NATIONAL League newcomers Dudley Heathens will open the exciting new era of Speedway against the American tourists in April.Heathens have officially applied for membership to the league and will share their home meetings between Perry Barr Stadium in Birmingham and Wolverhampton's Monmore Green.

NATIONAL League newcomers Dudley Heathens will open the exciting new era of Speedway against the American tourists in April.

Heathens have officially applied for membership to the league and will share their home meetings between Perry Barr Stadium in Birmingham and Wolverhampton's Monmore Green.

Opening night will be on Wednesday, April 7 with Dudley facing up to the American Dream Team at Birmingham - and the first league fixture, subject to acceptance, is set for Wolverhampton on Tuesday, April 13.

Heathens chairman Nigel Pearson said: "It's a lovely irony that we should start the new era against the American boys. Cradley had a fantastic tradition with riders from the USA, including the likes of Bruce Penhall, Bobby Schwartz, Lance King, Billy Hamill and Greg Hancock.

"We are delighted to take on the Dream Team who have done such good work in recent seasons, including discovering Chris Kerr who won the Elite League with Wolves last season and will ride for Birmingham in 2010."