The 2023 SGB Championship season (sponsored by Cab Direct[1]) was the 76th season of the second tier of British Speedway and the 6th known as the SGB Championship.[2] The British Speedway Network (BSN) streamed 35 matches live for the second year running.[3]
Summary
Nine clubs competed in the Championship in 2023,[2] with Edinburgh Monarchs remaining in the league despite problems surrounding their home venue.[4] The only change to the league was Leicester Lions, who left for the higher league of the SGB Premiership 2023.[5]
The league format was the same as in 2022, with each team racing against each other twice (home and away), meaning a total of 16 fixtures each during the season. The points system was revamped and simplified, with teams scoring two points for a win (home or away), with a bonus point scored for an aggregate win. A 'Super Heat' was also introduced in the event of a tied meeting, with the winners scoring two league points and the losers gaining one point.
The top six teams qualified for the playoffs, however they were split into two groups of three, with the winners of each qualifying for the Grand Final. Finally, the points limit for team construction was reduced from 42 to 40 points.[6]
Glasgow Tigers won the title for the first time 2011, while Scunthorpe Scorpions claimed the knockout cup.[7]Poole Pirates had been looking to secure an unprecedented third consecutive double of league and cup, however they lost in both finals. However, Poole did win the BSN Series, an early season competition.[8]
The 2023 SGB Championship Knockout Cup was the 55th edition of the Knockout Cup for tier two teams and the 6th edition under the SGB Championship Knockout Cup name.