BUXTON are so committed to developing young talent next season, that the Ductair Bulls want to track TWO teams if the National League retains its twin mini leagues structure for 2026.
Last season the third tier ran a National Development League (NDL) of six teams; Belle Vue, Edinburgh, Leicester (Lion Cubs), Middlesbrough, Oxford and a combined Sheffield/Scunthorpe side, alongside a separate National Development Trophy (NDT) competition involving five other clubs ; Birmingham, Kent, King’s Lynn, Leicester (Fox Cubs) and Plymouth.
Since the end of the 2025 season, Birmingham has closed, while there are doubts about the future of Kent, and Leicester have indicated they will not put out a second third division team again next year. So who knows how the NL set-up will look come next spring?
With the Premiership desperately trying to survive with at least five teams, and the second tier Championship poised to retain the same nine starters from last season, the British Speedway Promoters’ Ltd have delayed confirming the overall structure of UK speedway until track bosses meet for their AGM in early January.
Frustratingly, it means the Bulls are having to put their team-building plans on hold, even though they have a ‘wants’ list, and a number of riders have already expressed interest in joining the Peak District outfit on their return after an eight-year absence.
Buxton promoter Laurence Rogers said: “I have had calls from riders wanting to know if we would be interested in them, so it would be good to be able to give them good news and make some team announcements.
“If there are two National League divisions again next season we will apply to compete in both, which would mean more chances for a great number of riders.
“We have no restriction on how many meetings we can run at Buxton, so we want to maximise our track facilities and, most importantly, the opportunities to develop young riders.
“We are working closely with our landlords at the adjacent car racing circuit and trying to avoid clashes of dates with them as much as possible. We recently had a very productive meeting with their commercial manager, and have plans for several joint ventures, including displays, fayres and social events.”
Words by Buxton Speedway – Feature Image courtesy of Phil Mcglynn
