Mayfield Sports & 2026 SGP Series - Sadly, maybe not...

[Spidvej]

Richard Coleman, head of Mayfield Sports Events, has recently come under scrutiny regarding his involvement in the FIM Speedway Grand Prix (SGP), his appointment within the Tech3 MotoGP team, and prior ties to European Rugby League.

Mayfield and FIM Speedway

Mayfield Sports Events, founded by Coleman and based near Silverstone, was appointed by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) to take over global promotion of the Speedway Grand Prix series starting from 2026 following the departure of Warner Bros. Discovery Sports.

Despite initial excitement over Mayfield’s appointment, concerns have grown within the speedway community about Coleman’s lack of first-hand experience in running large-scale motorsport championships—outside of previously organizing the Cardiff Speedway GP as a local promoter. Detractors have questioned whether Mayfield possesses the operational depth required to deliver a unified, global SGP product over multiple countries and venues.

Links to Tech3 Road Racing Team

Coleman’s parallel appointment as Team Principal of Tech3 MotoGP, alongside new team owner Günther Steiner, beginning in 2026, has intensified concerns within motorsport circles. 

The flamboyant Steiner, a former Formula 1 team principal, will become the new boss of the French team, while Coleman will take over the day-to-day running of the team, stretching him even further, as with running a MotoGP team and the Speedway Grand Prix series, there will be times when Coleman will be needed in two places, two circuits at once. How will these inevitable clashes in the racing calendar be managed? Poorly is the answer from some within the industry. 

While these moves signal his deepening presence in motorsport, commentators perceive it as a potential conflict of focus, particularly with Tech3’s restructuring under Steiner’s consortium, and some believe Coleman to be sorely out of his depth. 

Richard Coleman : Tech3 will not be disrupted. The HQ will remain based in the south of France, Nicolas Goyon will continue to serve as Technical Director, and Hervé Poncharal will ensure the transition, remaining involved during this delicate phase.

The team takeover places Coleman in a major leadership role just as Mayfield is expected to reshape the FIM Speedway brand—raising doubts about whether he can effectively manage two world championship-scale operations at once.

European Rugby League Connections

Coleman’s history with European Rugby League (ERL) adds another layer to his multidomain career. 

Appointed in 2022 as an independent director, he was brought in to help expand ERL’s commercial reach. His background in sponsorship acquisition and sports marketing—having brokered deals across Formula 1, cycling, and football—initially bolstered ERL’s executive credentials, but people within these sports suggest that his broad network of concurrent roles demonstrates an inability to remain dedicated to specific sporting ventures.

Summary

In essence, Richard Coleman is stretched across several major sports entities—Mayfield Sports Events for FIM Speedway, Tech3 MotoGP as incoming team principal, and links to European Rugby League—each demanding significant time to be managed at a satisfactory level.

Coleman’s experience in motorsport marketing is extensive, yet questions persist over whether he can effectively steer the FIM Speedway Grand Prix through its crucial transitional phase given his fragmented commitments and limited direct experience with running global rider-based series. Richard is a marketing man, not a guy that can run the day to day logistics of a motorsport series. 

There are some within the world of two wheeled motorsport who suspect that Coleman and his team, basically just his wife Anoushka, have bitten off more than they can chew, and that the FIM are starting to wonder if they need to put a contingency plan in place, which may even include a return to the pre SGP days of a series of qualifying rounds and a one off world final, especially as we are now in mid October 2025,  with as yet no sign of the 2026 SGP Calendar on the horizon.

Of course, the real issue is that the FIM were so short of Interest in taking over the SGP series from Warner Brothers Discovery that Mayfield took control of the SGP series by default. 

Only time will tell whether Mayfield can deliver a viable SGP series, but unfortunately, experience, knowledge and time are against them.

 

https://www.paddock-gp.com/en/The-World-Endurance-and-Speedway-Championships-will-be-hosted-by-Claude-Michy-and-Richard-Coleman-from-2026/

 

https://www.paddock-gp.com/en/MotoGP-Steiner-offers-Tech3-and-will-rely-on-Coleman-who-has-made-his-assessment.-It-is-a-team-with-exemplary-functioning./

 

https://europeanrugbyleague.com/articles/2156/european-rugby-league-appoint-richard-co...?

