Speedway: Promoters opt to keep Premier League change to a minimum

THERE will be no seismic shake-up in the Premier League speedway championship in 2013, after promoters decided to protect what they believe is a successful brand at their AGM in Coventry.

Thirteen teams, as in 2012, will once again contest the title race after Leicester Lions’ application to join the Elite League was placed on hold for 12 months. The points limit for team-building remains at 42.50 and knockout play-offs among the top six clubs will decide the eventual champions.

The season kicks off with the Premier League Cup featuring four groups, with Edinburgh Monarchs facing Glasgow Tigers and Berwick Bandits in their qualifying section. Monarchs have also been drawn against Leicester in the first round of the Knockout Cup.

Monarchs promoter Alex Harkess, who stays put as British Speedway Promoters’ Association chairman, told the gathering: “After a very difficult season economically, we have experienced some wonderful competitions that went down to the last few races before the various titles were decided.

“The play-offs in both the Elite and Premier League proved a resounding success and brought fresh impetus to the league championships.”

Monarchs, having staved off closure last week, are now focusing on drawing up their team roster for next season. Hungarian Jozsef Tabaka is the first rider to sign, and is likely to be joined by Derek Sneddon, who is due a testimonial at Armadale in 2013.

The Capital squad are also desperate to tie up No. 1 Craig Cook for a third term, and barring unexpected hurdles, the Englishman, who was crowned Premier league Riders’ Champion at Sheffield in October, should re-sign.