Berwick Bandits have signed a former Edinburgh Monarchs No 1 as they continue to build towards the 2026 season.
Victor Palovaara (pictured by Jack Cupido) makes the switch and joins Peter Kildemand and Nick Morris as confirmed starters for the Borders-based club.
Swedish-born Palovaara made a stunning return to British speedway after a six-year gap in 2025, and by the start of June the former Newcastle and Glasgow racer had banked 141 points, averaging over 16 points per meeting at a CMA of 9.70.
Among the points blitz were three 20-point hauls and a match-winning 19-point return against the Bandits at Armadale in the BSN Series.
Palovaara ended the season on a 7.35 average as the Monarchs qualified for the play-offs, losing to rivals Glasgow in a last-heat decider at Ashfield.
Berwick boss Stewart Dickson – who was team manager at Glasgow when Palovaara made his British debut as a 20-year-old in 2014 – said: “In Victor, Peter and Nick we have a strong and experienced spearhead both home and away.
“Victor’s early-season form was superb last year and we were on the receiving end in both the BSN Series and Championship clashes. I expect him to get dialled into Shielfield Park straight away.”
Dickson believes the signing of the 31-year-old plus Kildemand and Morris is a strong start to our team building.
He added: “Along with club owner Jamie Courtney, and promoters Steve Dews and Sarah Bulman, we are working hard to finalise a team which will be looking to qualify for the play-offs at the very least in 2026.”
