scores heavily at the Coliseum. Daniel Klima was a no-brainer. And with Tom Spencer, he had tough moments last year, but he never shut off and never gave in even after big moments like that crash over the fence.

What’s important is there’s no hassle in the team. If someone has to be taken out for a tactical reason, they accept it. Everyone understands it’s about the team.

How important is team spirit to you as a manager?

It’s everything. You’re not individuals here you’re everyone else. If a rider crashes and damages his bike, every mechanic and rider is on it helping.

That’s something I’ve always believed in. I had it at Somerset and it worked. When riders feel supported, they ride harder not just for themselves, but for each other.

On race nights, what does your role actually involve?

We get to the track, the riders talk among themselves, and then we walk the track together. We look at conditions, talk about lines, and discuss setups.

Danny and Scott will normally lead on that side of things and pass information on to the other riders. Communication is absolutely key. Everyone helps everyone else.

How do you deal with riders after a mistake or a tough race?

It depends on the rider. Some riders, like Jack Holder when I worked with him, you leave alone straight after a race. He’s already thinking about what went wrong. Give him five or ten minutes and then talk to him.

Other riders need reassurance straight away. And some riders need a firm word. I’ve had situations where I’ve really gone in on a rider but only once. They remember it, and they don’t make the same mistake again.

You’ve got to know your riders. That trust is massive.

Injuries and rider absences are part of speedway. How do you approach that?

You don’t plan for injuries because you don’t want them to happen. When something does happen, you deal with it at the time.

Last year, with Nikolaj, we couldn’t use a guest because of fixture days, so we had to go down the facility route. It worked for us. Sometimes it’s easier to cover an eight-point rider than a four- or five-point rider, but you adapt. That’s speedway.

There’s been a lot of work going on commercially and with fan engagement. How important is that side of things?

It’s massive. Speedway is entertainment. From half six to half nine, you’ve got to put a show on. There’s only so much speedway the rest of it you’ve got to fill.

Kids’ races have been brilliant for atmosphere. They bring families, parents, and kids, and it creates a buzz. Fan interaction, autographs, meet-and-greets all of that matters.

Sponsorship and marketing are huge too. We want to give sponsors more exposure on shirts, live streams, and digital platforms and give fans more reasons to come back every week.

How closely are you working with Mark Phillips on all of this?

Very closely. Mark works incredibly hard on the track and wants Plymouth to be a success. I live too far away to help day-to-day on the track, but what I can do is help on the commercial and operational side.

What are your expectations for the season ahead?

The aim is to win at home, get into the play-offs, and then see what we can do from there across all competitions. But we need the crowd behind us.

Last season, especially towards the end, the supporters were fantastic. They really got behind the riders and lifted them, and the riders feel that.

Finally, what would you like to say to Plymouth supporters heading into the new season?

Just come in your numbers like you did last year. Get behind the riders, cheer them on, and help us build Plymouth into something special.

Mark, his team, the riders, and everyone involved are working hard to make Plymouth a success. With the supporters behind us, hopefully we can all be lifting some silverware together at the end of the season.

The Plymouth Gladiators have officially released their fixtures for the 2026 speedway season, with an exciting opening weekend confirmed in the BSN Series against Poole.

The Gladiators will begin their campaign on the road, travelling to Poole on Friday 3rd April to face the Pirates in the opening fixture of the season. Just 24 hours later, the rivalry continues as Poole make the return trip to the Coliseum on Saturday 4th April for Plymouth’s home season opener.

The opening night at the Coliseum promises to be a special occasion, with a fireworks display planned to celebrate the start of the new season. In addition, the club will be encouraging young Gladiators supporters to take part in fancy dress, adding a family-friendly element to the evening’s entertainment.

Further details regarding the full 2026 fixture list and event information will be announced in due course.

With a new season comes new challenges, but the Gladiators’ determination remains unchanged as preparations continue for what promises to be an exciting 2026 campaign.

Welcome to Gladiator Catch Up. We’ve been catching up with the team over the winter months in preparation for the new season ahead.

Joe Thompson returns to the Plymouth Gladiators for a third consecutive season, and for him, the decision was never in doubt. With unfinished business at the Coliseum and belief in both the club and the team around him, Thompson is determined to help push Plymouth into genuine silverware contention this year.

What made you want to return to Plymouth for another season?

This will be my third season at the Coliseum and I’ve enjoyed every minute of being there. It’s a place I can turn up every week and genuinely enjoy myself.

The atmosphere is becoming something really special, and I’m really looking forward to getting the new season started.

How much did last season influence your decision to come back?

A lot. I had several clubs approach me over the winter asking if I’d sign for them, but Plymouth was always my favourite option.

I get on really well with Garry May, and I truly believe he helps bring the best out of me as a rider.

What does riding for Plymouth mean to you personally?

I’m always proud to represent the Gladiators. Things haven’t quite gone our way over the last couple of seasons, even when we were starting to get close to the play-off places.

