The moment Norfolk's speedway fans have waited for all winter becomes reality at Saddlebow Road this evening.

The county's Elite League outfit will kick-start their competitive campaign with a home meeting against Lakeside Hammers.

And boss Rob Lyon admits it's an occasion for anyone who loves the two-wheel sport to get excited about.

The Stars chief said: 'We're raring to go. I'm looking forward to it and I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels the same. But I've got to stress, it's the first meeting. Leagues are not won or lost in one meeting.

'We'll be going all out for the three points (achieved if the Stars win by seven points or more) and we want to get off to a good start. We've got five fixtures in 10 days so we want something to build on and get some good points on the board.

'That would give the team lots of confidence and supporters extra encouragement to keep supporting us. Three points is the clear goal, but it's early days, and I see our side as a fine wine – we'll mature with age, or as the season goes on.'

Grand Prix stars Niels-Kristian Iversen and Kenneth Bjerre, fresh from competing in New Zealand's opening round on Saturday, will be looking to help get Lynn's term off to a flier. And many eyes will be on Robert Lambert, who, at the age of just 16, will make his debut in British speedway's top-flight.

The Stars beat Lakeside both times they hosted them last term but the Hammers arrive having won all three of their fixtures in 2014. Mikkel Bech has already shown he can do well around the Stars' shale having scored paid 11 during his Polish team Zielona Gora's triumph over Lynn in the International Pre-Season Cup last month.

Lyon added: 'Lakeside have got points (nine) on the board and you can't beat that. They've had a good start. But we feel we've got enough firepower to overcome Lakeside, who of course we will treat with the respect they deserve, like we do everyone we face.'

Gates open for tonight's fixture at 6pm. Racing starts at 7.45pm.