 

[PersonalResponsibility]

Quote

concerns have grown within the speedway community about Coleman’s lack of first-hand experience in running large-scale motorsport championships—outside of previously organizing the Cardiff Speedway GP as a local promoter.

If the Cardiff GPs that they "promoted" are being used to dispute his lack of experience then it's more worrying than we thought. 

Fingers crossed it's not as bad as it's being made out. The calendar has often been announced late in the year, so the end of October is hardly a cause for concern there.

[mikebv]

13 hours ago, Spidvej said:

Richard Coleman, head of Mayfield Sports Events, has recently come under scrutiny regarding his involvement in the FIM Speedway Grand Prix (SGP), his appointment within the Tech3 MotoGP team, and prior ties to European Rugby League.

Mayfield and FIM Speedway

Mayfield Sports Events, founded by Coleman and based near Silverstone, was appointed by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) to take over global promotion of the Speedway Grand Prix series starting from 2026 following the departure of Warner Bros. Discovery Sports.

Despite initial excitement over Mayfield’s appointment, concerns have grown within the speedway community about Coleman’s lack of first-hand experience in running large-scale motorsport championships—outside of previously organizing the Cardiff Speedway GP as a local promoter. Detractors have questioned whether Mayfield possesses the operational depth required to deliver a unified, global SGP product over multiple countries and venues.

Links to Tech3 Road Racing Team

Coleman’s parallel appointment as Team Principal of Tech3 MotoGP, alongside new team owner Günther Steiner, beginning in 2026, has intensified concerns within motorsport circles. 

The flamboyant Steiner, a former Formula 1 team principal, will become the new boss of the French team, while Coleman will take over the day-to-day running of the team, stretching him even further, as with running a MotoGP team and the Speedway Grand Prix series, there will be times when Coleman will be needed in two places, two circuits at once. How will these inevitable clashes in the racing calendar be managed? Poorly is the answer from some within the industry. 

While these moves signal his deepening presence in motorsport, commentators perceive it as a potential conflict of focus, particularly with Tech3’s restructuring under Steiner’s consortium, and some believe Coleman to be sorely out of his depth. 

Richard Coleman : Tech3 will not be disrupted. The HQ will remain based in the south of France, Nicolas Goyon will continue to serve as Technical Director, and Hervé Poncharal will ensure the transition, remaining involved during this delicate phase.

The team takeover places Coleman in a major leadership role just as Mayfield is expected to reshape the FIM Speedway brand—raising doubts about whether he can effectively manage two world championship-scale operations at once.

European Rugby League Connections

Coleman’s history with European Rugby League (ERL) adds another layer to his multidomain career. 

Appointed in 2022 as an independent director, he was brought in to help expand ERL’s commercial reach. His background in sponsorship acquisition and sports marketing—having brokered deals across Formula 1, cycling, and football—initially bolstered ERL’s executive credentials, but people within these sports suggest that his broad network of concurrent roles demonstrates an inability to remain dedicated to specific sporting ventures.

Summary

In essence, Richard Coleman is stretched across several major sports entities—Mayfield Sports Events for FIM Speedway, Tech3 MotoGP as incoming team principal, and links to European Rugby League—each demanding significant time to be managed at a satisfactory level.

Coleman’s experience in motorsport marketing is extensive, yet questions persist over whether he can effectively steer the FIM Speedway Grand Prix through its crucial transitional phase given his fragmented commitments and limited direct experience with running global rider-based series. Richard is a marketing man, not a guy that can run the day to day logistics of a motorsport series. 

There are some within the world of two wheeled motorsport who suspect that Coleman and his team, basically just his wife Anoushka, have bitten off more than they can chew, and that the FIM are starting to wonder if they need to put a contingency plan in place, which may even include a return to the pre SGP days of a series of qualifying rounds and a one off world final, especially as we are now in mid October 2025,  with as yet no sign of the 2026 SGP Calendar on the horizon.

