NEW British Speedway chairman Alex Harkess has hailed the lack of rule changes at the sport's AGM.
Edinburgh chief Harkess, a nice guy with a ruthless side, admits he is proud to be handed the role of chairman in succession to Peter Toogood.
The AGM saw all nine Elite League clubs declare themselves as members for 2010 with a points ceiling of 40.95.
And the Premier League could be about to welcome a new club after an application was accepted by the members with a points limit of 42.50.
Said Harkess: "It's not that exciting that we have left things as they are, but I believe it can only be a good thing for the sport.
"This AGM has seen the biggest change to the top table (management committee) I have known in my 20-years in this sport.
"I would initially like to pay tribute to those people who have stood aside and thank them for their hard work down the years, Terry Russell, Peter Toogood and Chris Van Straaten.
"And I am very enthusiastic about the new members of the management committee, I would like to formally welcome Matt (Ford), Jonathan (Chapman) and Jon (Cook). We all have a desire to see this great sport go from strength-to-strength.
"We have enjoyed positive discussions on the way forward for British Speedway and there are already plans in the pipeline to discuss for 2011, not just next year.
"I'd like to thank supporters for their wonderful support of British Speedway throughout this year and look forward to an exciting 2010."
ELITE LEAGUE *Membership remains at nine teams, as in 2009
*Points limit set at 40.95 which remains in place throughout the season.
*EL programme will consist of two home and two away fixtures against each other club. Top four qualify for play-offs. Semi-finals over two legs with no points advantage given to higher-placed teams.
*Bottom team in EL to face winners of Premier League play-offs in promotion/relegation final.
ELITE KNOCKOUT CUP: Preliminary Round: Ipswich v Wolverhampton 1st Round: Coventry v Ipswich / Wolverhampton, Belle Vue v Poole, Eastbourne v Lakeside, Swindon v Peterborough.
PREMIER LEAGUE KNOCKOUT CUP: Birmingham v Sheffield, Scunthorpe v Newcastle, Leicester v Redcar, Rye House s Edinburgh, Glasgow v Kings Lynn, Berwick v Newport, Workington v Stoke. Bye: Somerset (will face either Birmingham or Sheffield in round 2).
OTHER CHANGES: *No team changes after September 15 with the exception of riders returning from injury. *White helmet colour returns, replacing green.
SUPER7EVEN AND NATIONAL EVENTS: *The Elite Riders Championship will replace the ELRC and will feature the top rider from each Elite League team plus seven invitations which will be open to all Grand Prix riders plus any other rider racing under the FIM.
*Qualification for the British Final will strictly be via two semi-finals with no seeding. An invitation will be sent to the top 32 British riders based on averages. Dates and venues to be announced on January 29, 2010.
