The new look Sky Sports Elite League Speedway season gets underway on Monday 29 March, and sees a number of changes in the set up of the league. Most notable for viewers and spectators will be the introduction of Air Safety Barriers at all Elite League tracks throughout the season.

The Air Safety Barriers are all branded with the Elite League’s title sponsor Sky Sports, which reflects Sky’s on going relationship with the sport.

Another major change for the 2004 season has been a new rider grading system, which has given team managers a more open handed approach to team building and encouraging more Premier League teams to step up to Elite League level.

A result of that change sees the Sky Sports Elite League expand to 10 teams, with the introduction of the Swindon Robins and the Arena Essex Hammers, based in Thurrock, Essex.

Chris van Straaten, Chairman of British Speedway says:

‘2004 is set to be a very important year for British Speedway. We need to make sure that we build upon the increased profile and attendances that we have enjoyed over the past couple of seasons. The increase in numbers to a ten-team league and the introduction of Air Safety Barriers at Elite League fixtures demonstrate that we are moving the sport forward and reaching new levels of professionalism. It is also very rewarding to see this spreading throughout our sport both in the Premier League and also at Conference League Level.’

The Sky Sports Elite League begins on Monday March 29, live on Sky Sports 2, with 2003 treble winners Poole Pirates visiting Elite League newcomers Arena Essex.

For more information please contact Mark Thursfield at MTA Media
Tel: 07780 991975 or www.mark.thursfield@mtamedia.co.uk
www.british-speedway.co.uk