SPEEDWAY’S Elite League will have two new teams in 2011 – with King’s Lynn Stars taking the step up from the Premier League.

The Norfolk side have a rich history in the sport with riders from the past like Michael Lee and Terry Betts as household names.

And in more recent times the Stars have swept the board at Premier League level making them one of the most successful clubs in the sport.

And only last July they won universal praise from organisers, riders and fans for their successful staging of the Speedway World Cup when thousands of supporters roared Team Great Britain onto a stunning Event Two win.

It means the Elite League will go to the tapes with eight clubs – Lynn and Birmingham Brummies are the new additions – in a new era for the top flight.

Stars co-promoter Keith Chapman said: “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.

“We could have stayed within our comfort zone and easily carried on in the second tier but I think the success of the Speedway 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.”

Co-promoter Jonathan Chapman said: “We are aware some of our fans may be concerned about finances, but we can assure them that this is a calculated risk and not a gamble.

“The costs in the Premier League have crept up considerably over the past few seasons while in the Elite League the costs have levelled out, so with this in mind and the fact we will generate extra income through Sky TV and sponsorship it will all hopefully work out well for the club.

“As well as fans being able to watch some of the world’s best riders another positive is that admission prices will only increase by a couple of pounds, while all children 11 years and under will still be admitted free of charge.

“When you take into account that there will only be around 17 home meetings, which will be alternated on a weekly basis with the Young Stars, it will actually be more affordable to support the team over a season in the Elite League compared to a season in the Premier League.”

Rob Lyon is King’s Lynn’s team manager and admits he is rejuvenated by the decision to go up.

He said: “This is a really exciting time for the club, we have won everything possible in the Premier League and to be totally honest things started to get a bit tiring last season, there’s only so many times you can enjoy travelling all the way up to Scotland in a season and this move gives me and the club a totally fresh challenge.

“I am also pleased to see that Birmingham have taken the decision to step up to the Elite League, since their revival we have built up a friendly rivalry and it will be interesting to see how Graham Drury handles the pressure of a top flight team. “Obviously my experience working with Team GB will be of a great benefit and I am looking forward to building a solid and hopefully successful team for our 2011 Elite League campaign!”

The club would like to emphasise to fans that despite certain press articles and rumours, the decision and investment required to move into the Elite League was made solely by the King’s Lynn promoters and with the support of their loyal sponsors The Stars have celebrated their move into the Elite League with a new team logo which will be seen in promotional material used on Sky Sports.

The management plan to announce their first signing of the new Elite League season at a Fans Forum on Thursday 2nd December at 8pm, the forum will be held in the new Linnet Lounge at King’s Lynn Town Football Club, in Tennyson Road.

Any other company or individuals interested in sponsoring the Stars should call Nathan on 01553 771111 for more information.

2011 SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE LINE-UP:

Belle Vue Aces, Birmingham Brummies, Eastbourne Eagles, King’s Lynn Stars, Lakeside Hammers, Poole Pirates, Swindon Robins, Wolverhampton Wolves.

KING’S LYNN 2011 Admission Prices: Adults �15, Concessions (Disabled, Senior Citizen, Student, 16 & 17 Year Old) �12, Junior (12-15 Year Old) �6, Kids 11 Years and Under FREE.