MATT Ford has warned that the National League “won’t last five minutes” if third-tier tracks bow to the demands for “crazy money” from some of its leading lights.

Ford, who promotes Buccaneers as well as top-flight Pirates, said he was shocked by the wages being requested by some riders at the lower level.

The BSPA vice-chairman is the second notable figure to raise concerns over the issue.

He follows Weymouth team manager Jem Dicken, who said they wouldn’t be held to ransom by unreasonable wage demands.

Ford said he had been asked for “ridiculous money” to replace injured ex-Buccaneers spearhead Jay Herne before he got Chris Mills on board to replace the Aussie. The Wimborne Road chief said: “It’s crazy money being talked about in the National League.

“One or two riders Garry May spoke to asked for ridiculous money.

“I can tell you categorically some of the money being talked about in British speedway’s lower league is becoming ridiculous.”

Ford added: “I know riders in that league who can ride one day a week and earn more than the average worker in this country earns in a whole week.

“People are losing sight of the fact it’s supposed to be a training league, not a league for riders at a certain point in their career who are just trying to embellish their earnings.

“It’s there to bring on young British riders. It’s very encouraging to see the likes of Kyle Newman and Kyle Howarth coming through from the National League, which we joined as a promotion last year, and its predecessor, the Conference League.

“These guys are looking better and getting better and, fingers crossed, they will be the future of British speedway.

“It’s often said improvement isn’t being made, but the 11 tracks in the National League are all trying to make improvements to British speedway.

“What doesn’t help is the silly money being asked because the clubs can’t afford to pay what they haven’t got.”

• This interview was carried out before Poole Speedway banned its riders and staff from speaking to the Echo. The ban is still in place.