King's Lynn Stars' chief Buster Chapman insisted yesterday the time was right to make an Elite League switch.

Chapman has opted to join a new eight team set-up next season in a move which guarantees regular live Sky television coverage and some of the best riders in the country competing at the Norfolk Arena.

Lynn's hierarchy decided to move up following discussions between Chapman and the BSPA last week to thrash out a viable deal after reigning champions Coventry and Peterborough decided not to race.

Chapman is relishing the chance to compete in a new flagship league following a period of Premier League dominance since they last competed in the top flight in 2002.

'Over the past eight seasons we have enjoyed our time in the Premier League, but we have won everything we can possibly win and last season things started to feel a bit stagnated,' said Chapman. 'We could have stayed within our comfort zone and easily carried on in speedway's second tier but I think the success of the World Cup highlighted to me and a lot of other people that our track and stadium is world class and should be competing at the highest level.

'I also think it was important for the future of British speedway to be secured by another team joining the Elite League, so after taking our time to look at all the pros and cons I felt it was the right time for the club to make the step back up. It will be great for our fans to see riders like Darcy Ward, Freddie Lindgren, Chris Harris and Chris Holder racing at King's Lynn on a regular basis and it will also be good for the local area as it will bring extra tourism and worldwide attention to our very beautiful and historic town and coastline.'

Lynn's top flight move looked inevitable over the weekend following a statement released by the sport's governing body stating Coventry and Peterborough would not line up after failing to declare their intention to compete at the recent promoters' AGM.