GLASGOW Tigers opened up the throttles for the 2014 season ...

thanks to the backing of the Evening Times.

The city's favourite speedway stars now have the wholehearted support of your favourite evening paper.

And as the riders got into gear, sports fans were urged to show they are behind them 100%.

The call came as the team prepared for their first home clash of the new 2014 season, against rivals from Edinburgh.

Pride is at stake for the new seven-man Tigers team after the club finished bottom of the British Premier League last season.

Director Derek Smith said: "We got last season's wooden spoon but are aiming for a mid-table finish this season.

"To be honest we have experienced mixed fortunes in recent years.

"In 2011 we were premier league winners."

There had been fears Glasgow Tigers would grind to a halt and miss the new season after a fire badly damaged temporary bars and destroyed furniture, televisions and bar stock.

The cause of the blaze is not known but it was a set-back which threatened to derail the start of this season.

But yesterday the club paraded it's new team of seven riders.

The new line-up includes two Danes and three Australians.

Among them is 20-year-old Anders Thomsen, from Denmark.

The word champion racer arrived in Glasgow midway through the 2013 season.

The track star said: "I look forward to a full season with the Tigers.

"I think it will be really good - a good team, super fans who can create a great atmosphere, good people around me."

Glasgow Tigers was launched in 1946 and is based in Possilpark at Ashfield Stadium in Hawthorn Street.

Derek added: "We pride ourselves in being in a family friendly sport.

"When you look at the terraces you see grand-parents with their grandchildren and their mums and dads.

"We are really proud of that fact.

"We are also the only professional motor sport in Glasgow and throughout the west of Scotland - so I would urge people to come along and support us.

"I really think they will enjoy the experience."

He also had a special message for fans.

Anders said: "I am looking forward to the season in Glasgow.

"The short time I was with you last year has given me a lot.

"I have met incredibly nice people everywhere and have enjoyed being here."

And he hates losing - so watch out Edinburgh.

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