|
Post by Administrator on Jan 21, 2016 17:11:20 GMT
THE VORTEX LAKESIDE HAMMERS PRESS RELEASE Thursday 21st January 2016 FANS FAVOURITES RETURN The Vortex Hammers are delighted to announce the return of Richard Lawson and Piotr Swiderski to the team for 2016. For Brit and two times Hammers ‘Rider of the Year’ Lawson it's a fourth successive season with the Club. Swiderski rejoins the team for a third spell having been a heat leader previously and comes to the Club on a bargain 3.87 Average. The Vortex Hammers boss Jon Cook commented: "Richard has been a stand out rider for us with his development being a real joy for our fans to witness, whilst Piotr had set his heart on being a Hammers rider again and to have him as number five in our averages gives us great strength in depth". Richard Lawson stated: "It's great to be back at Arena. I enjoy the track and the fans have been brilliant since day one". Piotr Swiderski stated: "I am so happy to be back as a Hammer. It's my home team in England and I intend to give the fans my best every Friday." The full 2016 Vortex Hammers squad will be announced by the Club shortly with Cook explaining: "We're keen to run more of a squad this season to take advantage of the changes made at the BSPA and best cover for the unavoidable clashes that are the nature of modern Speedway." The Vortex Hammers 2016 Fixture List can be viewed on the Hammers website at www.lakesidehammers.co and details will follow next Monday of the opening home fixture.
|
|
|
Post by topcat on Jan 21, 2016 18:49:18 GMT
Good to see Richard back in the frame again.
|
|
|
Post by Administrator on Jan 26, 2016 10:16:54 GMT
Hammers launch with The Spring Trophy & Fans Forum The Vortex Hammers will start their 2016 season with a Spring Trophy Individual meeting on Friday March 18th.
The meeting will include the 2016 Hammers squad, plus invited riders including Lewis Bridger and Swedish newcomer Dennis Jonsson, son of former World Champion Per Jonsson.
As has become the tradition in recent seasons, the clubs supporters will be given the 'run' of The Arena Essex Raceway for the day, with pre-meeting access to the track itself, the pits and the referees box. A rider signing session, where fans can snap their favourite stars, will also take place and a limited number of places to watch races from the centre green during the meeting will be available.
Further details regarding the event will follow, whilst admission prices have been confirmed as Adults £15, Concessions £10 and kids up to the age of 16, free of charge. Tickets will be available at the turnstiles on the night, and shortly via the clubs on-line ticket store.
Hammers Co-Promoter Jon Cook commented
"Our intention is to make this a night when the fans and the riders come together, to set us up for the season ahead. We came through a great deal of problems last season to make it this far and we'll go into the new season stronger because of it.
This is a unique chance for fans to get behind the scenes, and for the riders to get worthwhile track time, as we prepare for the start of league racing."
Before the opening night fixture, Hammers fans will get a chance to talk about the coming season and the clubs long term plans when Cook will be joined by new Team Coach Kelvin Tatum, for a fans forum on Thursday February 18th, in the plush surroundings of the normal forum venue, the Pavilion Suite at The Orsett Hall Hotel.
Admission for the event, which starts at 7.30pm, is free although coin donations towards the clubs annual collection for the Speedway Riders Benevolent Fund will be welcomed on the night. Fans can also see the new Hammers replica shirt and order their own for collection at the Spring Trophy meeting.
|
|
|
Post by Administrator on Feb 11, 2016 15:31:27 GMT
LAKESIDE HAMMMERS PRESS RELEASE: NEW Lakeside coach Kelvin Tatum is relishing the chance to meet up with supporters at the Vortex Hammers Fans’ Forum next Thursday, February 18 (7.30). Tatum will join co-promoter Jon Cook in the Pavilion Suite at the Orsett Hall Hotel to discuss the upcoming 2016 season. Having joined the club in an advisory capacity to assist with coaching and development over the winter, the former British Champion is excited for the year ahead. And he is interested to hear the perspective of the Lakeside fan base as he answers questions alongside Cook. “I’m looking forward to it,” Tatum said. “It will be my first opportunity to sit down with Jon Cook in front of the Lakeside fans so it should be a good evening. “I’m delighted to be involved at Lakeside and the news of my involvement seems to have gone down well, so I’m looking forward to having some good interaction with the fans. “I’m interested to hear what questions they have to ask and what they would like to discuss, so hopefully we can understand their view of things. “It’s going to be an exciting season and it isn’t far away now, so it’s always good to get the chance to meet up with the supporters and talk about the year ahead.” Admission for the event is free although coin donations will be welcomed for the Speedway Riders Benevolent Fund. Meanwhile, fans can also see the new Hammers replica shirt and order their own for collection at the Spring Trophy meeting.
