Speedway rules changed to add more excitement
Last updated 19:27, Thursday, 20 November 2008
WORKINGTON Comets will be aiming for four-point hauls on the road next season as a result of changes to the British speedway scoring system.
Teams in the Premier League will receive an additional point for winning a match by a margin of seven points or more in 2009.
It means that a big away win will earn four points, while a similar scoreline at home will earn three points.
An additional point is also being introduced for away teams that lose by six points or less.
The idea behind the changes is to keep matches competitive during the later heats.
It means that if an away team are 18 points behind with three heats remaining, they will still have a chance of earning a point.
Last season a number of matches were over as contests by heat seven or eight, with little incentive for the trailing team to mount a comeback.
But Comets owner Keith Denham (pictured) said: “I don’t think the changes will make a lot of difference.
“They weren’t something that I really wanted, but we’ve been landed with them and we will have to handle it.”
Another change for next year is the scrapping of the tactical substitute rule, where a rider could start with a 15-metre handicap and score double points.
It will be replaced with a second use of the tactical ride rule, although this can only be employed when a team are 12 points or more behind their opponents.
The Knockout Cup will see the trial of a new tactical gates system where teams trailing by six points or more will be able to select their gate positions on two separate occasions.
The line-up for the 2009 Premier League is also set to change, with Isle of Wight, Mildenhall and Reading all leaving the league.
Only Newport are so far confirmed to join, although the door has been left open for another southern-based side to come in and form a 15-team league.
Comets have so far failed to add any signings since the unveiling of new No7 Richard Lawson at last Friday’s presentation night.
However, Joe Haines has decided to leave the Comets to ride for Rye House Rockets.
He said: “I’ve enjoyed my season at Workington because the fans have been great. They have given the team, and myself, terrific backing.”
The 17-year-old was a member of the team that won the Premier League Fours and the Young Shield.
o See page 46 for story and photo spread on Comets’ awards night.
