TEAM boss Cami Brown says it’s “serious stuff” with the Scottish Cup kicking off the season.
The Allied Vehicles Tigers go to Edinburgh tomorrow (Friday) for the opening meeting of the campaign.
It’s a return of the Scottish Cup for the first time in seven years and Brown is adamant that he wants his team to hit the ground running.
He said: “It’s always a big buzz when the season starts. There’s a new team and everyone is delivered to see speedway again.
“But it’s serious stuff right from the off. Our local derbies with Edinburgh are possibly the most important to both sets of fans.
“That means we have to be strong straight away. There’s no such thing as a friendly fixture with the Monarchs.
“Most of our boys have been racing already. It’s been a good start to the season for Chris Harris, Kyle Howarth, Dan Thompson and Ashton Boughen.
“Leon Flint races tonight (Thursday) while Freddy Hodder and Max Perry have yet to race competitively.
“That means most of the team will be very sharp and ready to go.
“I expect the usual huge turnout of Tigers fans on the third bend at Armadale. We want to get off to the best possible start and get the confidence levels high.”
There was a concern of Boughen’s fitness after a crash at King’s Lynn on Monday night.
But Brown added: “Ashton is fine, he was sore after the incident caused when his chain came off.
“However we will be at full strength and I’m delighted about. I’m excited about this team.
“Edinburgh have a new-look side. They are always very tough to beat at Armadale so we know it’s a big challenge.”