What will 2026 UK speedway bring?

[TTT]

1 hour ago, poole keith said:

TTT this and almost all your other posts assume that prem Clubs have some cards to play, they really don't, they're almost in a beggers can't be choosers position.If belle vue/ipswich owners/promoters decide they'd rather sell then so be it

Sorry Keith but the Sport doesn't revolve around Glasgow's Scottish Derbies and Poole's Wednesday Race Night's.

It's about time The Ford's and The Facenna's were told that, Instead of being pampered every winter at the AGM by getting everything they ask for due to Mates rates.

The Sport should always be prioritised and a Two Tier Structure is what's best for the Sport and the Riders themselves.

[Daniel Smith]

Could this work?!

We have the "Big League" with all teams included.  

Also, a reintroduction of the "Elite League" with 5 man teams, 40pt limit, 13 heats, home & away once. 

Any teams from the "BL" taking part in the "EL" just don't take part in "BL" cup competitions.

 

[therefused]

1 hour ago, TTT said:

Say we do go down the one Big League route, It's not going to be all rosey like most fans think.

It will throw up some serious issues that are currently being swept under the carpet.

 

1.

Rider demands will be doubled so Championship clubs will have to spend double the amount of money that they currently spend on the HL D/UP's

CHAMP Clubs don't want to run in the PREM because of the extra costs but the extra financial costs will land on their doorstep anyway if they want to keep hold of Richard Lawson, Chris Harris and co. in 1 Big League.

2.

The One Rider Over 8.00 Rule for Championship Clubs in 2026 was being bought in to level the League out.

How's that going to work out with 14 Teams instead of 9? When we won't even have 14 No.1's to pick from? It'll just result in an unbalanced League with some severly weakend Teams.

3.

High probability of riders retiring once they have to get regular jobs outside of Speedway, Will they run the risk of getting injured as part of a hobby that could have consequences when it comes to a regular paying job outside of Speedway?

I don’t think anyone is under the illusion one league would solve all of speedways problems, but it might be a necessity the way things are going. 

[Fromafar]

12 minutes ago, TTT said:

Sorry Keith but the Sport doesn't revolve around Glasgow's Scottish Derbies and Poole's Wednesday Race Night's.

It's about time The Ford's and The Facenna's were told that, Instead of being pampered every winter at the AGM by getting everything they ask for due to Mates rates.

The Sport should always be prioritised and a Two Tier Structure is what's best for the Sport and the Riders themselves.

Don't know why you are infatuated about Poole and Glasgow.You seem to think because they are successful they should move up and probably lose money.No mention of any other Clubs. Fans at Championship Clubs know their Clubs are just surviving in the Championship.Tells us all the incentives for Championship Clubs moving up apart from saving Premiership. The Leagues should have been merged years ago.Perhaps sharing money was the problem. iMO 

[TTT]

11 minutes ago, Fromafar said:

Don't know why you are infatuated about Poole and Glasgow.You seem to think because they are successful they should move up and probably lose money.No mention of any other Clubs. Fans at Championship Clubs know their Clubs are just surviving in the Championship.Tells us all the incentives for Championship Clubs moving up apart from saving Premiership. The Leagues should have been merged years ago.Perhaps sharing money was the problem. iMO 

I'm not infurated mate, I just think it's time for change.

Multiple BSF members are calling for PREM Clubs to be forced down into 1 Big League and that's fine because it's their opinion and I respect it even though I disagree.

I'm just countering that opinion with an opinion of my own that results in the boot being on the other foot in forcing top end CHAMP Clubs to move up.

At the end of the day both arguments lead to Clubs being forced into a situation that they don't want to be in.

[Cross Roads]

Many valid points raised over these recent pages.

