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Post by Administrator on Jan 25, 2009 10:36:50 GMT
Opened April 5 1984 as Arena Essex. Address: Arena-Essex Raceway, A1306 Arterial Road, Thurrock, Essex. Became Lakeside Hammers in 2008.
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Post by Administrator on Jan 25, 2009 10:42:22 GMT
From the Lakeside Hammers press office:
[b]Hammers to stage British Under-21 Final Again
Item dated 15th January 2009
The Lakeside Hammers are delighted to announce that they will, once again, be staging the British Under 21 Final at their Arena-Essex Raceway during the 2009 season.
Following the very successful staging of the event in 2008 the Hammers promotion have accepted the invitation to stage the prestigious event again. The meeting will take place at the home of the Hammers on Friday 24th April.
The Hammers Co-Promoter and Team Manager, Jon Cook, commented on this news by stating: “Last year’s staging of the U-21 Final at our Raceway proved to be popular with not only the fans but also the riders who took part. It was a long day with afternoon practice for the riders prior to the evening staging of the event but we ran it very professionally and proved that we are very capable of staging such prestigious meetings.”
Cook continued: “This year there could well be a Hammers asset for the home fans to support as our own Jerran Hart, who we have loaned out to Premier League side Scunhorpe this coming season, could be amongst the 16 riders fighting for the honour of being crowned the British U-21 Champion for 2009.”
The complete Fixture List for the Hammers is expected to be released in the next few weeks but Jon Cook wishes to confirm that there will be a home League match at the Arena-Essex Raceway the day before the British Grand Prix, which is scheduled to take place at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff on Saturday 27th June.
Jon Cook explained the reasoning behind this decision by saying: “Our Raceway is virtually on the ferry route from the continent and by staging a League meeting on the Friday before Cardiff it will enable some of the overseas Speedway supporters who travel over to this Country to watch the GP to have the opportunity in taking in a meaningful top League meeting. We intend racing on Friday 26th June against an Elite League team, who like ourselves, do not have a regular GP rider in their side. There are many hotels local to our Raceway, which should be cheaper than the Cardiff hotel prices. Our own supporters will be able support the Hammers on the Friday evening and then travel down to Cardiff on the Saturday and we intend to run coaches from our Raceway to Cardiff leaving early on the Saturday morning.”
Stuart Douglas, the Hammers owner and Co-Promoter, has commented on the level of 2009 Season Ticket sales so far by stating: “Unlike several other clubs I am pleased with the number of Season Tickets sold to date. They are around the same level as at the similar time last year. There are many new Season Ticket holders amongst them and that is very encouraging. I wish to remind those Hammers fans who have not yet purchased their 2009 Ticket that it is not too late to buy their 2009 Season Ticket. Full details are available here or by telephoning the Speedway Office on 01708 863443.”
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Post by Administrator on Jan 25, 2009 11:53:31 GMT
With thanks and acknowledgments to the Lakeside Hammers website:
Club Honours
British League Division Two Champions - 1991
British League Division Two Cup winners - 1991
British League Division Two Cup finalists (2) - 1991, 1999
British League Division Two Four Team champions - 1991
British League Division One Cup finalists (1) - 1993
Division Two Riders Champion (2) - Neil Middleditch (1985), Andrew Silver (1987).
Grand Slam Champions (2) - Martin Goodwin (1985), Andrew Silver (1987).
World Finalists (2) - Brian Karger (1992), Leigh Adams (1993)
Grand Prix (4) - Josh Larsen (1995), Mark Loram (2004), Tony Rickardsson (2005), Andreas Jonsson (2006, 2007, 2008)
Elite League / Division One Riders Championship finalists - Brian Karger (1992), Leigh Adams (1993, 94, 95), Josh Larsen (2004), Mark Loram (2005), Mikael Max (2006), Krzysztof Kasprzak (2007), Adam Shields (2007)
Premier League / Division Two Riders Championship Finalists - Alan Sage (1984), Neil Middleditch (1985), Andrew Silver (1985, 86), Martin Goodwin (1987, 88, 89, 90), Bo Petersen (1991), Troy Pratt (1997), Leigh Lanham (1998, 1999, 2001, 2002), Colin White (2000), Joonas Kylmakorpi (2003)
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Post by Administrator on Jan 26, 2009 21:24:42 GMT
From the Lakeside Hammers website with acknowledgements: January 26 2009:
Lakeside Hammers new heat leader, Lee Richardson, is putting the finishing touches on the preparations for the season ahead when he will race for the first time as a fully fledged Hammer.
Forming a dual pronged attack with skipper, Adam Shields, Lee feels that the future is bright for the Essex-based Elite League Speedway team.
"We have a really strong, well balanced top five in the line up this year," said Lee, "all of whom are capable of upping their averages, including me.
"I'm putting in a lot of effort pre-season to make sure that happens. I've got six new bikes courtesy of Hagon Shocks, and two brand new engines.
