The 1978 National League was contested as the second division of Speedway in the United Kingdom.
Summary
Newport Dragons dropped out of the league after just one season of second tier racing, however two new entrants - Milton Keynes Knights and Barrow Furness Flyers - saw the league expanded to twenty teams. Weymouth changed their nickname from Wizards to Wildcats.
Canterbury Crusaders won the National League title. Although equal on points with Newcastle Diamonds they won by virtue of the fact that their race points difference was greater than their rival. It was Canterbury's second title win in eight years, previously winning in 1970. The Crusaders were led by heavy scoring from Les Rumsey and Riders' Champion Steve Koppe, while Newcastle's Tom Owen topped the averages for the second consecutive year.
Earlier in the season 18 year-old junior rider Chris Prime was representing Newcastle when he was killed in the National League match against Mildenhall on 3 April.
Final table
National League Knockout Cup
The 1978 National League Knockout Cup was the 11th edition of the Knockout Cup for tier two teams. Eastbourne Eagles were the winners of the competition for the second successive year.
First round
Second round
Quarter-finals
Semi-finals
Final
First leg
Second leg
Eastbourne were declared Knockout Cup Champions, winning on aggregate 83–73.
Riders' Championship
Steve Koppe won the Riders' Championship, held at Wimbledon Stadium on 23 September 1978.
Pairs
The National League Pairs was held at The Shay on 15 July and was won by Ellesmere Port.
Semi finals
Newcastle bt Canterbury
Ellesmere Port bt Eastbourne
Final
Ellesmere Port bt Newcastle
Fours
Peterborough won the fours championship final for the second successive year, held at the East of England Arena on 30 July.