Clearly the governing body should send out a press release advising reasons why AGM put back to 2026 and a general summary of reasons why to keep the general public us who pay our hard earned money to keep this sport we love alive. This closes off all this maybe this maybe that b8^^s_$£

Desperately need to entice a younger generation in through the gates so some out of the box entertainment pre and during the meeting. Yes may cost money but get local groups to show there talents bands dancers singers etc. It is screaming out for an independent marketing team but always come back to commercial costs but something needs to change standing listening to a looped old outdated pa sound track with a tractor show doesn’t cut it anymore.

Comments if one league riders will loose revenue and expect better deals from one club due to lost earnings. Then promote themselves on the continent do long track/grass track get another income from a job. Like many others im a contractor there is no given we expect continued income from one source we constantly chase new opportunities with new clients, controversial but true.

Alternative is one league and potentially national individual events and selected tracks throughout the season.

Whatever is decided at the next AGM it cannot simply be a sticky plaster, there needs to be an agreed plan starting 2027 that everybody is informed that they either take there business on the journey or decline harsh but true.

[THE DEAN MACHINE]

2 hours ago, TTT said:

It was a rumour on here, Either way it's just a pipe dream that's got no chance of happening imo.

At this moment in time it has zero chance of happening, however other teams might be, whether that’s in time to save the premier leagues sorry affairs remains to be seen 

[TheSmiler]

This thread makes for grim reading. 😞

I am running out of hope. Uk League speedway won’t see the next decade.

[Beirao]

17 hours ago, TTT said:

What should happen instead of praying on long shots like Northampton and Wolverhampton acutally coming off.

Belle Vue, Ipswich, King's Lynn and Leicester bosses should all apply maximum pressure by threatening to sell up along with Sheffield unless a PREM takes place with 6 or more Teams.

Everyone knows British Speedway can't run the risk of losing 5 Clubs all in one go so it'll force the hand and the only option they'll be left with is to make some very unpopular decisions that won't go down well with certain CHAMP Clubs.

That's just nonsense but go ahead and your bluff will be called. 

[SteveLyric2]

18 hours ago, TTT said:

I'm not infurated mate, I just think it's time for change.

Multiple BSF members are calling for PREM Clubs to be forced down into 1 Big League and that's fine because it's their opinion and I respect it even though I disagree.

I'm just countering that opinion with an opinion of my own that results in the boot being on the other foot in forcing top end CHAMP Clubs to move up.

At the end of the day both arguments lead to Clubs being forced into a situation that they don't want to be in.

At the end of the day, whatever options are decided, they have to be affordable for all clubs - and fans! Unfortunately not all Clubs have the same cost base - some own their own Stadia, some rent from supportive landlords, some rent from reluctant stadium owners. Some (a few) have supportive corporate main sponsors, many do not!

Clubs must be allowed to operate at their preferred level (financially) otherwise more Clubs will be lost. To be 'forced' into one league or another just to suit the few would be wrong imo. If every club operated from the same costbase it might be different, but they don't and it isn't!

Edited 6 hours ago by SteveLyric2

[Littleze]

13 hours ago, Cross Roads said:

Many valid points raised over these recent pages.

Clearly the governing body should send out a press release advising reasons why AGM put back to 2026 and a general summary of reasons why to keep the general public us who pay our hard earned money to keep this sport we love alive. This closes off all this maybe this maybe that b8^^s_$£

Desperately need to entice a younger generation in through the gates so some out of the box entertainment pre and during the meeting. Yes may cost money but get local groups to show there talents bands dancers singers etc. It is screaming out for an independent marketing team but always come back to commercial costs but something needs to change standing listening to a looped old outdated pa sound track with a tractor show doesn’t cut it anymore.

Comments if one league riders will loose revenue and expect better deals from one club due to lost earnings. Then promote themselves on the continent do long track/grass track get another income from a job. Like many others im a contractor there is no given we expect continued income from one source we constantly chase new opportunities with new clients, controversial but true.

Alternative is one league and potentially national individual events and selected tracks throughout the season.

