New British Speedway Chairman Pete Toogood has described the sport's AGMꦗ as "the best I've ever attended." The Somerset boss has 🌳revealed how there was a feeling of unity amongst promoters despite reports of conflict between the top two divisions in the build-up to the talks in London.

Toogood has been handed the hot seat as Wolverhampton's Chris Van Straaten stood down after six-years in the job.
Van Straaten will, however, support Toogood 🐻as his vice-chairman with Sheffield's Neil Machin retaining his place on the management committee.

They are joined by newcomers to the five-man group Matt Ford of Poole and the Isle of Wight co-chief Dave Pavitt.
The Elite League have adopted a points limi♋t of 42.5 for the 10 clubs to build their teams with averages which d✱on't include bonus points.

The Premier League, meanwhile, retains a 45-point limit including bonus. It has been confirmed that the Elite League play-offs will features the top four next season - not five as in 2004 - with the semi-finals taking place from Sep🦂tember 12 with 1v4 and 2v3.

Continuity is a key word for the Pre🐼mier League with all last season's competitions retained and the same 15 clubs will do battle. Both leagues have agreed that the tactical ride - wh💎en a rider scores double points - can only be used when a team is Nine or more points behind, a point more than last season.

And the tactical substitute rule still applies where a rider starts off a 15-metre handicap for double points when a🔯 team is eight-points or more behind.

Toogood said: "I can honestly say that🅷 everyone has left the AGM looking forward to the new season in March with great enthusiasm. It was the best AGM I have ever attended with a lot of positive feedback and constructive debate with both of the two leagues, Elite and Premier, recognising where problems are within the sport."

"There was a tremendous feelingಞ of unity amongst the clubs and we are all determined to take the sport forwardꦓ from here."

Vice-Chairman Van Straaten said: "I'm sure Pete will do an excellent job as chairman and the sport is heading in a certain direction which means it's good for me to be around for at least another year to oversee certain
things."

"I'll give Pete all the support I can and I was particularly pleased with the feeling of harmony amongst the members of the BSPA during this AGM. I believe the decisions made are for the good of the sport in both
leagues and we can all now get down to planning our teams and signing ri♔ders for next seas🐬on."