Exactly. Oxford have pulled the plug on the Premiership (Spires).  They will operate the Championship side (Cheetahs) and hopefully NDL (Chargers) in 2026.    It's no secret, however much people try to twist the words.

That's the Speedway Star getting the wrong end of the stick I'm afraid. It wasn't a direct interview with the Star, but a piece written from a press release. Said press release never said 'top flight operation', but simply that the Spires wouldn't be running in 2026. Fact is none of us know which league the Cheetahs will be in, so any speculation is exactly that at this stage... speculation. 

'Entertainment' is not just about 'passing' is it? There was plenty of close races which had many in the grandstand - me included - on their feet at times!  The presentation itself was quite slick I thought (except for the 1st time DJ getting his music out of sync!), all 15 heats over in 1.5 hours with only one stoppage; flashing coloured lights at the finish line, coloured smoke (blue and red) for the team introductions; crowd chants, Mexican waves, rider interviews, dedication 'shout-outs' and a Pirates win! plus a post-meeting chance for photos with the KO Cup trophy! Whats not to like? and I bet those crowds will be back to be entertained again next week for the BSN Final.😇

Rideable but not raceable. Virtually no entertainment would be a better description.  It's not like Poole need an ultra slick track to win. 7 away wins this year, they even won at Glasgow in June.

But that doesn't mean it's right - or popular with cricket fans? I assume the players opt for whoever supplies the most cash a la speedway?

Would agree slick tracks suit modern machinery,the track was perfectly race able,no alarming crashes with rider picking up unexpected grip one crash all night.We can all agree or disagree on entertainment value.Should be cracking 2nd Leg.Still difficult to predict. IMO