|
|
|
Post by Administrator on Feb 11, 2016 15:38:35 GMT
Rye House Ready to Celebrate! The 2016 Rye House season is closer than you may think. In fact, it is due to kick off a month ahead of schedule on Sunday, February 21st, when the club hosts a stand at the annual Celebration of Speedway which is being staged at nearby Paradise Wildlife Park in Broxbourne.
Co-promoter Steve Jenson and joint-team managers John Sampford and Peter Schroeck will be manning the Team BMR display zone. A fair few members of the 2016 BMR Rockets and Raiders should be there too, including Rockets captain Edward Kennett and both Kasper Lykke and new arrival Peter Karger, who will be flying into the country especially for the occasion. Presenter Craig Saul is set to grab words with as many as possible in the main Events and Interviews Marquee along the way. As in previous years, the Celebration will feature indoor and outdoor bike displays, racing leathers, trophies and a collectors’ fair. Former Hackney star Dave Morton will be part of the occasion too, signing copies of his new autobiography, “Tapes, Breaks and Heartaches”, in the marquee.
Paradise Park, of course, also houses the National Speedway Museum, which will be open to visitors throughout the day.
Entry to the Celebration of Speedway will be via a suggested minimum donation of £5 to assist WSRA expenses. As Paradise Wildlife Park will be open to the public as usual that day, there will be a separate entrance for the Speedway Exhibition, but your donation will still entitle you to visit the Wildlife Park with its hundreds of animals.
The event formally starts at 11am. The Wildlife Park is well signposted from the A10, but the post code for Sat-Nav purposes is EN10 7QA. Rockets and Raiders Face the Media Team BMR has announced March 10th as the date when the Rockets and Raiders will jointly stage their 2016 Press and Practice Day at Rye House Stadium. The event starts at 11am. Members of both sides will be available for press interviews and photographs, with all supporters also welcome. Additionally, the two teams have now announced their No.8s for the new campaign. George Hunter will fill the Rockets’ slot, having made rapid strides with the Raiders when handed an opportunity in the second half of last season. The 21 year old also showed his commitment to the club by attending as many matches as possible even when he was not in the side – and felt he learned a great deal about preparation and riding lines in the process – and is planning the same level of study for the Rockets in 2016. The Raiders’ No.8, meanwhile, will be Harvie Banks, who will be entering his second full season in the National League after representing champions Birmingham in 2015. Although relatively new to the shale sport after earlier success in motocross, he will have an excellent corner man in the shape of his father and former Hackney star, Trevor Banks.
|
|
|
Post by Administrator on Feb 23, 2016 9:27:20 GMT
TALENTED British racer Lewis Bridger is ready to return to Speedway with Lakeside for the 2016 season. Bridger, regarded as a natural talent on a bike, has taken a year out of the sport but is now fitter and hungrier than ever. He replaces Bjarne Pedersen in the Vortex Hammers side after the Dane was ruled out for a chunk of the fixtures due to meetings abroad. Vortex Hammers co-promoter Jon Cook said: "Kelvin Tatum (team coach) and I met with Lewis and were very impressed with both his own preparations to return to Speedway and the factory ride he has with Revolution Racing team. “Together they present a terrific package and as Hammers fans know Lewis is Mr Entertainment around the Arena. “In 2014 he hit top form and we expect him to return to and surpass that level with the support of Revolution and the Club. It's the move he wanted, turning down approaches from other Elite teams. “Importantly for the club we have another British rider in the team on whose availability we have first call.” Meanwhile Kelvin Tatum said: “It was important for us to meet Lewis, on face value he seems a reformed character. “He’s available, British, and has lots of potential. He wants to ride for Lakeside and I’d like to think we can help him realise his potential.” Bridger joins Andreas Jonsson, Kim Nilsson, Edward Kennett, Richard Lawson, Piotr Swiderski, Lewis Kerr and Robert Mear in the Vortex Hammers line up. Kennett and Lawson are set to start the season in a shared double up role to best counter a string of fixture clashes unavoidable due to the early Elite League and Premier League Cup schedules. We will have reaction from Lewis Bridger in our next Vortex Hammer media bulletin.Attachments:
|
|
|
Post by Administrator on Feb 25, 2016 8:23:54 GMT
LAKESIDE HAMMERS PRESS RELEASE: LEWIS Bridger can’t wait to get racing again after joining Lakeside. Bridger, the former Great Britain World Cup rider, has ended his exile from the sport to link up with the Vortex Hammers. It’s a move which is sure to prove popular with supporters as Bridger has a spectacular style and is delighted to be back with a club he knows well. “After having some time out it’s great to be coming back at a track I already know my way round and where I feel confident,” he said. “I know how to win races around Lakeside, I’ve had some great times there and with the backing of Revolution Speedway and everyone at the club I don’t see any reason why I can’t have lots more great times ahead. “I’m feeling really good about my decision and about the season ahead. I’m just looking forward to getting started and getting back into the swing of things. “It might take a couple of meetings to get back up to speed, but I’m sure I’ll get there in no time and hopefully get back to riding at the level I’m capable of.”
