What do the AGM findings mean for the Swindon Robins?

The British Speedway Promoters Association this week announced the findings of their latest AGM meeting setting out new rulings for the upcoming 2019 season. TotalSport Swindon’s Ryan Walker gives his analysis on how the fresh changes will impact the Swindon Robins.

The annual AGM meeting is something that speedway fans up and down the country collectively fear as those in charge of the sport introduce quick-fix changes that usually do more harm than good. 

However, with the motorsport finding itself in crisis mode with clubs shutting up shop for good as yearly six-figure losses are announced for some, this weeks rule changes have made a last-ditch attempt at turning things around. 

Shock moves following the meeting have seen last seasons play-off contenders the Somerset Rebels opting to drop down to the Championship, whilst Leicester Lions have followed suit as well. 

To counter-act these moves, however, the Peterborough Panthers decision to re-join the highest tier of British Speedway comes as welcome news, whilst the Ipswich Witches introduction to the Premiership provides a new challenge.

The introduction of both teams adds to the growing list of Premiership clubs with great racing tracks with Peterborough and Ipswich each boasting some of the best circuits in British Speedway.

However, this will put pressure on those clubs with poor tracks, including Swindonn’s, to improve in an attempt to attract higher calibre riders back to racing in England.

The Swindon Robins will be hoping to mount a fresh charge on the Premiership title after a disappointing season this year saw them fail to reach the playoffs. 

And the welcome abandonment of the rule allowing teams to sign only one rider with an 8.00 average or higher, allows for Robins manager Alun Rossiter to re-build his squad with higher point scoring riders as Jason Doyle looks set for a likely return to the Abbey Stadium. 

An overall team average of 42.5 remains in effect and this is something all sides must take note of as they look to combine big hitters with team riders to make a title-worthy squad of seven. 

Swindon ended the season with a green sheet average of 40.33 meaning that if a big name rider was to arrive then a shakeup to the current squad would be required. 

Troy Batchelor ended the season with the clubs top average of 7.88 whilst skipper Nick Morris finished on a 6.91 average. 

If Swindon were to keep the Australian duo then the arrival of another high point scoring rider would create a top-heavy side going into 2019. Something that Rossiter will have to think strategically about. 

Fixed race nights of Mondays and Thursdays allow for ease of racing at the Abbey Stadium with Swindon’s meetings traditionally only being allowed on Thursday evenings due to other stadium commitments.

On analysis, the recent AGM meeting has clearly attempted to fix some of the major problems within British Speedway, but sadly there is a feeling that it’s too little too late for the sport. 

Next season will be the deciding year for the future of our beloved sport, so let’s hope it’s a great one.