That lack of silverware is a big motivation for this year, and it’s something I’m determined to help change.

Looking back on last season, what were your highlights?

Beating Poole three times out of three at the Coliseum was special and probably something people wouldn’t normally associate with Plymouth.

Helping to wrap up Poole’s first defeat in Heat 15 was a really cool moment and definitely a highlight for me.

Is there anything you’ve taken from last year that you’re keen to build on this season?

My gating at the Coliseum is definitely one of my strengths, and that’s something I really want to build on this year. Making good starts there is such an important factor.

Are there any areas you’re particularly focused on improving?

The track has developed a lot, and I’m excited to make more use of the banking and the wider line going into bend three. It’s something I’m really looking forward to exploring more this season.

How have you been spending the off-season away from racing?

I’ve been doing plenty of gym work and cardio training alongside working full-time. I’ve also spent a lot of hours in the workshop getting everything ready for the new season.

What kind of preparation work have you been doing over the winter?

Fitness has gone really well, and so has the bike building. Everything feels like it’s in a good place at the moment.

Has your off-season approach changed at all compared to previous years?

Not at all. I want to win every year. The bikes improve year on year, so I should be putting myself in a better position each season as well.

How excited are you to get back out at the Coliseum?

Very excited. It’s one of my favourite tracks, and the team we’ve put together looks solid from top to bottom.

What are your personal goals for the new season?

I want to keep improving my average and help the Gladiators get into the play-offs. Beyond that, I’ll see what the season brings and take it meeting by meeting.

What do you think this team is capable of achieving this year?

The league trophy, for sure. I think the team has a great balance, and it’s not something a lot of clubs opt for when they’re building a side.

What message would you like to send to the Plymouth fans ahead of the new season?

It’s going to be an exciting year with a strong team. It would be great to see as many of you as possible down there supporting us it really does mean everything to us as riders.

It also means a huge amount to Mark Phillips. He puts his all into giving us a place to race and somewhere for fans to enjoy their Saturday evenings.

Plymouth Coliseum has been confirmed as the host for the British Under-19 Final in 2026, with the exact date to be announced.

Meanwhile, Redcar’s ECCO Arena will stage the British Under-21 Final.

Exciting times ahead for the Young Lions!

The roar of the engines is coming back to The Coliseum! Be part of this journey that we are building!

The 2026 season tickets for the Plymouth Gladiators Speedway are officially still ON SALE NOW and this is your best chance to lock in every thrilling home meeting, family night, and high-octane race of the year!

Why Get Your 2026 Season Ticket?

• Guaranteed entry to all Gladiators home fixtures
• A fantastic value package for families, groups, and passionate fans
• Be there for every heart-stopping battle and nail-biting finish at the Coliseum
• The perfect gift for any motorsport fan, memories that last all season long!

With the Gladiators stepping into the 2026 British Speedway Championship, excitement is already building as riders and fans gear up for another unforgettable campaign. From fierce rivalries to high-speed action around every bend, this is speedway racing at its best. 

How to Grab Yours:
🎫 Visit the official Plymouth Gladiators ticket page here 👉🏻 https://biturl.top/VfAzqe

Don’t miss out, secure your place trackside and be part of every lap, every roar, and every victory! 💪🏻

Our friends over at OBM Motorcycles have had some devastating news.

While en route by rail freight in the USA, travelling between New York and Las Vegas ahead of an auction taking place later this month, one of their containers was broken into and the door seal changed. As a result, three historic motorcycles were stolen.

The stolen machines are:

• A 1914 Zenith, guide price £50,000
• Two 1930 Rudge Speedway bikes, both ridden by Arthur Warwick, with “Arthur Warwick” hand-painted on the rear mudguards

The loss of these bikes is heartbreaking. The two Speedway machines in particular are irreplaceable and mean a huge amount within the Speedway world and historic racing community.

TO THE ENTIRE SPEEDWAY WORLD, URGENT ASSISTANCE IS DESPERATELY SOUGHT!

If anyone sees, hears of, or is offered these motorcycles or any related parts please make contact immediately. Even the smallest piece of information could help.

A substantial reward is offered for information leading to their whereabouts and recovery.

Please share this widely across clubs, collectors, dealers, auction houses, and swap meets. Let’s do everything possible to help bring these bikes home.

We’re proud to welcome Devonport Royal Dockyard Sport & Social Club as a sponsor for the 2026 season 🤝

A huge thank you for your continued support, and for upgrading to an enhanced sponsorship package for the year ahead. Your ongoing commitment plays a vital role in helping us grow, develop, and push forward both on and off the track.

We’re delighted to have you with us again for 2026 and look forward to another successful season together. 💙

We're still offering a wide range of sponsorship packages for the new season.

From partnerships to stadium visibility, there are options for businesses of all sizes! Get in touch for more information!