CHANGES to the fixture list of Elite League speedway next season could see 2012 world champion Chris Holder riding for Swindon. Wouldn't that be something.

It looks as if captain Troy Batchelor may well come back, but top rider Peter Kildemand has indicated he will not be returning.

Holder, Batch's Aussie international team-mate, has indicated he will race here in 2015 and if he cannot get a place at Poole has suggested that Swindon is his first choice.

The British speedway promoters had their annual conference at the weekend and as expected Eastbourne and Birmingham have dropped out of the Elite League, preferring to race in the National league – the third tier of British racing.

The eight teams will race each other twice home and away. The total of 28 league fixtures is four less than last year and the top league in Sweden has also reduced its fixture list (by two) opening up the possibility of more top stars racing in England due to the easier schedule.

Also, Elite League fixtures will be compiled in a manner sympathetic to those riders competing in the Grand Prix series, with free weeks in the build-up to major meetings.

BSPA vice chairman Chris Van Straaten said: “We want the league to be open to anyone in world speedway who wants to be here, and hopefully this will encourage some to have another think and conclude that the British schedule is not as exhausting as it was."

The points limits for the top five riders has been raised from 32 to 34 which means that those riding at No.2 and No.4, whose averages were inflated by a riding with reserves, can be accommodated.

The 'Fast Track' system of reserves has been enhanced for 2015 with better quality riders being invited to join the scheme.

Riders like Dan Greenwood and Nathan Greaves, who were clearly not good enough for Swindon in 2014, will be replaced by better racers.

Whether that opens the door for British riders like Ashley Birks and Josh Auty remains to be seen, although the former will not be returning to the Robins as he has signed for Sheffield who race in the Premier League on Thursdays.

It is disappointing that the Premier League (the second tier of British speedway) has not adopted a similar Fast Track system. That way there could be a co-ordinated approach to the development of talented young British riders.

Two places in the top five of a team are available for doubling-up riders who can appear in both the top leagues. Perhaps that is a subtle way to force British riders through.

The transfer deadline remains in place and a window will open for seven days prior to the Elite League play-offs to enable clubs to replace injured riders.

This is a big plus as last year we had the laughable experience of injury-ravaged Poole and King’s Lynn fielding teams riddled with guests in their semi-final ties.

As for the other Swindon rider news, Simon Gustaffson is taking a break in 2015, even in Sweden.

The popular Dakota North was bought by Poole weeks ago.

Nick Morris did not make the progress expected but I would like to see Belle Vue asset Steve Worrall back with a good fast track partner.

Off the track, former Cradley and Coventry promoter Colin Pratt has joined the club replacing the ultra-busy Peter Toogood and will work alongside Alun Rossiter.

The two were a team at Coventry when that side were last league champions and I welcome Pratt’s arrival.