Chapman took over the King's Lynn Stars speedway team in 1993

Kings Lynn Stars are not expecting an influx of Peterborough fans following the Panthers' Elite League exit.

Peterborough, along with Coventry, have been excluded from the Elite League, meaning the Stars' nearest top-flight rivals are now over 100 miles away.

But Stars owner Keith Chapman does not believe speedway-hungry Peterborough supporters will turn to the Stars.

"Speedway supporters don't tend to travel when their own club closes," he told BBC Radio Norfolk.

"We've had it before when you think the team nearest will benefit, but they very rarely do."

With Ipswich Witches dropping down to the Premier League in the winter, the closest Elite League outfit to the Stars will be the Lakeside Hammers, based in in Essex.

Sometimes you're better off with lower numbers but better quality King's Lynn promoter Keith Chapman

Chapman admitted he had been looking forward to the possibility of an East Anglian derby.

"I'm sad, it would have been a great local derby and two more teams in," he said

"But things happen, sometimes they're for the best and you have to move on.

"There are some great teams out there and every match is going to be exciting and that's all you need, isn't it?

"All the sides that have been put together so far are entertaining sides. Sometimes you're better off with lower numbers but better quality."

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