Of course, the real issue is that the FIM were so short of Interest in taking over the SGP series from Warner Brothers Discovery that Mayfield took control of the SGP series by default. 

Only time will tell whether Mayfield can deliver a viable SGP series, but unfortunately, experience, knowledge and time are against them.

 

https://www.paddock-gp.com/en/The-World-Endurance-and-Speedway-Championships-will-be-hosted-by-Claude-Michy-and-Richard-Coleman-from-2026/

 

https://www.paddock-gp.com/en/MotoGP-Steiner-offers-Tech3-and-will-rely-on-Coleman-who-has-made-his-assessment.-It-is-a-team-with-exemplary-functioning./

 

https://europeanrugbyleague.com/articles/2156/european-rugby-league-appoint-richard-co...?

 

Sounds promising....😁

[Wee Eck]

https://legalref.judiciary.hk/lrs/common/ju/ju_frame.jsp?DIS=160551

[Tomski]

20 hours ago, Wee Eck said:

https://legalref.judiciary.hk/lrs/common/ju/ju_frame.jsp?DIS=160551

Oh dear, just what Speedway needs 🤨

 

Edited October 24 by Tomski

[THE DEAN MACHINE]

The sport is in a real mess at the moment

[Spidvej]

Richard Coleman, head of Mayfield Sports Events, has still not released the 2026 Speedway Grand Prix series schedule, as we reach the last day of October 2025. This delay comes as Coleman balances his new, highly demanding role as team principal of the Tech3 MotoGP team with running the 2026 Speedway SGP Series, which is an unprecedented senior level dual responsibility in the world of top-level motorsport management 

Many insiders suspect the ongoing attempts to finalize the Speedway GP calendar are complicated by his need to fit events around the recently established MotoGP dates for 2026, creating significant potential for scheduling conflicts.

The 2026 MotoGP Calendar

Below are the official 2026 MotoGP dates that Richard Coleman must account for in his planning, as team principal of the Tech3 MotoGP team:

Date    Event    Circuit
01 March    Thailand    Chang International Circuit
22 March    Brazil    Autodromo Internacional Ayrton Senna
29 March    USA    Circuit of the Americas
12 April    Qatar    Lusail International Circuit

26 April    Spain    Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto
10 May    France    Le Mans
17 May    Catalonia    Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
31 May    Italy    Mugello
07 June    Hungary    Balaton Park Circuit
21 June    Czech Republic    Automotodrom Brno
28 June    Netherlands    TT Circuit Assen
12 July    Germany    Sachsenring
09 August    Great Britain    Silverstone Circuit
30 August    Aragon    MotorLand Aragon
13 September    San Marino    Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli
20 September    Austria    Red Bull Ring-Spielberg
04 October    Japan    Mobility Resort Motegi
11 October    Indonesia    Pertamina Mandalika Int'l Circuit
25 October    Australia    Phillip Island

01 November    Malaysia    Sepang International Circuit
15 November    Portugal    Autodromo Internacional do Algarve
22 November    Valencia    Circuit Ricardo Tormo

Potential Date Clashes

The 2026 MotoGP calendar is dense, running from March to late November, with several European rounds occupying prime summer weekends.

Speedway Grand Prix typically schedules events from late spring to early autumn, which overlaps directly with many MotoGP weekends, including key dates in May, June, August, and September.

With Coleman committed to being present at every MotoGP round as Tech3 team principal, he faces logistical impossibilities in being on-site for both series during overlapping weekends—raising questions about leadership presence at core Speedway GP races.

This overlap puts added pressure on the Mayfield Sports team, which, according to some motorsport commentators, is already operating with limited core staff—for example, Coleman and his wife Anoushka handle much of the key work themselves.

Industry Scrutiny

The continued absence of a 2026 Speedway GP calendar so deep into the autumn (late October) has drawn increased skepticism from longtime Speedway advocates and industry insiders. Some are questioning whether Mayfield Sports can deliver an effective and viable SGP season under the current management structure, as significant date clashes now appear inevitable unless novel solutions are implemented.

