[4] The Craven Shield was introduced as an end of season cup competition for the top eight teams in the league standings.
Bradford retained top English riders Gary Havelock and Joe Screen but crucially brought in Mark Loram from Exeter Falcons.
Greg Hancock won the Elite League Riders' Championship, held at Odsal Stadium on 11 October.
[12] Peterborough Panthers won the Elite League Four Team Tournament, which was held on 3 August 1997, at the East of England Arena.
[13][14] Belle Vue Bradford Coventry Eastbourne Ipswich King's Lynn Peterborough Poole Swindon Wolverhampton