Tigers gear up to challenge champions

The Owlerton side have suffered some poor away results but remain powerful at home. They need to win to keep alive their hopes of reaching the play-offs.

Machin said: "This has all the makings of a fabulous meeting and we're all up for it. All the riders know what a tough task it is to beat King's Lynn, they have riders who like our track and we need to be in top gear.

"Last season hurt us because we had a great side and we were pipped at the post in almost everything by King's Lynn. If they were out of the way we'd have won the lot!"

And there is added spice with young Stars co-boss Jonathan Chapman and Machin locking horns many times over the table at meetings of the sport's top brass - even though Machin is reluctant to elaborate.

There is some bad feeling over the fact that the Elite League Riders' champion-ship was moved from Owlerton to King's Lynn, a fact which still hurts Machin privately.

"It's fair to say young Mr Chapman has ruffled a few feathers within the sport," said Machin. "And I admit we've had our differences.

"However, I must give credit to him and his colleagues for the way they have pieced together another competitive and successful King's Lynn."