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 (pictured above), the Japanese city where keirin was born; and the 10,000-seat Gwangmyeong Speedom (below) hosts Korea’s biggest races on its extended track beneath South Korea’s largest dome structure.

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.