BT SPORT has come to the rescue of British speedway after Sky Sports declined to take up the final two years of their current contract to broadcast the sport.

BT Sport which already holds the rights to the MotoGP series are fast becoming the channel of choice for motor sport on two wheels.

In addition to covering Britain’s top flight of speedway – the newly-rebranded Premiership which includes the Swindon Robins – BT Sport will broadcast the FIM Speedway Grand Prix series and Monster Energy FIM Speedway World Cup.

It is as yet unclear whether everything will be in place to show the early fixtures of the Premiership live, with the eight clubs in the Premiership due to lock horns from the beginning of April.

Swindon open their season with a visit to Leicester Lions on April 1.

Speedway is in dire need of some good news after the botched opening of a national speedway stadium in Belle Vue, Manchester and the controversial closing and asset-stripping of the Coventry track which led their side to withdraw from the top league.

There remains a serious doubt, too, that the new Swindon speedway stadium in Blunsdon will be completed in time for any midsummer fixtures as building work seems to be running behind schedule.

Keith Chapman, chairman of the British Speedway Promoters’ Association, has no doubt that the new TV deal is a shot in the arm for sport.

Chapman said: “We are delighted to welcome BT Sport as our broadcast partners for the 2017 season.

“They successfully hosted both the Grand Prix and World Cup last year and we are pleased to showcase our sport alongside those tournaments on the same channel."

Swindon Robins co-owner Terry Russell, of Go Speed International Ltd who negotiated the new deal, said: “Our thanks go to BT Sport for welcoming British Speedway into their stable of sport.

“We are extremely pleased British Speedway has a home on TV and of course it sits nicely alongside the GP and World Cup. It’s good news for the sport and I’m sure our fans will enjoy the coverage BT Sport provide.

“There will be 18 shows throughout the summer and into the autumn, including the play-offs which always provide great drama and TV entertainment."

SWINDON will now be hosting their press and practice day on Thursday March 30 – a week later than planned.

The Robins, who have named Carpets 4 Less as their main team sponsor this season, have put the date back due to stadium availability.

Gates will open to the public at 5pm and admission is free.