On a number of occasions the question has been asked "can two clubs run in the same league even though they are owned by the same person". I am presuming this question has been asked because there is a fear of self interest or means to manipulate rules and situations given that "voting" on such matters would hardly be democratic on a one man one vote scenario
The (apparently correct) answer has been "yes so long as different promoters are involved" - suggesting a degree of independence from an owners influence.
Yet last week Damien Bates "owner" of Sheffield & Leicester was reported in print as saying " I am waiting to see what happens at the AGM before deciding on which leagues Leicester & Sheffield will compete" Now this statement hardly sounds like different promoters creating an independent culture within speedway. More that. Listen, you may be the promoters, but I am the owner and what I say goes - me dog you tail get wagging.
Now unless somebody can explain how having the same owner of two teams in the same league will never be subject to control of the owner and their (biased) view then it would appear that it is best to presume the sport is indeed run by owners whilst promoters/co promoters of the jointly owned clubs are merely the yes men of the influential few.
If this is the case, just come on out and admit, owners run the clubs, make the big decisions and the promoters merely promote the events. there's nothing wrong with this nor anything we supporters can do about it. But please unless there is a clear explanation which disproves this thinking, stop continuing to insult our intelligence (or maybe even your own) with a smoke and mirrors attempt to convince the paying public otherwise.