Speedway feast for Stars fans

Speedway fans from the Dereham and Fakenham areas have been promised the 'ultimate year of racing' by King's Lynn chief Buster Chapman who unveiled the club's Elite League fixtures ahead of their long-awaited top-flight return.

The Stars will host Belle Vue – who will track British No 1 Chris Harris this season – on March 30, two days after travelling to the north west for their inaugural meeting back in the Elite since 2003, writes Paddy Davitt.

Lynn have also been handed two live Sky television home dates with Lakeside's visit on April 11 and Birmingham's trip on May 16 both reaching a potential domestic and international audience.

Rob Lyon's side have been drawn against Belle Vue in the KO Cup competition with the first leg away on May 23 followed by a Norfolk Arena return on June 8.

Poole's powerful septet, headed by Pirates' Aussie ace Chris Holder, visit Saddlebow for the first time on April 22 – and Holder is likely to return five days later when the Norfolk Arena also hosts the prestigious Elite League Pairs.

Lynn's venue has again been chosen to stage a round in the World Team Cup later in the summer after the success of last season's event to top off a stellar season for Chapman.

'I don't think I have ever seen a fixture list full of such high-profile and exciting events,' he said, with Lynn's Young Stars squad also competing in the National League.

'It is enough to make fans drool and it really does show how far this club has come over the past decade.

'We knew that last year's World Cup would put us in the spotlight, but to have that return for a second year and also be selected to stage the Elite League Pairs' championship is simply sensational.'

Lynn's new-look squad, featuring the likes of Danish Grand Prix winner Kenneth Bjerre and former Peterborough team-mate Niels Kristian-Iversen, will hold a behind-closed-doors training session before being presented to fans at a special preview night on Wednesday, March 16 (5pm).

Supporters will get their first chance to see Bjerre in action in a two-legged challenge meeting curtain-raiser against Birmingham on March 23 with the Perry Barr return 24 hours later.

'It's going to be a massive season and no doubt the whole of Norfolk will be behind us,' said team boss Lyon.

'But it is important for us to put on a good show and do well as we are also going to be watched by a global television audience as well as the 2,000 fans in the stadium this season.'

The club have released season ticket details for the new campaign with prices based on 14 home Elite League meetings with free entry for season ticket holders to all KO Cup home meetings.

Season ticket prices: �210 adults, �168 concessions and �70 for children aged 12 to 15. For further information on season tickets or sponsorship opportunities contact 01553 771111 or visit klstars.co.uk