The 1976 National League was contested as the second division of Speedway in the United Kingdom having been renamed from the previous season's moniker of New National League.

Summary

The league was reduced from 20 teams down to 18, following the loss of three teams and gain of one. Birmingham Brummies moved up to the British League and Bradford Barons and Crewe Kings both closed down. Sadly for Crewe the team would never return. The additional team was the Oxford Cheetahs, who had returned to their traditional name following a three year period known as the Oxford Rebels. The Rebels team and promoters had moved to White City during the winter but Oxford were saved by new promoters Harry Bastable and Tony Allsop after a committee of fans had created a "Save Our Stadium" campaign over the previous winter. Newcastle Diamonds comfortably won their first National League title, completing a cup double, and dropping only seven points. The Owen brothers Joe Owen and Tom Owen topped the averages for the second consecutive year. Joe finished with an 11+ average and won the British League Division Two Riders Championship and Newcastle completed the league and cup double.

Final table

Top Five Riders (League Averages)

National League Knockout Cup

The 1976 Speedway Star Knockout Cup was the ninth edition of the Knockout Cup for tier two teams. Newcastle Diamonds were the winners of the competition. First round Second round Quarter-finals Semi-finals

Final

First leg Second leg Newcastle were declared Knockout Cup Champions, winning on aggregate 83–72.

Riders' Championship

Joe Owen won the Riders' Championship, sponsored by Gauloises and held at Wimbledon Stadium on 2 October.

Pairs

The National League Pairs was held at Hyde Road on 5 June and was won by Ellesmere Port Gunners. Semi finals Final

Fours

Newcastle won the fours championship final, held at King's Lynn Stadium on 17 July. Semi finals Final

Leading final averages

Riders & final averages

Berwick Boston Canterbury Coatbridge Crayford Eastbourne Ellesmere Port Mildenhall Newcastle Oxford Paisley Peterborough Rye House Scunthorpe Stoke Teesside Weymouth Workington