Whatever is decided at the next AGM it cannot simply be a sticky plaster, there needs to be an agreed plan starting 2027 that everybody is informed that they either take there business on the journey or decline harsh but true.

Please not local bands, or stuff of this ilk, it stinks of village fete stuff. I remember Colin Horton doing this will a local dance school, great for the girls, but it was embarrassing really, this isn’t going to entice people through the door. Newmarket Races during the summer nights, have the likes of Spandau Ballet and so forth after the racing…as a comparison. This isn’t a dig btw.

[Littleze]

10 hours ago, TheSmiler said:

This thread makes for grim reading. 😞

I am running out of hope. Uk League speedway won’t see the next decade.

Probably needs to happen though, adapt/grow or die.  Choose a clear path and give it everything, if it doesn’t work, then there is clearly no real appetite for the Sport.

[TTT]

The higher ups have to think about certain CHAMP Clubs if they propose One Big League and the impact it'll have on them.

How will they cope with the extra financial costs once Rider demands double as the Riders will have Bills and Mortgage's to pay whilst having youg families to feed amongst other expenditures.

Other factors like Stadium rent costs have to be considerd as they won't drop in value because in today's world, Everything just goes up in price.

Lowering admission fee's has been suggested but how can they possibly do that when they've got to cover the extra financial outlay?

 

So many factors to think about here that aren't currently being discussed.

Edited 9 hours ago by TTT

[MARK246]

16 hours ago, poole keith said:

TTT this and almost all your other posts assume that prem Clubs have some cards to play, they really don't, they're almost in a beggers can't be choosers position.If belle vue/ipswich owners/promoters decide they'd rather sell then so be 

This is the only way forward, as you say the premier clubs have nothing to offer

[dontforgetthefueltapsbruv]

42 minutes ago, MARK246 said:

This is the only way forward, as you say the premier clubs have nothing to offer

Only in British Speedway would having a truly professional outlook, the best sponsors, the largest crowds and access to the world's very best riders be considered as having nothing to offer!!

[TTT]

53 minutes ago, MARK246 said:

This is the only way forward, as you say the premier clubs have nothing to offer

You're trolling right? You can't honestly be serious.

[1 valve]

16 hours ago, TTT said:

Say we do go down the one Big League route, It's not going to be all rosey like most fans think.

It will throw up some serious issues that are currently being swept under the carpet.

 

1.

Rider demands will be doubled so Championship clubs will have to spend double the amount of money that they currently spend on the HL D/UP's

CHAMP Clubs don't want to run in the PREM because of the extra costs but the extra financial costs will land on their doorstep anyway if they want to keep hold of Richard Lawson, Chris Harris and co. in 1 Big League.

2.

The One Rider Over 8.00 Rule for Championship Clubs in 2026 was being bought in to level the League out.

How's that going to work out with 14 Teams instead of 9? When we won't even have 14 No.1's to pick from? It'll just result in an unbalanced League with some severly weakend Teams.

3.

High probability of riders retiring once they have to get regular jobs outside of Speedway, Will they run the risk of getting injured as part of a hobby that could have consequences when it comes to a regular paying job outside of Speedway?

The points and observations you make are good ones re concerns with the formation of one league
My feedback for what its worth.
- One league will indeed throw up serious issues and nobody should hold the view that currently anything is Rosy in UK speedway 
- There would be no Championship or Premier leagues as we know them - only a new league.
- All agreements previously made i.e. one rider over eight points and riders signed for 2026 will be null and void
- There would not be fourteen teams. Only a maximum of nine,  as doubling up not being possible sees to that.
- There could be a feeder/development league - semi pro/ amateur basis.
- Some existing promoters are devoid of a willingness to agree  to a way forward (blocking) that is best for the medium and longer term development of the sport because their short term situation is for them OK.

All we can hope for is that the blockers see sense and a way forward can be found.

[mikebv]

1 hour ago, TTT said:

The higher ups have to think about certain CHAMP Clubs if they propose One Big League and the impact it'll have on them.

