26 years ago Don Valley and Southampton were about to embark on their first league campaigns in division three. How fortunes have changed for two of the six league ever-presents, who have claimed nine league titles between them and multiple other competition wins over the intervening years. Off the track the promotions—led by Matt Akers and John Shuttler respectively—have flourished, they some of the biggest employers in their areas as their venues have become the focal points in their localities. With a 50,000 capacity Don Valley’s DVSA Stadium is the third biggest purpose built Speedway Arena in the country and the biggest stadium of any kind in Yorkshire, it will stage the British GP this year, the fifth time a round in the series has featured at the Vipers. Southampton’s Michigan Park top’s the capacity lists, the SL26 European GP will be round number six over the years for the venue that currently holds 57,000 spectators. Quantock (3rd Round) and Merseyside (2nd Round) will host later stages of World Championship qualifying, while Altrincham (Division One Riders Championship) and California (British Championship) have also been allocated big meetings in SL26. Tottenham will be the venue for first major club competition final of the new season, they host the Pairs decider in the second month of the campaign. On the track both Denaby and Cradley Heath completed 100% pre-seasons with another set of home and away wins, however it’s Don Valley that have been made favourites for this years League Championship. Ramsgate’s Kyle Ryan won the BU19 title in this weeks final at Sankey.