|
|
|
Post by Administrator on Feb 26, 2016 23:06:49 GMT
|
|
|
Post by Administrator on Mar 7, 2016 15:23:52 GMT
LAKESIDE Vortex Hammers are holding their practice day at the Arena-Essex Raceway on Thursday March 17 taking to the track from 12.30pm.
|
|
|
Post by Administrator on Mar 10, 2016 9:58:43 GMT
LAKESIDE HAMMERS PRESS RELEASE :::::::: KELVIN Tatum can’t wait to get his teeth into his new coaching role as Lakeside host their press and practice day next Thursday, March 17. The former British Champion will help put the 2016 Vortex Hammers through their paces at the Arena-Essex Raceway from 12:30pm after meeting with members of the media from 11am. Tatum, 52, will be taking a hands on role as he takes some laps of his own, giving supporters a rare chance to see him back in action. He is keen to ensure the Hammers enjoy a productive session prior to the season-opening Spring Trophy the following night as they warm up for their Elite League opener at King’s Lynn on Thursday, March 24. “It will be good to see all of the riders for the first time at press and practice day so we can get accustomed to each other ahead of the season,” Tatum said. “I’m very much looking forward to my new role at Lakeside, so it will be a chance for me to try and offer some advice and try to make it as productive a session as possible. “I’m hoping to have some equipment there to have a ride myself which should be a lot of fun. “I’m heading to France next week to do a few laps at Macon and get back into the swing of things. “Lakeside will be different as it’s a challenging track, it’s tight and physically demanding but I’m looking forward to it. “It’s a chance for me to settle myself into my new role and get to know all of the riders a lot better, so I’m very much looking forward to it.”
|
|
|
Post by Administrator on Mar 15, 2016 8:19:25 GMT
LAKESIDE HAMMERS PRESS RELEASE: TALENTED youngster Zach Wajtknecht has put pen to paper with Lakeside as a full club asset. After bursting onto the scene as part of Birmingham’s National League title-winning side last season, the 18-year-old is widely considered one of Britain’s hottest prospects. He will take the step into the Premier League with Somerset in 2016 whilst spearheading Birmingham’s bid to defend their title. However, he has opted to commit his long-term future to the Vortex Hammers – a move he believes will pay dividends. “I'm over the moon to join Lakeside as a club asset - for a club like them to show an interest in me is a big confidence booster in itself,” Wajtknecht said. “There were a number of reasons why Lakeside appealed to me and a number of people played their part. “One of the main reasons I've signed for Lakeside is because I see it as a really good challenge for myself. “I know I need to improve on the smaller tracks more than anything and with Lakeside being so tight and technical, it will mean I'm always pushing myself to be the best that I can be on all levels. “Being a club asset for an Elite League side means I can try and put myself in the shop window and show them I want to ride for them in the future. “I think this will be a really beneficial move for me in the long run but meanwhile I can't wait to have what will hopefully be another successful season for me with Somerset and Birmingham.” Meanwhile, Lakeside co-promoter Jon Cook has hailed the influence of former Hammers’ favourite Paul Hurry in making the deal happen. Cook added: “We are delighted to welcome Zach to the home of the Hammers, he is an excellent talent and we look forward to working with him over the coming seasons. “I'd like to thank Paul Hurry for advising Zach that we are the club best served to help him achieve his speedway goals and Paul too will be back at the Raceway as both a talent scout and within our pits team on racenights.”
