Edinburgh Monarchs have welcomed the suggestion that the points limit for the Premier League will rise to 45 points. This follows two years with restricted limits of 43 points in 1998 and 41 points in 1999.
This higher limit is set to be rubber stamped at the British Speedway Promoters Association conference at Bournmouth this month. Alex Harkess welcomed the higher points limit as he felt that 41 was too restrictive. Harkess commented:
"I am quiet happy with 45. I feel that is the natural average for eveyone and it should stay at that ever."
Harkess added that there might be further minor changes:
"The 'golden double' tactical substitute rule will remain because it's proved to be popular with supporters. But you will only be allowed to use it if you're eight or ten points behind as opposed to six this season."
"It's also been agreed that if a rider touches the tapes he will retreat 15 metres, a rule that currently exists only in the Elite League."
That would appear to indicate that no major changes in the structure of the British League are likely and that the existing three league set-up would remain in place.