EARLY MAY START FOR BRITISH SPEEDWAY

British Speedway Promoters Limited have agreed an early May start date for the 2021 season, with SGB Premiership and Championship fixtures due to be published next week.

Club promoters met virtually to discuss rules and league formats for this year as Britain’s teams bid to resume racing following the cancellation of the 2020 season due to the pandemic.

Very few details have been released regarding team-building point limits and league structures, leaving riders and fans with a further wait for news.

Some riders due to race in Britain last year are no longer available due to Polish rule changes limiting Ekstraliga stars to racing in just one other national league, while First and Second Division can compete in two others.

Although few details have been published on how clubs will replace these lost stars and structure the leagues, the British Speedway statement hinted at moves to focus on the development of home-grown stars.

The statement read: “Plans are in place for a new concept in both leagues with more details to follow.

“The plans have been made to adapt to the current situation regarding Polish restrictions on the amount of leagues riders can race in, plus the ongoing challenges presented by the pandemic.

“There is a clear pathway for the development of British Speedway and young British riders, not just in 2021 but in the years ahead.”

British Speedway suffered a setback on the day of the AGM with the news Somerset Rebels have withdrawn from the SGB Championship following a year which has seen the stadium’s events business wiped out by Covid-19. This follows Swindon’s exit from the SGB Premiership due to the pandemic and planned stadium building work.

But the BSPL statement revealed a new club could be set to join the Championship. Plymouth could be ideal candidates to step into Somerset’s void in the South West, while Mildenhall previously competed in the second tier.

BSPL bosses insist they look forward to seeing Swindon and Somerset return, adding: “Whilst there is disappointing news about losing Swindon and Somerset for 2021, these decisions have been made by these clubs to protect their futures from 2022 onwards. They will be welcomed back into the sport next year.

“Another club has expressed an interest in joining the Championship and this will be explored in due course.

“More details regarding the 2021 season will be revealed alongside our broadcast partners Eurosport in the coming days.”