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Am I the only one that used to look forward to the AGM to find out all the important stuff for the next season? It was the deadline for teams to declare they were running (Plymouth) it was when the points limit was set and any significant rule changes were announced. It has become clear in recent years that the points limits, at least, have been decided in advance of the AGM. Teams have increasingly announced rider signings ahead of the AGM. Even whole teams have been announced. "Subject to approval" of course. Now we have an official announcement stating, "The meeting, which acts as the formal conclusion of business for the current year" whatever that means followed by further clarification, "The AGM itself does not directly determine the structure of the sport for the following season as discussions regarding 2027 and beyond have been taking place for some time". So the process of control of our sport becomes further clouded in mystery. The lack of transparency is astounding. Well it would be if it hadn't been going on this way, increasingly, over a very long period of time.

Yet again a reactive statement put out instead of a proactive one, only put out because fans are talking about the AGM being cancelled, irrespective of what it says does it not occur to anyone running speedway to be proactive?? It really doesn’t give us much hope for the future

Last issue 2.10.26 on the website states 2.58 for Max before the 2.5% reduction.

I don't know how many of you bother to read the Polish sports daily "Przeglad Sportowy" articles concerning speedway ( in Google translation.) I came across today the one that might interest you, so here it is: The financial bubble in Polish speedway is growing to dangerous proportions, and recurring reports of multi-million-zloty debts among clubs only deepen concerns about the future of the sport. In an interview with the Polish sports daily “Przegląd Sportowy” Jan Krzystyniak does not mince his words. The former elite rider and coach offers a scathing critique of those managing Ekstraliga clubs, predicting the imminent collapse of the sport unless there is a harsh, sobering encounter with reality. Record-breaking rider contracts and bidding wars in the transfer market have brought Polish speedway to the brink of an abyss. Some clubs are taking on massive financial obligations that they cannot meet without the help of bank loans or support from local governments. Jan Krzystyniak points directly to those responsible for this state of affairs. "If these gentlemen—and I am referring to the presidents of the Ekstraliga clubs, because let’s be honest, a great deal depends on them—do not come to their senses, then speedway could simply collapse. We can see what is happening to this sport globally." "A similar situation could well unfold in Poland, as clubs simply won't be able to afford paying such astronomical sums to riders," our expert thunders. One proposed solution to rising costs was to revisit the idea of an imposed salary cap (such as a CMA-based system or defined financial brackets). In the case of financial brackets, this would essentially rely on an agreement between club presidents, as the speedway authorities’ hands are largely tied. Krzystyniak, however, dismisses such notions as pure fiction within the Polish context; in his view, club officials would inevitably find ways to circumvent the rules. "I spoke about where things were heading ten, maybe fifteen years ago. Even back then, the topic of setting a salary cap was being discussed. In the Polish reality, establishing such limits is largely pointless. We know what these people are capable of: they’ll officially offer a rider a thousand zlotys, while slipping him a million under the table. That’s just how things work in Poland. If you brought in people from Sweden or England to manage these clubs, they could probably establish and enforce such rules in a day or two. No one would break ranks, because in those cultures, one’s word is worth more than money," the former coach points out bluntly. Despite his dire assessment of the situation facing the clubs, Krzystyniak paradoxically defends the speedway riders themselves. He argues that the riders cannot be blamed for inflated contracts; they are simply taking advantage of the poor financial management of club presidents. "It’s pathological. I honestly don’t believe in any agreements that could solve the problem of clubs constantly falling into debt. Solutions must be implemented to save the sport of speedway. That said, I always tell the riders: demand as much as you can! If there are guys—suckers, to call them what they are—who are willing to pay that much, then you should ask for as much as possible. I will always stand on the side of the riders," he declares bluntly. The debt burden of Polish speedway clubs is currently the number one topic of discussion. In the worst cases, debts are said to reach tens of millions of zlotys, and almost every club in the country faces some level of financial trouble—with perhaps a few exceptions, such as those in Wrocław or Toruń. "Besides, even the wealthiest nations in the world carry massive debt—just look at the United States or China. Yet, people in those countries often live well. So, is there a cure for this situation? I’m not sure if a truly effective solution can be found. Unless the presidents of the Ekstraliga clubs change their way of thinking, it will be difficult to save speedway, because that is where it all begins," concludes Jan Krzystyniak.

Charles Wright, Jody Scott and Charlie Southwick, first 3 confirmed

I believe you're wrong.

I'll try and help them then, because I genuinely believe that that this is what they were saying, in a clumsy way. :- Having reviewed the incident against the written rule, it is acknowledged that a level of ambiguity in the wording allowed a definition of the inner edge of the track, to be the outer edge of the track marking, which was breached. It is confirmed that crossing the inner edge of the track marking is the point of exclusion and without sufficient evidence to prove this was breached, we uphold the referees decision. The wording of the rule has been amended in line with the FIM regulations to confirm it's original intent.

