Record sponsorship deal for Stars

Grand slam winners King's Lynn Stars have agreed a club record five-figure sponsorship deal with main backers Norwich-based mortgage consultants The Money Centre Plc.

Stars' co-promoter Jonathan Chapman labelled the long standing tie-up with one of the country's largest buy-to-let specialists as the perfect match.

“It's fantastic for us, fantastic for the sport and fantastic for the Money Centre,” said Chapman. “You build up a good relationship with your sponsors over the years and I'd like to think the Money Centre get something out of it as well. It's now part of their company image to be associated with King's Lynn speedway.

“When they first came on board the club had a great role model to work with. They're a very pro-active company who have enjoyed amazing growth in a short spell.

“Not only do they support the club financially but it comes from the heart as well. They visit the Norfolk Arena every week and love watching speedway.”

Money Centre co-director Mark Alexander is delighted to retain strong links with the treble-winning outfit for a fourth consecutive season.

“Backing the Stars has had so many benefits for us as well as them,” he said. “Our staff can enjoy a few special trips to see the team in action during the season and it's also a great place to take business colleagues. We've received lots of leads and business through the great exposure we get.

“Last season we tried to count how many times our logo appeared on photographs in the national and local press - in the end we estimated it was nearly 700 times. I'm sure we both have a great future together.”

t Meanwhile, Lynn's promotion has announced plans for a pre-season quiz night at the Norfolk Arena on Wednesday, February 28 (7.30pm) in partnership with the newly-formed 'Stargazers Supporters' Club'. Entry is free with organisers appealing for teams of up to four people to take part.

t The club's press and practice day is scheduled for Friday, March 9 (7pm). The Stars' warm-up for the 2007 Premier League season with an Ashley Jones select meeting on Friday, March 16 at the Norfolk Arena followed by a challenge match against the Lakeside Hammers on Wednesday, March 21.

t Stars' asset Troy Batchelor was forced to settle for runners-up spot in the Australian U21 championships at Adelaide's Gillman speedway. Isle of Wight prodigy Chris Holder clinched his third consecutive title in a repeat of last year's final. Batchelor inflicted Holder's only defeat of the night in the qualifying rounds but the champion exacted revenge in a re-run finale. Lynn duo Trevor Harding (eight points from five rides) and John Oliver (seven points) failed to make the four-man run-off.