# ‘DerbyWheel will be implemented’: new launch plan promised for 2026

*By Simon | October 29, 2025*

![‘DerbyWheel will be implemented’: new launch plan promised for 2026](https://globalkeirin.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/88_slide02.jpg)

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## 󠀁[‘DerbyWheel will be implemented’: new launch plan promised for 2026](https://globalkeirin.com/2025/10/derbywheel-will-be-implemented-new-launch-plan-promised-for-2026/)󠁿

29 October 2025

DerbyWheel president DJ Hyun has issued a sincere apology to prospective riders
and stakeholders of the DerbyWheel project, accepting that the organisation’s
continued radio silence was ‘irresponsible’.

In a message posted on the DerbyWheel website homepage, he described a
‘combination of internal and external challenges’ in both its Seoul and London
offices, including the need for a leadership restructure following the exit of
CEO James Pope earlier this year.

‘Discussions are underway with several capable and experienced candidates,’ Hyun
revealed, ‘and once this appointment is finalised, DWP will undergo
organisational adjustments to ensure stable and sustainable race operations.

‘Preparations for the official launch – including player selection, venue
arrangements, and partnerships with content providers – were largely completed
last year. However, due to the extended delay, these areas now require renewed
coordination and updates.

‘
**Once these improvements are completed early next year, and all stakeholders are aligned, we expect to confirm a revised launch plan and resume regular race operations soon after.**

‘Although it remains difficult to specify an exact date for the launch of
regular races, we want to assure all DW players and partners that the project is
moving forward with commitment and care.

‘**Even if there is a further delay, DerbyWheel will be implemented**, and
opportunities for DW players to participate – either as athletes or in other
roles – will be provided.’

Hyun also revealed that the organisation was looking into holding races on ‘
**an indoor 400m track in Asia**‘, as well as 250m tracks in the UK and
Australia.

Indoor racing on longer tracks will be more familiar to audiences in Korea and
Japan. There is a stunning
[400m indoor track in Kitakyushu](https://globalkeirin.com/2024/03/behind-the-scenes-at-japans-largest-velodrome/)
(pictured above), the Japanese city where keirin was born; and the 10,000-seat
Gwangmyeong Speedom (below) hosts Korea’s biggest races on its 333.3m track
beneath South Korea’s largest dome structure.

![gwangmyeong](https://globalkeirin.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/gwangmyeong.jpg)

_Gwangmyeong Speedom (DerbyWheel)_

Wider tracks allow for larger numbers of riders at one time, believed to
correlate directly with higher gambling receipts; and the longer ‘final bend’
can make for a more exciting visual spectacle.

The one thing missing from the statement is a hard start date: although, clearly
hurt by past experience, it’s entirely understandable that the team don’t want
to make firm commitments until more is certain.
_More missed targets help nobody._

But although the website’s calendar page has not yet been updated, the
references to a new launch plan in 2026 mean the chances of an exhibition event
this year have effectively gone. _That isn’t really a surprise._

Many prospective competitors had understandably given up on the idea of
DerbyWheel, and the dream of a professional racing career. But there is enough
in this statement to conclude that the dream may not have disappeared quite yet.

**Dear DerbyWheel Riders and Stakeholders,**

First of all, we sincerely apologize for the lack of communication and updates
regarding DerbyWheel’s progress.

Due to a combination of internal and external challenges, DerbyWheel has been
unable to operate normally for over a year. Both DerbyWheel Headquarters in
Seoul, Korea, and our race operations body, DerbyWheel Player (DWP), in the
United Kingdom, have experienced significant difficulties. We are working
diligently to restore full operational capability as soon as possible.

We also recognise that it would be irresponsible to remain silent toward our DW
players (riders), who have gone through a rigorous selection process. While it
will take some additional time before players can participate in regular races,
we believe it is our responsibility to explain our current situation and outline
the path forward.

A key part of this process is leadership restructuring. The previous CEO of DWP,
Mr. James Pope, stepped down several months ago, and we are now in the process
of appointing a new CEO. Discussions are underway with several capable and
experienced candidates, and once this appointment is finalised, DWP will undergo
organisational adjustments to ensure stable and sustainable race operations.

Earlier this month (beginning October 13, 2025), members of the DerbyWheel
leadership team visited London to review and reset key areas of DWP’s
operations. Preparations for the official launch – including player selection,
venue arrangements, and partnerships with content providers – were largely
completed last year. However, due to the extended delay, these areas now require
renewed coordination and updates. Once these improvements are completed early
next year, and all stakeholders are aligned, we expect to confirm a revised
launch plan and resume regular race operations soon after.

Although it remains difficult to specify an exact date for the launch of regular
races, we want to assure all DW players and partners that the project is moving
forward with commitment and care. Even if there is a further delay, DerbyWheel
will be implemented, and opportunities for DW players to participate – either as
athletes or in other roles – will be provided.

Additionally, plans are progressing to hold DerbyWheel races on a indoor 400 m
track in Asia. If confirmed, these races will be held regularly alongside those
on 250 m tracks in the UK and Australia, creating more competitive opportunities
for our riders.

Further details -such as the confirmed location and launch schedule – will be
shared as soon as they are inalized.

We greatly appreciate your patience, understanding, and continued support during
this period of transition. We will continue to share updates as progress is
made.

**With sincere thanks and regards,**

**DJ Hyun**

**President, DerbyWheel Incorporated**

Oct. 29, 2025

**Categories:** Original
**Tags:** dwnews, testevent