BRITISH champion Danny King will be without a place in the newly-branded speedway Premiership after Coventry Bees have been axed from the top league.

The Bees have been unable to convince the British Speedway Promoters Association (BSPA) that they could return to race at their own Brandon Stadium this season. Coventry had thought they could at least start the season as an agreement was in place with Leicester Lions to share Beaumont Park for eight meetings.

One or two other teams can be expected to make some changes now that seven riders – including King – have suddenly become available.

With Belle Vue's new ownership secured could it be that some of the former Bees will go there including Manchester-based Jason Garrity?

The Manchester side had so far only announced Steve Worrall and Craig Cook as riders for 2017, although Max Fricke seems certain to be an Ace again this season.