BRITISH SPEEDWAY AGM DELAYED

British Speedway Promoters Ltd bosses are now expecting the 2021 UK season to start in May after delaying their annual meeting to January 14.

Following the UK Government’s decision to impose a national lockdown until at least the middle of February due to the escalation in Covid-19 cases, promoters have postponed their AGM, which was due to take place on Thursday.

In a statement released this evening, BSPL directors hope the extra week will give them a clearer idea of the options available as they plan for this season.

It has been widely rumoured that clubs have been hotly debating possible changes to this year’s team-building rules after initially suggesting the sides named for 2020 should be retained for 2021.

Some riders are unable to return to Britain due to restrictions on how many leagues those who compete in Poland can enter. As a result, cuts to the point limit and even a switch to six-man teams have been mooted.

It is hoped the extra seven days will allow promoters time to mull over their options for the new season.

A BSPL statement read: “British Speedway’s AGM has been put back a week. Due to the latest Covid-19 restrictions and a lockdown that could be in place until the end of March, the Board of Directors at British Speedway Promoters Ltd took the decision to delay until Thursday, January 14.

“Following a board meeting earlier today, it was felt prudent to take a little more time to consider the recent developments and be as clear as possible on our options.

“It was proposed that we would begin at Easter, but in all probability it looks more like a May start to the British Speedway season now.”

British Speedway bosses are also keen to take steps to ensure their sides remain as strong as possible into the future in light of Polish rule changes, limiting PGE Ekstraliga riders to compete in just one other league, while First and Second Division stars can enter up to two.

The statement added: “Following a year without speedway and the decision by Poland to restrict rider availability, it is absolutely vital that our planning not only gives us the strongest possible teams across both the Premiership and Championship, but also makes provision for sustainability in the future.

“We are determined to make decisions that enable the sport to grow and put British Speedway back as a force to be reckoned with in world speedway.”