British Speedway Promoters Ltd has released a statement regarding the 2026 season, providing an update following their recent AGM in Rugby. The statement confirms key decisions made, including board changes, team line-ups, and rule modifications. The following is a comprehensive summary of these developments.
Board of Directors
British Speedway Promoters Ltd welcomes two new members to its Board of Directors: Mark Lemon and Rob Lyon. They join the existing board members, Rob Godfrey (Chairman), Damien Bates (Vice-Chairman), John Campbell, and Alex Harkess (President).
Premiership Teams
Five teams have been confirmed for the 2026 season: Belle Vue, Ipswich, King’s Lynn, Leicester, and Sheffield. Efforts are ongoing to secure a sixth team for the Premiership. The points limit for six riders is set at 37, with each team to be completed by a Rising Star, selected based on their performance in the 2025 season.
The Rising Star selections are as follows: Belle Vue - William Cairns, Ipswich - Jason Edwards, King’s Lynn - Jody Scott, Leicester - Dan Gilkes, and Sheffield - Luke Killeen. The Premiership league format involves teams playing twice home and away, with a new play-off structure introduced due to league numbers.
The top three teams will now compete in the play-offs, with the league leader advancing directly to the Final. The second and third-placed teams will contest the semi-final. If a sixth team joins the Premiership, the play-off format will revert to the top four teams.
Knockout Cup and Additional Competition
The Knockout Cup will continue, and clubs will hold further discussions regarding a potential third competition, which could feature an alternative format.
Rule Changes
Several rule changes have been agreed and will be included in the 2026 SCB Regulations:
- SUPER HEATS: In the event of a drawn match after Heat 15, a Super Heat will no longer be held, and both teams will receive one league point. Super Heats will now only be staged if the aggregate scores after home and away matches are tied, to determine the Aggregate Point or the team's progression in a two-legged competition.
