The Mildenhall promotion returned from the National League AGM in a positive mood ahead of next season.

The Mildenhall promotion returned from the National League AGM in a positive mood ahead of next season.

The Fen Tigers will compete in an eight team National League (although the door remains open should the Isle of Wight decide they are able to run), a four team National Trophy (along with Buxton, Kent & Stoke) and the National League KO Cup. In addition the promotion were particularly pleased to be awarded the National League Pairs meeting for a third year running!

A number of small changes for 2014 see’s the National Trophy run as a mini league with the top two sides contesting a two leg final whilst the Bronze Helmet will be run as match race contested by a member of both teams’ top three riders (nominated by team managers) at the first meeting of the season. The Helmet will then continue to be staged at every subsequent meeting contested by the team who are the current holders.

The points limit for team building remains at 40 points and one new team has been added to the National League roster, with the return of Plymouth.

Club Chairman Kevin Jolly felt yesterday’s meeting had been a success -

‘There was a lot of positivity and good sense yesterday and now we are full steam ahead preparing for next season. Contrary to certain comments in the press no riders have yet been offered terms but we are on the case and hope to have news of signings leading up to Christmas. We are committed to signing the best riders possible for our loyal supporters with the accent very much on youth.

Unfortunately Stefan Nielsen will not be one of those coming back as his Premier League average precludes him from riding in the National League in 2014. It is a shame as Stefan is very popular at West Row but we wish him every success in the Premier and Elite Leagues and will watch his progress closely.

There has been some comment about availability of riders who have been given Elite League reserve berths, but a ruling has been made that if any rider is absent on Elite League duty a guest facility is available. To be fair this will cause no more problems than we faced at times last season and we do need to give these young up and coming riders the opportunity to test themselves and get more racing so as a club we are fully behind this initiative.

Finally we are proud to again be awarded the National League Pairs meeting. The open events last year proved very successful and we hope to stage another cracking meeting that represents all that is good about National League racing in 2014!’