Attachments:
|
|
|
Post by Administrator on Mar 16, 2016 18:02:06 GMT
LAKESIDE HAMMERS PRESS RELEASE :::::::: RETURNING Lakeside ace Lewis Bridger is raring to go ahead of his comeback in the Spring Trophy on Friday (8pm). The British star will make his first competitive appearance in almost a year as the Hammers kick-off their 2016 campaign. He will first be put through his paces at press and practice day on Thursday before taking on his team-mates in the individual meeting. 12 riders, all with Lakeside connections, will do battle at the Arena-Essex Raceway with a number of Hagon Shocks Academy races also taking place over the course of the evening. Bridger has revealed he is heading into the meeting feeling relaxed and with no expectations after his time away from the sport. The all-action 26-year-old said: “I’ve got the same routine this week, and I’m just going to try and treat things as usual. “I’ll ease myself into it on Thursday at press and practice and try not to think too much about things. “I’ve had great preparation the last few weeks. Things went really well out in Croatia with Team GB, we got the bikes working nicely so I’m feeling good after that. “Hopefully we can get the same feel to the bikes around Lakeside on Thursday and then I can head into the Spring Trophy meeting on Friday feeling confident. “I feel like the pressure isn’t really on because I’ve been off the bike for a year, and I’m not really going in with any expectations. “I guess everyone would like to be able to have a year off and come back stronger so in that way I’m sure a lot of people will be hoping I struggle a bit. “But I’ve worked harder than ever with my fitness and diet over the winter, and I’ve got the best team I’ve ever had around me with Revolution. “I’m just hoping that will all pay off and I’ll get the reward for it. It might not happen straight away, but hopefully I can hit the ground running with a good meeting on Friday.” Bridger will be joined in the line-up by all of his 2016 Hammers' team-mates alongside No.8 Dennis Jonsson. Former Hammers' favourites Leigh Lanham, Stuart Robson and Ben Morley will also return to the Arena-Essex Raceway for the event. Supporters will also have the chance to walk the track prior to the meeting and take part in an autograph and photograph session at 7pm. SPRING TROPHY: Andreas Jonsson, Stuart Robson, Kim Nilsson, Richard Lawson, Edward Kennett, Piotr Swiderski, Lewis Kerr, Robert Mear, Ben Morley, Leigh Lanham, Dennis Jonsson, Lewis Bridger.
|
|
|
Post by Administrator on Mar 17, 2016 14:49:56 GMT
LAKESIDE HAMMERS PRESS RELEASE:: LAKESIDE reserve Lewis Kerr is keen to make the most of his first competitive laps at his new home circuit in the Spring Trophy on Friday (8pm). The talented British racer will make his first appearance at the Arena-Essex Raceway since signing for the Hammers over the winter. Despite being sidelined since August following his horror crash in the Premier League Fours at Peterborough, Kerr says he is “feeling better than ever” heading into the new campaign. After already getting plenty of pre-season laps under his belt, he is hoping to put in a strong performance to begin his Hammers' career. “I’m feeling better than ever coming into the new season, and I’ve had plenty of time on the bike already which is great,” said Kerr. “I’m just looking forward to starting racing now and easing my way in as I get back to full race sharpness. “The Spring Trophy meeting at Lakeside will be a good chance to get some laps in around my new home track, so hopefully I can hit the ground running with a good meeting there. “I’ve gone quite well at Lakeside in the past and I’m looking forward to having it as my home track. It can be quite tricky to get to grips with but getting those laps early in the season will be important. “Hopefully by the time the Elite League meetings start I’ll be up to speed and we can get off to a winning start, because I think we have a team that can do well this year.” Kerr will face stern competition from his 2016 Hammers’ team-mates alongside numerous other riders with Lakeside connections in the 12-man individual event. It promises to be an entertaining night for supporters to kick-off the new season as they have the chance to walk the Arena-Essex Raceway track and take part in a photo and autograph session at 7pm before the racing gets underway. To read the full interview with Kerr, get your hands on the official raceday programme available for £3 on Friday night. LINE-UP: Andreas Jonsson, Stuart Robson, Kim Nilsson, Richard Lawson, Edward Kennett, Piotr Swiderski, Lewis Kerr, Robert Mear, Ben Morley, Leigh Lanham, Dennis Jonsson, Lewis Bridger.
