King's Lynn will launch their 2018 season by going up for the cup.

And they will face one of the favourites for Premiership glory when rivals Leicester, including Grand Prix superstar Martin Vaculik and experienced Dane Hans Andersen, visit the Norfolk Arena on Wednesday April 4.

It will be the second leg of the Knockout Cup tie with the first leg at Leicester 48 hours earlier, April 2.

And Dale Allitt's men hit the road for their opening Premiership meeting when they go to Belle Vue, who include British star Craig Cook.

Their first home league outing is on April 11 against last season's league runners-up Wolverhampton.

Stars racer Lewis Kerr, who is back with the club this season, can't wait to get started.

'It feels great to be back at King's Lynn and I can't wait for the season to start now,' he said.

'We've got some big meetings to look forward to and it's important for us to make a good start to the season.'

Meanwhile the sport's major event schedule is due to be released today and King's Lynn have been approached about the prospect of taking on one of the biggest Premiership meetings, but this is yet to be confirmed.

The club are tonight hosting a fans' forum when the final two team members will be unveiled in front of fans who have snapped up tickets in big numbers. There are also several new initiatives lined up at the club with the guidance of ambitious new co-promoter Robin Brundle.

APRIL

Mon 2 Leicester KOC QF.1 A

Wed 4 Leicester KOC QF.2 H

Mon 9 Belle Vue Premiership A

Wed 11 Wolverhampton Premiership H

Wed 18 Belle Vue Premiership H

Thu 19 Swindon Premiership A

Wed 25 Poole Premiership H

Mon 30 Wolverhampton Premiership A

MAY

Wed 2 Swindon Premiership H

Mon 7 Leicester Premiership A

Wed 16 Leicester Premiership H

Mon 28 Rye House Premiership A

Wed 30 Somerset Premiership H

JUNE

Wed 13 Poole Premiership A

Mon 18 Rye House Premiership H

Wed 20 Somerset Premiership A

Thu 21 Swindon Premiership A

JULY

Wed 4 Leicester Premiership H

Mon 9 Rye House Premiership A

Wed 11 Somerset Premiership A

Mon 16 Leicester Premiership A

Wed 25 Swindon Premiership H

Mon 30 Somerset Premiership H

AUGUST

Wed 1 Poole Premiership A

Mon 6 Belle Vue Premiership A

Wed 8 Belle Vue Premiership H

Mon 13 Wolverhampton Premiership H

Wed 22 Rye House Premiership H

Wed 29 Poole Premiership H

SEPTEMBER

Mon 3 Wolverhampton Premiership A