1 valve

Two leagues made up of riders available following the demise of the Premier League and loss of the very best riders seems the most sensible, especially since only one of the leagues will need to support full time riders. Don't forget, this situation has been brought about because the majority of the BSPL promoters of whom the majority are Championship club owners didnt want the existing league set-up to continue (exit Mr. Louis) Also, given the BSPL/ACU/FIM structure, such a move will not be acceptable to a good number of those remaining riders given that Nora meetings would be the only ones they could ride in anywhere in the world speedway/long track nor grass-track including GP2/world under 21 and other junior championship. All those folk who wanted one league may not be getting their wish, but they are getting the best solution to providing speedway with the less number of riders available - We should always be careful on what we wish for!

To be clear Rob Godfrey was only quoted on saying there will be two leagues next year. I added thesplit and the concept of pro and semi pro leagues simply because with 7 man teams there would still be the need for double ups. Clearly the point limit for tier one will need to be reduced from this years Premiership and thus the knock on to tier two. As for Chris Louis, I suspect he wanted to continue with a format that could include the opportunity of top riders as he has seen the success both on the track and financially what this can bring to a well promoted club. it would not be hard to imagine that Chris's views were not shared by the majority of the other promoters and so in some way he was backed into a corner - although clearly believes that what will be announce would not meet his expectations. Chris (and maybe Ritchie too ) wanted a league with GP quality riders, and just didn't see that UK speedway giving up on the opportunity for all fans to see the likes of Jason Doyle, Max Fricke, Dan Bewley, Brady Kurz and suchlike was the way forward - and so he bailed out at the top.

In Chris Louis announcement he said he had informed all promoters of his decision. In the case of the BSPL board it would be a fair presumption they were amongst the first to know & most probably at least a week ago. In this weeks Star the BSPL chairman stated he he was confident all significant plans for 2026 would be agreed and in place by the end of November. He has also stated there will be two leagues. For this to come to fruition and a balanced approach to team building be adopted the we would be looking at a “top flight” of seven teams and a second tier of Six teams - With a strong possibility that at least one club who raced this year will not come to the tapes in 2026. The top flight will be fully professional with the second tier comprising lower average riders from tier one joined by semi/pro NDL types.

Your post made some good points and was making sense until the bit about a 14 team league which would be just impossible to have.

In Leicester’s case they could elect to run on (say) Thursday meaning for home matches from this years team Douglas, Becker, Howarth could be retained for starters with the addition of Dan Thompson and maybe even the promoters son will come into the equation. Admittedly, a few guests and R/R will be required for away meetings but very strong home performances will keep the fans happy.

Which two?

There’s been a fair few rumours in other threads re the Lions and last years riders but as far as I can see nothing coming out of the club’s ownership which at least avoids fuelling those rumours. Given that now both Sheffield & Ipswich are for sale with Chris Louis stepping away from the league organisation what does this mean for the future of the Lions?

BT 50% owner of TNT looking for a buyer of their half of the business and believe it or not Warner Bros. Discovery are in advanced talks to acquire

And if there were to be one big league next year, the best we could hope for would be around 70 available riders (at best) r along with a wide spread of ability and competitiveness from good to absolute no chancers.

Well you are most probably correct in assuming half of those listed would leave. And if five man teams become the way forward involving a large inclusion of NDL level then it would be fair to presume half of the current UK attendees would also disappear.

You are a bit behind with your comments and maths. To help you catch up First you need to understand the number of available riders is not simply 13x7 because in one big league, A. There cannot be riders doubling up so these count as one. I.e Leicester this year had 4 out of seven who also rode in the Championship. B. Unless all teams agree to ride on Monday & Thursday riders who race in Poland & Scandinavia will also not be available. I.e In Leicester’s case this would remove three riders. Having done that, the number of C. Individual riders who are at the very least capable of riding competitively in a league somewhat similar to that of the current championship will be sufficient to create 8 teams (not 13) or if riders from the NDL are included then maybe 9 teams. But these lads will not be competitive and maybe even be an on track danger to themselves & others. Finally on the matter of the BSPL making final decisions they are working towards the end of November to do so. The AGM on Jan 6th will be as per normal function of company procedure.

Yes he is- but wouldn’t have made the Prem if not for the injuries of two previous rising stars & highly doubtful he would find a place in 2026 should things remain similar to this year.

Any chance of a summary of what it was?

This year it would have been Joe Thompson. Having been released by the Lions he was re signed due to two rising stars being injured during the season. However, being complacent cannot be laid at Joe’s door. He tried everything possible and gave 100% but being perfectly competent to race at Prem level? Given he came last in every one of his last twelve races for the lions answers that question doesn’t it?

Is this the suggestion made by Peter Oaks? Or is it something else