The sun shone and positive vibes were all around as Mildenhall Fen Tigers took to the West Row track at Monday’s press and practice day.

Their season starts in two weeks, Sunday, March 27, and there is genuine hope for an exciting 2016.

Last year the Fen Tigers’ season never got going but with the key signing of Jon Armstrong this year, it gives them not just a solidity in the team make-up, but a rider who has years of experience.

“There’s a feel about the place this season,” promoter Kevin Jolly said.

“The team looks good, we’ve re-signed Jon (Armstrong) which is a huge positive for the club and has got the rest of the team and the fans enthusiastic.

“It was a frustrating time last year, everyone knows that. But this season already there is great spirit in the camp and silverware is very much the aim.”

This year, Jolly is receiving backroom assistance from James Easter, a former promoter and national team manager.

Robert Henry and Phil Kirk are team manager and assistant respectively.

Easter enjoys bags of experience in promotion of the sport, while Jolly admits he is still finding it new.

“It’s nice to have James on board,” Jolly said.

“Last year I felt a bit out of my depth at times. So it’s nice to have someone like him to call upon.

“I must say 12 months on from last year the club is better – both on and off the track.”

Easter admits he is happy to be able to help at West Row and praised the club for what it has to offer.

“I’m pleased to be here, the likes of Mildenhall are the grassroots of speedway,” Easter said.

“The problem with British speedway over the last few years has been the lack of British talent coming through and clubs like Mildenhall offer those opportunities for young riders.

“Kevin (Jolly) knows I will offer any guidance I can. All I can say is there is no other club I would have gone to give a hand to. It says a lot about the club and fans.”

While the riders posed for the press and got ready for a first spin of the season for most of them, Jolly admitted his West Row side is a great deal about fun and enjoyment, although winning trophies is also top of the agenda.

“If we can maintain our enthusiasm and have good fun and do the business on the track, we will have a good season,” he said.

“And there is no reason we can’t do that, we certainly have the riders do so.”

Mildenhall Fen Tigers, riding order: 1 Dan Halsey, 2 Alfie Bowtell, 3 Connor Mountain, 4 Connor Coles, 5 Jon Armstrong, 6 Rob Parker, 7 Luke Ruddick.