The Arena Essex track is a tricky circuit which requires good technique and bike set up, so I plan to be doing a lot of testing to make sure my bikes and I are dialled into the track from the first race. Jon and Stuart (Hammers co-promoters) have told me they want to run a much grippier track surface this season, which suits me fine, and I know will please Adam, too".
Richardson, who is the only British rider in the top ten World Cup points scorers, is happy to be bringing that pedigree to Lakeside. "It's a long time since the Hammers had a British number 1, not since Mark Loram, I believe, and it should be a good battle between Adam - who's an Aussie - and myself to get the number 1 jacket. Our averages are fairly close now, so we'll see!"
"I'm really impressed with the way the Promotion have picked this Club up from no-hopers to Championship contenders in our own right. and that was one of the main reasons I wanted to ride for them.
"The fans here are very loyal and they just missed out on a piece of silverware last year and I want them to know that I've got every ambition to take us one step further this season, and give them something to celebrate," said Lee.
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Post by Administrator on Feb 2, 2009 18:35:50 GMT
From the Lakeside Hammers website with acknowledgements: January 26 2009:
Lakeside Hammers new heat leader, Lee Richardson, is putting the finishing touches on the preparations for the season ahead when he will race for the first time as a fully fledged Hammer.
Forming a dual pronged attack with skipper, Adam Shields, Lee feels that the future is bright for the Essex-based Elite League Speedway team.
"We have a really strong, well balanced top five in the line up this year," said Lee, "all of whom are capable of upping their averages, including me.
"I'm putting in a lot of effort pre-season to make sure that happens. I've got six new bikes courtesy of Hagon Shocks, and two brand new engines.
The Arena Essex track is a tricky circuit which requires good technique and bike set up, so I plan to be doing a lot of testing to make sure my bikes and I are dialled into the track from the first race. Jon and Stuart (Hammers co-promoters) have told me they want to run a much grippier track surface this season, which suits me fine, and I know will please Adam, too".
Richardson, who is the only British rider in the top ten World Cup points scorers, is happy to be bringing that pedigree to Lakeside. "It's a long time since the Hammers had a British number 1, not since Mark Loram, I believe, and it should be a good battle between Adam - who's an Aussie - and myself to get the number 1 jacket. Our averages are fairly close now, so we'll see!"
"I'm really impressed with the way the Promotion have picked this Club up from no-hopers to Championship contenders in our own right. and that was one of the main reasons I wanted to ride for them.
"The fans here are very loyal and they just missed out on a piece of silverware last year and I want them to know that I've got every ambition to take us one step further this season, and give them something to celebrate," said Lee.
ARENA ESSEX PRESS RELEASE* Monday 2nd February 2009.
RIGHT TIME FOR STEP UP, SAYS FINN
Finnish International Speedway star, Kauko Nieminen, believes he has timed perfectly his run into the Elite league of British Speedway, now that he has joined the Lakeside Hammers as a fully fledged member of the squad.
"After my rides coming in as the team number 8 last season, and even though it ended prematurely with my shoulder injury, I really loved racing with the Hammers. I felt at home straight away and started scoring good points at the higher level", said Kake. "The injury gave me time to reflect and I made up my mind that if Lakeside came calling, I would make the leap and go full time Elite League. I had a great time with Workington in the Premier League, and have made many friends, but I know I can rise to the new challenge".
Hammers Co-Promoters Jon Cook and Stuart Douglas had already made Kake a number 1 target after his impressive debut performances at the Arena Essex Raceway in the latter parts of the season when he was able to deputise for the injured Czech, Lubos Tomicek.
"It was a no-brainer", said Cook. "He is clearly a very classy rider as was shown by the calibre of people he was beating, and he made an immediate impact with our fans with his determination and fight. He is a delight to deal with and I feel he will adapt to the Elite League with no trouble at all".
Nieminen has been back home in Finland preparing for the new challenge with an extensive fitness programme that would be the envy of every British based Speedway rider. "It's Finland, and it's winter. I can't ride a Speedway bike so I take advantage of what we have here", he laughed. "I've been up in Lapland doing some cross country skiing, and playing ice-hockey, and back home I've been out on the enduro bike in addition to a lot of gym work. I feel really fit, physically and mentally, and I just can't wait for the season to start."
HOME OF THE HAMMERS ARENA ESSEX RACEWAY
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Post by Administrator on Feb 9, 2009 15:34:51 GMT
From the Lakeside Hammers press office:
PRESS RELEASE Monday 9th February 2009.
THE CAPTAIN RETURNS
The news that the Lakeside Hammers Speedway faithful have been waiting to hear arrived as the 2009 skipper, Adam Shields, filed his report from his home town in Australia. "I'm back on the bike, and it's like I've never been away” he declared.
This very welcome declaration is music to the ears of the Hammers Co-Promoters, Stuart Douglas and Jon Cook, after Shields horrendous high speed crash at Peterborough's East of England Showground track last year, which saw him suffer a broken back amongst his serious injuries. Cook, who kept Shields immobilised on the track until specialist help arrived, was particularly relieved.
