The National Development League formerly called the National League was formed in 2009 as the third division of speedway in the United Kingdom, replacing the Conference League.[1] It follows the same rules and regulations as the SGB Premiership and SGB Championship, including the use of rider averages. It is however regarded as the league for junior riders or in some cases other riders returning to the sport.
Current season, competition or edition: 2025 National Development League and National Trophy speedway season | |
| Formerly | Conference League |
|---|---|
| Sport | Speedway |
| Founded | 2009 |
| No. of teams | 6 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Most recent champion(s) | Leicester Lion Cubs |
| Most titles | 3 titles: Leicester Lion Cubs |
| Official website | SpeedwayGB |
| Notes | |
| Leagues above SGB Premiership (div 1) SGB Championship (div 2) | |
History
editThere were two previous speedway leagues in Britain sharing the 'National League' name, the main league that operated from 1932 to 1964, and British League Division Two, which was renamed the National League between 1975 and 1990.
The rebranded league started in 2009 and consisted of eleven teams. Over the following years the teams have changed significantly with only four of the original eleven teams still operating in 2023.[2] In recent years, the majority of the clubs that compete are junior sides of teams from the top two divisions.
Rules
editThe rules follow those of the SGB Premiership and SGB Championship with some relaxation of regulations. Riders who hold a non-British FMN licence are not permitted to compete in the National League.[3]
Champions
editSee also
editReferences
edit- ^ "British Speedway Official Website". www.speedwaygb.co. Retrieved 6 December 2017.
- ^ "HISTORY ARCHIVE - British Speedway Official Website". www.speedwaygb.co. Retrieved 6 December 2017.
- ^ "SCB Rulebook", SCB, retrieved 2012-03-31
- ^ "Mildenhall Fen Tigers wrap up National Development title". Suffolk News. Retrieved 10 October 2024.
- ^ "Lion Cubs clinch NDL title". Speedway Star. Retrieved 10 October 2024.
- ^ "Oxford Chargers crowned National League champions". Oxford Mail. Retrieved 10 October 2024.
- ^ "Leicester Lion Cubs win National Development League title". Oxford Mail. Retrieved 10 October 2024.