SWINDON Robins skipper Jason Doyle says he understands why some of speedway’s top stars opt not to ride in Great Britain.

Doyle, who looked on course to be crowned world champion in 2016 only to be denied by injury, is in the minority when it comes to world class riders regularly committing to Elite League clubs.

American Greg Hancock, who eventually lifted the world title, has not had a UK team since 2013, while Tai Woffinden – world champion in 2013 and 2015 – only rode for Wolverhampton Wolves at the back end of 2016 after sitting out the previous year altogether.

Alongside Doyle, of the top-eight finishers in this year’s Speedway Grand Prix series, only fellow Aussie Chris Holder and Denmark’s Niels-Kristian Iversen had full-time deals with top-tier clubs in the UK.

With rival leagues across the continent also competing to sign speedway’s biggest names, Doyle concedes it is difficult for riders to commit everywhere but thinks a more streamlined calendar could help tempt them to return to the Elite League.

“The hardest thing is that the money isn’t there for the riders who want to come from abroad, this is why some of the big names don’t want to ride here,” said Doyle.

“It also needs to be set on one night a week like, they do in Poland and Sweden. If they can do that in England, I think it would bring most of the top boys back.

“It’s too hectic having 30 meetings a year on different days of the week, so I’m sure if they can change this you’ll see more riders coming back to England.”

A plan to unify the Elite League fixture list is likely to be discussed at the British Speedway Promoters Association’s annual general meeting, which starts today.

That is not the only alteration Doyle would like to see in next year’s rules, with the Aussie eager to mix up the arrangement of race nights too.

“I think they need to have a bit of a change up with the reserves in the Elite League because the way the race format goes for ones, threes and fives, it’s very difficult to race against heat leaders in every race but twos, fours and reserves have got an easier ride,” said Doyle.

“I’d say there are a lot of false averages in the league, so this is the main thing that needs to be changed.

“I’m sure Keith Chapman (BSPA chairman) will look into making changes. He’s the man who can fix things up in British speedway and I look forward to some new changes.”