The Vikings are coming!

The speedway world is bracing itself for a Viking invasion this Sunday, as Hull's speedway team prepares to occupy a double stand at the now annual Speedway GB Exhibition - and is bringing supporters in to see the show by the bus load.

The sport's showcase gives fans from all over the country a chance to meet, not only their own team, but other teams in the various leagues as well. Although speedway supporters travel from far and wide to the show, Hull fans have normally been thin on the ground. However, this year, so many are making the trip that they have had to hire coaches to take them all.

"Last year, we think only about seven Hull supporters made the three hour trip to Stoneleigh," Vikings promoter Nigel Wordsworth explained, "This year, we decided to offer some tickets for sale at our latest 'Fans Forum' and we sold nearly one hundred on the night. That's a fantastic result, and just shows how much support we have here in Hull.

"Our supporters will get the chance to meet all the Vikings riders and see how the season is shaping up. They can also check out the opposition, as all the other teams in our league will be represented at Stoneleigh. It's a great way to get the new season started."

The Speedway Great Britain 2003 Exhibition is organised by the British Speedway Promoters Association and will be at the National Agricultural Exhibition at Stoneleigh in Warwickshire, just off the A46 between Coventry and Warwick. Opening times are 11am - 4pm on Sunday 9 March, with admission costing ?6 for adults and nothing for children, who go free.