With the start of the new era for both series rapidly approaching, fans and teams alike are waiting for a clear, feasible, and transparent 2026 Speedway GP calendar—as well as answers on how Coleman can juggle the demands of two of motorcycle racing’s biggest international properties.
 

[THE DEAN MACHINE]

On 10/31/2025 at 9:32 PM, Spidvej said:

Richard Coleman, head of Mayfield Sports Events, has still not released the 2026 Speedway Grand Prix series schedule, as we reach the last day of October 2025. This delay comes as Coleman balances his new, highly demanding role as team principal of the Tech3 MotoGP team with running the 2026 Speedway SGP Series, which is an unprecedented senior level dual responsibility in the world of top-level motorsport management 

Many insiders suspect the ongoing attempts to finalize the Speedway GP calendar are complicated by his need to fit events around the recently established MotoGP dates for 2026, creating significant potential for scheduling conflicts.

The 2026 MotoGP Calendar

Below are the official 2026 MotoGP dates that Richard Coleman must account for in his planning, as team principal of the Tech3 MotoGP team:

Date    Event    Circuit
01 March    Thailand    Chang International Circuit
22 March    Brazil    Autodromo Internacional Ayrton Senna
29 March    USA    Circuit of the Americas
12 April    Qatar    Lusail International Circuit

26 April    Spain    Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto
10 May    France    Le Mans
17 May    Catalonia    Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
31 May    Italy    Mugello
07 June    Hungary    Balaton Park Circuit
21 June    Czech Republic    Automotodrom Brno
28 June    Netherlands    TT Circuit Assen
12 July    Germany    Sachsenring
09 August    Great Britain    Silverstone Circuit
30 August    Aragon    MotorLand Aragon
13 September    San Marino    Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli
20 September    Austria    Red Bull Ring-Spielberg
04 October    Japan    Mobility Resort Motegi
11 October    Indonesia    Pertamina Mandalika Int'l Circuit
25 October    Australia    Phillip Island

01 November    Malaysia    Sepang International Circuit
15 November    Portugal    Autodromo Internacional do Algarve
22 November    Valencia    Circuit Ricardo Tormo

Potential Date Clashes

The 2026 MotoGP calendar is dense, running from March to late November, with several European rounds occupying prime summer weekends.

Speedway Grand Prix typically schedules events from late spring to early autumn, which overlaps directly with many MotoGP weekends, including key dates in May, June, August, and September.

With Coleman committed to being present at every MotoGP round as Tech3 team principal, he faces logistical impossibilities in being on-site for both series during overlapping weekends—raising questions about leadership presence at core Speedway GP races.

This overlap puts added pressure on the Mayfield Sports team, which, according to some motorsport commentators, is already operating with limited core staff—for example, Coleman and his wife Anoushka handle much of the key work themselves.

Industry Scrutiny

The continued absence of a 2026 Speedway GP calendar so deep into the autumn (late October) has drawn increased skepticism from longtime Speedway advocates and industry insiders. Some are questioning whether Mayfield Sports can deliver an effective and viable SGP season under the current management structure, as significant date clashes now appear inevitable unless novel solutions are implemented.

With the start of the new era for both series rapidly approaching, fans and teams alike are waiting for a clear, feasible, and transparent 2026 Speedway GP calendar—as well as answers on how Coleman can juggle the demands of two of motorcycle racing’s biggest international properties.
 

WHO are the industry insiders and the long time speedway advocates?

[Spidvej]

5 hours ago, THE DEAN MACHINE said:

WHO are the industry insiders and the long time speedway advocates?

People within the FIM for starters, wondering how a guy can run a MotoGP team, Tech3, which is based in the south of France, as its Team Principal, whilst simultaneously running a Speedway Grand Prix Series. Maybe Richard Coleman can teleport himself between venues, but I doubt it.