|
|
|
Post by Administrator on Mar 18, 2016 14:48:24 GMT
LAKESIDE HAMMERS PRESS RELEASE ::::::::::: LAKESIDE co-promoter Jon Cook says “tonight is all about our club” as they prepare to get their season underway with the Spring Trophy at the Arena-Essex Raceway (8pm). The 2016 Vortex Hammers will face their first competitive action of the year in the individual meeting, which features 12 riders all with strong connections with the club. It promises to be an excellent night, with an opportunity for fans to walk the track plus a photo and autograph session taking place at 7pm. In addition, a number of Hagon Shocks Academy races will be featured during the evening to compliment the main action. Cook is excited to get their campaign underway after a lengthy winter break – and he is keen to see his 2016 team members in action for the first time. Said Cook: “Tonight it's all about our club as we warm up for the year ahead with the Spring Trophy and our own squad plus a few old friends back at the raceway. “As we start a new campaign it's a welcome back to you all and also to a host of Hammers now back in the fold. “We welcome back three very firm Hammers favourites this year in Robert Mear, Lewis Bridger and Piotr Swiderski. We know what all three are capable of and importantly all saw this club as the only one they wanted to ride for, that loyalty means a great deal and I'm sure all will be in for good seasons. “From last year we are delighted to see AJ, Kim, Rich and Ed return. All had nights to remember and will expect the same again. “New boys this year are Lewis Kerr at reserve and Dennis Jonsson at No.8. Lewis is the first star reserve we've had in the fast track era and comes as part of the Revolution racing set up, I expect him to be our most significant signing of the year. “Dennis is looking to get his name out there via the squad system and it'll be very interesting to see how he shapes up.” SPRING TROPHY LINE-UP: Andreas Jonsson, Stuart Robson, Kim Nilsson, Richard Lawson, Edward Kennett, Piotr Swiderski, Lewis Kerr, Robert Mear, Ben Morley, Leigh Lanham, Dennis Jonsson, Lewis Bridger.
Picture: TGS PHOTO
Attachments:
|
|
|
Post by Administrator on Mar 18, 2016 23:37:00 GMT
Result Friday March 18 SPRING TROPHY INDIVIDUAL, at Lakeside
LAKESIDE No.1 Andreas Jonsson stormed to victory in the club's Spring Trophy season opener on Friday. A big crowd turned out at the Arena Essex Raceway to see members of the 2016 squad on track for the first time alongside a number of ex-Hammers. Six-time Swedish Champion Jonsson pulled off four wins from four programmed rides to reach the Grand Final. Fellow team-mates Richard Lawson, Kim Nilsson and Piotr Swiderski also reached the final stage of the night, but it was Jonsson who stole the show. A smart move on the third lap of the Grand Final saw Jonsson get the better of Lawson to seal a five ride maximum for the 35-year-old. While he was happy to see Jonsson complete a perfect display, Hammers Development Coach Kelvin Tatum was encouraged by the performance of the rest of the Hammers riders ahead of next week's home and away Elite League clashes against King's Lynn. "Tonight was mainly about the team getting some laps under their belt and blowing away any remaining cobwebs," said Tatum. "They've done that now and there were plenty of encouraging signs from all members of the team. "Andreas Jonsson's attitude and determination to succeed this year is outstanding and he was very inspiring to watch this evening. "It was good to see three other members of this year's team ride really well and reach the Grand Final and that will put them in confident mood ahead of next week. "Lewis Bridger and Lewis Kerr have both been off the bike for a while and you could sense their nerves early on, but the experience of racing competitively again tonight will have done them both the world of good. "I have to give a special mention to Dennis Jonsson also - he did catch the eye in a couple of his rides and it will be interesting to see his development over the course of the season." Qualifying Heats: Andreas Jonsson 12, Richard Lawson 10, Kim Nilsson 9, Piotr Swiderski 7, Lewis Bridger 7, Edward Kennett 5, Leigh Lanham 5, Stuart Robson 4, Lewis Kerr 4, Dennis Jonsson 4, Rob Mear 3, Ben Morley 2. Grand Final: 1st: Andreas Jonsson 2nd: Richard Lawson 3rd: Kim Nilsson 4th: Richard Lawson
|
|