1981 National League season

[1] The league started with 20 teams with Nottingham Outlaws dropping out after the BSPA refused an application by promoter Maurice Jones to run during 1981.

[4][5] Exeter Falcons rider Tony Sanford died following an accident at the County Ground Stadium on 7 September.

Mike Ferreira won the Riders' Championship, held at Wimbledon Stadium on 26 September 1981.

[11] The National League Pairs was held at The Shay on 18 July and was won by Canterbury Crusaders.

[13][14] Semi finals Final Berwick (withdrew from league) Boston Canterbury Crayford Edinburgh Ellesmere Port Exeter Glasgow Middlesbrough Mildenhall Milton Keynes Newcastle Oxford Peterborough Rye House Scunthorpe Stoke Weymouth Wolverhampton Workington