The FIM have realised that its impossible for one man, Richard Coleman, to be a team principal of a MotoGP team for 22 rounds whilst simultaneously managing a 10 - 12 round Speedway Grand Prix series. Unless some very good people are put in place, the speedway GP series will probably be the loser, as its unlikely that the charismatic but volatile Guenther Steiner will accept the team principal of the MotoGP team he owns taking race weekends off to go to a Speedway Grand Prix.

For what its worth, which some will no doubt call "garbage", I can see a 6 round GP series in 2026 at most, with Phil Morris taking on more responsibility, together with the staging tracks, as Coleman and his wife just dont have the large resources of Warner Brothers Discovery at their disposal, either money or manpower.

[racers and royals]

I’m not sure the ‘ rights holder ‘ is that involved once they have put everything in place pre- season.

The meeting promoters along with the FIM control all aspects from practice/ qualifying to the meeting proper- ie Jury president, race director, clerk of the course etc etc.

TV It seems like the revised contract doesn’t involve the TV side of it which means WBD have that responsibility.

As Mayfield won’t be promoting any of the rounds themselves i don’t see it being a major problem and my opinion is we won’t have less than 10 rounds in 2026.

 

Edited November 6 by racers and royals

[racers and royals]

On 11/6/2025 at 4:29 AM, Spidvej said:

People within the FIM for starters, wondering how a guy can run a MotoGP team, Tech3, which is based in the south of France, as its Team Principal, whilst simultaneously running a Speedway Grand Prix Series. Maybe Richard Coleman can teleport himself between venues, but I doubt it.

The FIM have realised that its impossible for one man, Richard Coleman, to be a team principal of a MotoGP team for 22 rounds whilst simultaneously managing a 10 - 12 round Speedway Grand Prix series. Unless some very good people are put in place, the speedway GP series will probably be the loser, as its unlikely that the charismatic but volatile Guenther Steiner will accept the team principal of the MotoGP team he owns taking race weekends off to go to a Speedway Grand Prix.

For what its worth, which some will no doubt call "garbage", I can see a 6 round GP series in 2026 at most, with Phil Morris taking on more responsibility, together with the staging tracks, as Coleman and his wife just dont have the large resources of Warner Brothers Discovery at their disposal, either money or manpower.

So ! We would love to hear again from you following today’s announcement of 10 rounds.

Hopefully you will agree that my post on November 6th was spot on.

 

[1 valve]

On 11/6/2025 at 4:29 AM, Spidvej said:

For what its worth, which some will no doubt call "garbage", I can see a 6 round GP series in 2026 at most, with Phil Morris taking on more responsibility, together with the staging tracks, as Coleman and his wife just dont have the large resources of Warner Brothers Discovery at their disposal, either money or manpower.

Your were absolutely right with your prediction..... it was indeed "garbage" 
Hope you continue to have fun in your make believe world.

[Rob B]

On 11/6/2025 at 8:48 AM, racers and royals said:

I’m not sure the ‘ rights holder ‘ is that involved once they have put everything in place pre- season.

The meeting promoters along with the FIM control all aspects from practice/ qualifying to the meeting proper- ie Jury president, race director, clerk of the course etc etc.

TV It seems like the revised contract doesn’t involve the TV side of it which means WBD have that responsibility.

As Mayfield won’t be promoting any of the rounds themselves i don’t see it being a major problem and my opinion is we won’t have less than 10 rounds in 2026.

 

Discovery WB had 100 staff on site each GP, which was probably well over the top, but involved constructing the pits and that stage in middle etc, presume all that will be gone now. 

[racers and royals]

3 minutes ago, Rob B said:

Discovery WB had 100 staff on site each GP, which was probably well over the top, but involved constructing the pits and that stage in middle etc, presume all that will be gone now. 

Not necessarily i would say- If Coleman has access to what WBD had and feels it’s an important part of the ‘ show ‘ then he can just sub out the work.

[Buttons]

On 10/24/2025 at 2:40 PM, Tomski said:

Oh dear, just what Speedway needs 🤨

 

You couldn't make it up!