The driving forces behind King's Lynn Stars' history-making elevation to the world stage can't wait for tapes up in Poland.
Owner Buster Chapman and team boss Rob Lyon have helped the Norfolk club and its Adrian Flux Arena (formerly Norfolk Arena) home become a global player in the sport this century. And the pair are excited about Lynn embarking on their latest exciting adventure – namely competing in the World Speedway League for the first time in the club's 50-year history next month.
Chapman, whose club will race against three European giants in Gorzow on Saturday, April, 25, said: 'Taking part in this event will help us establish ourselves on the international speedway map and allow us to explore more ways to move the club forward.
'When I first got the call about taking part, it didn't take long before agreeing to do it. Taking our team over to Gorzow will be a real boost for the club and I am sure Rob and the boys will do a good job.'
The Stars, still searching for their first top-flight title success in the UK, have been chosen to replace Elite League title-holders Poole Pirates at the showcase event in Europe. They will take to the start line against champions of their respective countries, Gorzow (Poland), Vetlanda (Sweden) and Holsted (Denmark).
'It will be a different challenge for me.' said Lyon, who has been manager of the Stars since 2005.
'Obviously it is a one-off meeting at the moment but it is an exciting challenge and I am sure everyone is looking forward to it. I have no doubt that we will all be proud to see the King's Lynn name racing abroad. It is something completely different to anything we have done in the past. I am really excited and looking forward to it.
'It will be a really good experience and puts the club on the map a bit more in Europe. Hopefully we can put on a good show. Taking part will no doubt be good exposure for the club and especially as we are in our 50th year. We have made some great contacts in the last two days which is good news for the club.'
Chapman and Lyon have wasted no time in finding a replacement for top gun Niels-Kristian Iversen. The Danish superstar will ride for Gorzow on the night forcing his English outfit to secure the services of experienced Polish rider Piotr Protasiewicz.
Chapman said of his 40-year-old guest booking: 'We will be without Niels but we have a very good replacement in Piotr.
'I phoned him once we agreed to take part and he jumped at the chance. He didn't hesitate to say yes. King's Lynn was his first club in the UK and he really wanted to ride for us.'
The competition will see each club track five riders over a 20-heat format to determine the world champions. Lyon has opted to use Protasiewicz, Kenneth Bjerre, Rory Schlein, Nicklas Porsing and Robert Lambert. Reserves Lewis Kerr and Ashley Morris miss out.
Lynn's team boss added: 'The likes of Iversen, Krzysztof Kasprzak, Tai Woffinden and Jarek Hampel will all be against us but we will go there with an open mind. We certainly have the riders in the team that can spring a surprise on some of these top boys, you never know what might happen.
'Robert will gain a lot of experience from the meeting and hopefully it will open up possible opportunities for him in the future as well.'
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