Saved the second tier too... Those five or six riders which Northampton will use, who DU, will now get the other part of their two part salary covered.. The only reason for two tiers of racing existing is so the majority of riders can DU, and clubs can therefore share the costs of this majority of riders... There simply isn't any other reason for two tiers of Speedway in the UK.... There is no promotion or relegation due to no aspirational, organic growth being possible due to crowd numbers at the majority of UK tracks, and there are no higher rewards for winning either league.. Northampton have been "parachuted" in to the top tier, just to ensure the operating model and business plan keeps going.. No one knows if crowds will be on average (like they are at most tracks (with the odd outlier), "tier one level" (1200/1400), or "tier two level", (600/800) however, it is just vital they go into tier one as some riders would have missed out on a DU place.... It surely must be one league of fifteen teams next year? Five rider teams if needed... That would actually then look like a "Championship" worth winning and give a good geographical spread across the nation to promote the sport as a "National" one... And look more secure, and relevant, from the view of any potential track developers, with safety in numbers, and collective resistance, being possible...

It's a terrible shape for quality speedway racing. Belle Vue Hyde Road was about same lap length but completely different shape and gave top class racing "out of the top drawer".  I suppose Northampton fulfills a need.....6 teams in the Premiership.

TBH Northampton have saved the Prem League.  Last season the top 4 competed for best placing, King's Lynn were trying to get into the play offs, Birmingham & Oxford were battling each other to avoid the wooden spoon.  With just 5 teams, the play off teams will likely soon be obvious, the 5th would've soon been dropped off & have nothing to ride for.....

Wembley, 1929.

Who says they haven't?  

But a dreadful speedway presenter. fantastic news that the club is coming to the tapes this season. i wish them all the best. I hope I can make a visit sometime this season.