IPSWICH promoter John Louis can see British speedway being divided into three divisions with promotion and relegation.Louis, who has welcomed the decisions made at the 2007 British Speedway Promoters' Association annual conference last week, said today: “I can see a time when British speedway has three main divisions.

By Elvin King

IPSWICH promoter John Louis can see British speedway being divided into three divisions with promotion and relegation.

Louis, who has welcomed the decisions made at the 2007 British Speedway Promoters' Association annual conference last week, said today: “I can see a time when British speedway has three main divisions.

“The lowering of the Elite League points limit and increasing the one in the Premier League brings the leagues closer together and sets up a promotion and relegation theme.

“This will make speedway more credible, and with the top clubs from the Conference coming in I can see three divisions - with promotion and relegation - before too long.

“The Grand Prix series could well take more top riders away from England, and the leagues will grow even closer together.”

Louis has been the Witches promoter since 1989, and he expects Ipswich to be more of a force next season.

He added: “The decisions made should stabilise the sport. We had four strong teams this year and four weak ones.

“Next season there should be a better balance and I am anticipating a much better campaign.”

Louis is happy with the new 38.85 points limit and with four riders already signed - Chris Louis, Jarek Hampel, Robert Miskowiak and Tobi Kroner - he sees no reason why Ipswich should not come out with a competitive team.

He added: “With the lower points limit it means that riders will be released from top clubs this year.

“This gives us scope to improve. If the limit had stayed over 40 it would have been harder to build.”

Louis is also a fan of the decision to give three points for an away win and take away the aggregate bonus point.

“Taking away the aggregate bonus point is a good thing.

“Some clubs have a huge home advantage, and they were picking up the extra point on more occasions than some other tracks.

“Now that should go, and teams who win away from home will be better rewarded.”

With Reading dropping down to the Premier League, Ipswich will have 16 home league meetings in 2008, which Louis says is enough.

He explained: “I plan to run 24 times as usual, with the Knockout Cup, Craven Shield, early season challenge and hopefully the 16-Lap Classic.

“Yes, I like the look of the decisions that came out of the conference, although as every year the proof of the pudding will be in the eating.”

Ipswich, who have been drawn against Wolverhampton in the only first round Knockout Cup meeting, expect to complete their team by Christmas with three English riders being targeted.

World champion Nicki Pedersen has admitted he is unlikely to figure in next season's Elite League.

Pedersen has been left out of Eastbourne's plans and it seems there is no room for him elsewhere under the new team building restrictions.