They could simply change the 8 point cut-off higher or lower, based on who wants to ride in the Champ in 2027, top 9 riders split amongst the 9 clubs? If a club opts out & wants to go strength in depth, top 8 riders split amount the other 8 teams?

Same grapevine as the Masters to Poole?

No but loves a walk round holy island

Hearing it's been postponed should be 3rd November, no new date as yet 🤔 here we go again like last year all over again

Will you be paying VAT on that?

Not that I've seen anywhere!!

You are correct. It was Rye House in 1988 who brought foreigners Peter Schroeck and Jens Rasmussen into the second division. A massive disaster for British Speedway from which it has never recovered.

I agree with you to some extent. Yes, it's always a positive, for everyone, when defunct clubs return. We shouldn't turn our noses up at it happening, but is the money really worth the rewards? It's been well covered in recent years that Plymouth have increased their crowds and grown their club - yet now their future is at stake over £45k. Money which seems be readily available elsewhere in British speedway. I'm not saying that clubs should be bailed out by the BSPL, but are we not better off protecting a growing club, going in the right direction, than spending fortunes for the sake of a TV deal? Maybe we are, I don't claim to have any knowledge of the sums involved.

Joe instead of Howarth for me

2.58 - 2.5% Brit reduction

Believe the payment issues for riders last year is causing Workington issues when it comes to team building this season, riders talk and they know which teams pay on time or owe riders a number of meetings and obviously riders will try stay clear of those clubs where constantly chasing their money and owed thousands of £. Know Workington aren’t the only promotion who have been behind in paying riders but they are already in uphill battle with their race day not suiting all who race (speedway or grass track) on the continent during the weekend.

I'm sure they'll start where they want, not where you think they should. Quite clear that the Premiership needs more clubs to get a TV deal and grow, and that there are people willing to help new/returning clubs get up and running for the good of the sport and in the absence of clubs being willing to step up.

Berwick already looking strong. I think they are favourites to edge out Glasgow who don't have any riders.

There's money at Scunny if they can afford Picko.

I think the (strong) rumours of a reduced limit were linked to having a different number of teams in Championship! The 40 point limit was initially set and agreed for 3 seasons, based on 9 teams.

Luckily there are proactive people trying reopen tracks, grow the sport and get it back on telly to counteract negative Nigels like yourself.

They'd be better off not opening in the Premiership at all!!9

Many seem to forget that it's British Speedway Promoters Limited (not Association anymore)! I'm not aware of any other Limited company that shares news about its next year operations with its customers before its AGM.

I think keeping Douglas is a must and hope fully get Fricke back. I’d then build the best possible team around that pair within whatever the points limit is.

Are you from Rye House? Wasn't it them that broke the British rider rule in the old '2nd Division' (can't remember actual name). NO, NO, NO.

They'd be better off not opening with a team like that.

It's hard to guess what the team will look like without an idea of the points limit. Personally get Fricke back and build the side around him. I personally would be fine with keeping the Thompson twins. I'm 50/50 on Morris and Masters. I think they will stay as they should improve slightly on their current average. Douglas I think will stay but his average is high now and I can't see him improving on it at all. Kemp can go for me.

What's a shame? Scott has put he hasn't decided on 2027 yet. 🤷‍♀️

and that’s the two blokes who run are beloved sport !

I think we are too late, already signed for Workington I heard.

Does he love Spittal Beach🤔😂

Former World Longtrack and 3 x European Grasstrack champion Romano Hummel has died at the age of 27. https://www.fim-moto.com/en/news/news-detail/article/fim-family-mourns-the-passing-of-romano-hummel

Just read this on the Berwick website, sad news , so young R.I.P.

Would appear Edinburgh aren't sensible then

Oh dear. That's a blow. They'll probably cancel the GP in that case.

of course not there will be wild mismatches now, should still be under 24 (or 23) ideally for the next few years until the u21 are ready. Even better it should be in the championship where it all makes perfect sense.

Stene Pijper has had 3 years in the NDL, but hasn't developed as well as expected, no idea why though. Only average 3.6 in the NDL With the rumoured top 4, Ace's average would be too high for Glasgow to fit him in

Do we never learn. We've been down this road before. We need stronger reserves.

Thruxton was a cracker, watching it I was thinking how entertaining Moto GP could be around that circuit especially Moto3.

No you get one given to you by Glasgow. Yes we need a new airfence maybe if we didn't pay our riders we could afford one.

Yeah that’s correct he is 2.60 with 2.5% reduction. But don’t believe he’ll be riding speedway next season

I thought he had all but given up this season but worky tempted him back. And he has said again that he has fallen out of love with speedway. I don’t expect to see him return next season.

2.52 with British reduction but did he not say lately that he’d lost interest in speedway?

What average would Kevin Wolbert come back to the UK on?

Former referee David Hughes has passed away, David was not just a ref but a huge personality in speedway and had many friends in the sport and was always up for a bit of a laugh often appearing on Mike Bennett’s anything can happen on the night videos and then one day just left speedway for good never returning to the sport. RIP