NDL update
In light of the BSPL statement announcing the cancellation of the National Development League, the Eagles have released the following statement.
“Eastbourne HG Aerospace Eagles and Eastbourne Seagulls MSDL Team powered by Save Thurrock Hammers are naturally disappointed at the latest news, but fully support the BSPL decision following measures announced in the past 24 hours.
We can confirm that we have already liaised with the BSPL and confirmed our intention to try to stage some form of competitive Speedway in the Autumn, should the situation be safe for all concerned and financially viable to do so.
We will assess the situation in the coming weeks and make any further announcements when a clearer picture has emerged.
Original BSPL statement:
THIRD TIER LEAGUE CANCELLED
BRITISH Speedway bosses can now confirm there will be no National Development League this season – but that doesn’t mean the end of hopes of team racing.
A number of clubs have made contact with league co-ordinator Jason Pipe to say they would like to stage competitive meetings at grassroots level. More are expected to follow.
With the additional local lockdowns put in place to continue to combat Covid-19, the decision was made to scrap plans for a full league programme in the weeks ahead.
Said Pipe: “This decision wasn’t made lightly, but one we felt had to be made in the end.
“I feel this is the right decision to make. I wouldn’t like to see clubs commit to a ‘league’ campaign and then not be able to fulfil all these meetings.”
Meanwhile Chairman Godfrey added: “In the end this is the logical and most sensible policy to take.
“We’ve seen how quickly things are changing once again and this way we don’t have clubs tied down to a full league programme.
“The opportunity is there for open meetings and challenge matches and there are a number of clubs who have already expressed a strong interest in staging meetings between now and the end of October.
“I remain confident there will be some form of NDL standard racing this year, but not in a league format.”
Image credit: Jeff Higgott