DUDLEY Heathens have been handed a major showpiece national event for a second successive season.

The former Cradley club are once again staging home meetings at Wolverhampton’s Monmore Green track as they continue their search for a new track within the area.

And they will host the British Under 21 Final on Tuesday, April 23, after the success of the meeting last year.

Heathens have also confirmed they will once again be staging the Golden Hammer individual meeting on Tuesday, July 16, in association with Dudley Stroke Association.

Club chairman Nigel Pearson says both dates are sure to pull in bumper crowds.

He said: “We staged the British Under 21 Final for the first time last year and made a success of it.

“The British Speedway Promoters’ Association are obviously happy with what we did because they have offered it to us once again.

“Although the meeting is at Wolverhampton, it is promoted by Dudley Heathens on behalf of the BSPA and last year it was a success both on and off the track.

“We worked hard to promote the event throughout the area and it was no major surprise to see such a good crowd for it.

“I’m sure it will be no different on April 23 when there will be plenty of interest in Heathens riders, both past and present.”

Pearson says the revival of the Golden Hammer has been once of the highlights in the Heathens’ success story.

He added: “I would think all Heathens fans are putting July 16 in their diary now.

“It’s a simple formula, 20 heats with the highest scorer winning the Hammer.

“We’re delighted to be continuing our relationship with Dudley Stroke Association with this meeting.

“The night always attracts fabulous interest.

“I am delighted to say the Isle of Wight and ourselves have reached agreement that they won’t run that night which allows us to invite Tom Perry, Darryl Ritchings and Byron Bekker back to the club to race in the meeting.

“It’s good to see two clubs working together and we thank the Islanders management for their assistance.

“Since we relaunched in 2010 we haven’t had a Heathens winner. Hopefully that will be put right.”

The team will also be together at a special meet the riders night at Cradley Heath Liberal Club on Friday, March 1, which also includes a disco, raffle and auction.

Tickets are available from the online club shop at dudleyheathens.co or by calling HSSC on 07766 745681 priced at £3 for HSSC members and for £5 non-members with all money raised going to the riders direct.