Speedway’s Heathens will roar back to the sport on April 7 with a challenge match at Perry Barr in Birmingham.

And in a nod to the side’s Transatlantic links, the opposition will be the USA Dream Team.

Dudley Heathens’ first National League match, subject to promoters granting admittance at their AGM in January, will be the following Tuesday at Wolverhampton’s Monmore Green track with opponents to be confirmed.

The dates were revealed today by Dudley Heathens chairman Nigel Pearson following a meeting with team manager Will Pottinger and Wolves and Birmingham promoters Chris Van Straaten and Gary Patchett respectively.

“There have always been links between Cradley and America,” said Pearson. “On the night the Heathens plans were made public I got home and found an email from Dream Team organiser Steve Evans waiting for me, saying they would love to do a match! And of course Wolves rider Chris Kerr is a product of the team.

“Then Tuesday, April 13, should be our first league match, subject to acceptance to the National League by the promoters when they meet on January 27,” he added.

“We’re not taking anything for granted, but we are cautiously optimistic.”

“Everything’s been going at 110 per cent,” added Pearson as the club prepares for its return.

“We’ve set season ticket prices at £100 with £50 for concessions and race night will be £10 adults, £5 concessions and £2 children.

“Details and applications can be made through the website, www.dudleyspeedway.com <http://www.dudleyspeedway.com>

“We hope that Perry Barr and Monmore Green will be packed to the rafters!”