How will they cope with the extra financial costs once Rider demands double as the Riders will have Bills and Mortgage's to pay whilst having youg families to feed amongst other expenditures.

Other factors like Stadium rent costs have to be considerd as they won't drop in value because in today's world, Everything just goes up in price.

Lowering admission fee's has been suggested but how can they possibly do that when they've got to cover the extra financial outlay?

 

So many factors to think about here that aren't currently being discussed.

The riders can ask for more money but they most likely won't get it...

They will then have four options...

Give up speedway and get another job..

Keep riding and get more sponsors..

Keep riding and ride in other countries..

Get a job alongside riding Speedway..

I would suggest giving up Speedway would be very much the last option for the vast majority..

There clearly isn't any "best option" for the sport given the state it has been allowed to end up in, just the "least worst"...

Having a top league of so few teams won't engage too many to keep turning up

32 minutes ago, dontforgetthefueltapsbruv said:

Only in British Speedway would having a truly professional outlook, the best sponsors, the largest crowds and access to the world's very best riders be considered as having nothing to offer!!

In reality, what do they have to offer? 

At least a six figure increase in costs? 

Restricted race nights which most likely will actually reduce crowd levels given the change of nights? 

An increase in admission fees for the fans to pay the higher costs?..

A chance to put an uncompetitive team together as other teams have already sewn up the most wanted "top riders"...

"Top riders" who, after any novelty wears off, won't make much of a difference (if any), to the crowd numbers anyway.... 

Not exactly a "winning formula" is it? 

There is a perfect example of which level is more suitable for the current UK issues...

Oxford..

They had plenty of World Class riders in attendance last season. but have decided to drop the top tier and keep their second tier position...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[YeOldPitGate]

12 hours ago, TheSmiler said:

This thread makes for grim reading. 😞

I am running out of hope. Uk League speedway won’t see the next decade.

I think it will survive at championship level for another ten years possibly, but I think at the top level its done in the next three years, real shame as you have Chris Louis showing what can be done, forty years of bad decisions have finally done for the top league.

For some balance Wolves, Swindon and Peterborough would have likely have still been operating if they hadn't been kicked out by landlords so if that hadn't of happened we would have had a top eight premier league which would have given a fighting chance of having something to sell to fans, tv , sponsors.

[mikebv]

37 minutes ago, YeOldPitGate said:

I think it will survive at championship level for another ten years possibly, but I think at the top level its done in the next three years, real shame as you have Chris Louis showing what can be done, forty years of bad decisions have finally done for the top league.

For some balance Wolves, Swindon and Peterborough would have likely have still been operating if they hadn't been kicked out by landlords so if that hadn't of happened we would have had a top eight premier league which would have given a fighting chance of having something to sell to fans, tv , sponsors.

But where would the 21 riders needed have come from for those teams? 

Add Coventry and Birmingham and that would be 35 needed...

The 2nd tier currently is the "perfect" model for UK Speedway...

Like the BSB in Bike Racing...

Lots of UK "old heads", who are either "BSB lifers", or riders who have had careers at a higher level and are now happy to just ride in a competitive environment...

Some overseas riders wanting to progress up the bike racing level, and plenty of UK young riders wanting to do the same..

With several lower level championships to encourage a pathway for those needed to replace those who retire or organically move upwards into other higher level competitions..

What the BSB never did was to think they were anywhere near on a par with WSB or the MotoGp... 

And, certainly didn't need their "permission" on when to run their meetings...

UK should have ploughed its own furrow when the GP riders pretty much all cleared off after taking the Sky money...

Or even when Poland started to take over and impacted  directly how the UK should run its own operating and business model..

Or even, even, Post Covid....

Maybe it is finally sinking in that they seem to have at least one league "that can work", and just run on the nights that you get your best crowds...

I notice the BSB don't run on Mondays (unless a BH), or on a Thursday....

Missing a trick there aren't they?