The 1997 Premier League speedway season was the second division of motorcycle speedway in the United Kingdom and governed by the Speedway Control Board (SCB), in conjunction with the British Speedway Promoters' Association (BSPA).

Restructure

A restructure of British speedway took place, with the Premier League becoming the second division and a new Elite League becoming the top division. During the two previous seasons (1995 and 1996) there had been only one division of British speedway also called the Premier League, this confused matters because the Premier League was now only a second tier competition.

Season summary

The Premier League was consisted of 14 teams for the 1997 season, running on a standard format with no play-offs. The Young Shield was introduced as an end of season cup competition for the top eight teams in the league standings. Reading Racers won the title.

Fixtures & results

Final table

Premier League Knockout Cup

The 1997 Premier League Knockout Cup was the 30th edition of the Knockout Cup for tier two teams and the first with the name Premier League Knockout Cup. Edinburgh Monarchs were the winners of the competition. During 1995 and 1996 the British League merged and ran as one newly named Premier League, which therefore meant that the second tier of speedway in the United Kingdom was the 1995 Academy League season, followed one year later by the 1996 Speedway Conference League season.

First round

Northern Group Southern Group

Semi-finals

Final

First leg Second leg Edinburgh were declared Knockout Cup Champions, winning on aggregate 94–86.

Riders' Championship

Peter Carr won the Riders' Championship. The final was held on 13 September at Brandon Stadium.

Pairs

The Premier League Pairs Championship was held at Oxford Stadium on 26 September. The event was won by Long Eaton Invaders.

Fours

Long Eaton Invaders won the Premier League Four-Team Championship, which was held on 3 August 1997, at the East of England Arena.

Final leading averages

Riders & final averages

Arena Essex Berwick Edinburgh Exeter Glasgow Hull Isle of Wight/Skegness Long Eaton Newcastle Newport Oxford Reading Sheffield Stoke Jon Armstrong 2.00