"Adam and I go back a long way, and having a best friend suffer such serious injuries was definitely a low point of the year," said Cook. "To see him back on the bike, fit, strong and raring for the tapes to go up is the best start to the year we could have. Adam has been involved in all the team building plans and this 2009 team has been built very much with his leadership in mind."
Whilst the rest of us have been battling with the Siberian conditions, Shields has been working in the 28 degree Australian sunshine. "I finished preparing the bikes here at 5.00am in the morning, with jet lag in full swing, then went straight out that afternoon," said Shields. "I can honestly say that it felt as good as ever. I've been having extensive physio during my recuperation, and also been training hard in the gym four times a week. Once I have another week or so on the bike here in Australia, I will be in top shape ready for the new season in March."
He also had a good feeling about the coming season. "We have put together a great bunch of very talented riders, who are going to get on very well. I know I have a set of team mates who will get stuck in, home and away, and we are full of out and out racers, so entertainment is high on the agenda, too," he smiled.
"I've been on Jawa engines the last few years in the UK, but on GMs in Sweden and Poland. This year I'm bringing top spec GMs to race in England, too, and I feel really confident that I can up my game even further."
The Hammers season gets underway with a Press and Practice Day at the Arena-Essex Raceway on Tuesday 17th March and is followed by a challenge against local rivals, the Ipswich Witches, on Friday, 20th March.
HOME OF THE HAMMERS
ARENA ESSEX RACEWAY
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Post by Administrator on Feb 19, 2009 12:15:46 GMT
Lakeside Hammers' press release February 19 2009:
The Lakeside Hammers fans have been rewarded for their incredible support of the past two years with an admission price freeze for the first half and, in all probability, the entire 2009 season at a time when many rival clubs are announcing price increases.
There is even a decrease for 10 to 15 year olds with further discounts for families and the unemployed as the Club aim to banish the area’s credit crunch blues by providing another summer of exhilarating entertainment every Friday night at the Arena-Essex Raceway.
Full details of the Hammers pricing structure are: - Adult admission - £15, Senior Citizens and other concessions - £11, Children 6 to 15 years - £3. Under 6 years - Free. Family ticket - £30 for two adults plus £2 for each child, Unemployed with proof of status - £10. Programme price remains at £2.50.
Because of the volatile national financial picture the prices are frozen until 1st June 2009.
Announcing this year’s Admission prices a bullish Co Promoter Jon Cook said: "We are aware that many of our rivals are increasing prices and although by not doing so we may be disadvantaged in the revenue we can put towards team costs we feel it better to help our supporters to still enjoy their weekly fix and to gain new fans to make up any shortfall.
"It’s been an extremely torrid time financially for this Country since last season ended but we have had the blessing of a VAT reduction and this measure has helped us to keep prices the same. We also felt that by reducing family costs we could make sure both parents were able to attend.
"In addition, for those who have found themselves without employment at this difficult time, we have offered a substantial reduction so they can still follow their beloved Hammers. The only word of caution is that we can no more predict the future than Gordon Brown so, to protect the long term future of the Club, we will have to review the prices should matters outside of our control descend further."
The Club have more good news for Season Ticket holders who are protected against any price increase and enjoy substantial savings over the Hammers' planned 24 fixture season. Those still wishing to purchase a 2009 Hammers Season Ticket an easy payment plan will be available until 15th March with five monthly instalments of £58 for Adults and £48 for Senior Citizens and concessions to spread the cost of the season.
Cook's Co-Promoter and the Hammers owner, Stuart Douglas, was equally upbeat. "The fans are the Club, and our Season Ticket holders are its backbone. This year's Season Ticket sales are hugely encouraging despite the £20 increase to bring us more into line with - though still significantly cheaper than - our Elite league rivals," said Douglas.
"The extra income has gone directly towards the rider purchases of Kauko Nieminen and Stuart Robson. We are hoping to make this the third year in a row that we have managed to increase our Season Ticket fan base. This is also the third year we have kept our admission prices frozen and it is especially important now, with some clubs in the League below us charging exactly the same amount, that we bring the top flight Speedway to the public as reasonably priced as we possibly can".
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Post by Administrator on Mar 5, 2009 15:16:04 GMT
Here are the 2009 Lakeside Hammers fixture details as per their website:
2009 Fixture List
Item dated 4th February 2009
The Hammers 2009 Fixture list has now been released by the B.S.P.A. which shows the season starts with a home and away challenge against local rivals from Suffolk, the Ipswich Witches. The Hammers are away at the Witches Foxhall Road track on Thursday 19th March with the return fixture opening track action at the Arena-Essex Raceway the following evening (Friday 20th March).
The opening round of the Knockout Cup slots into the fixtures before the Sky Sports Elite League action gets underway with the Hammers drawn against Eastbourne. The Eagles visit the Hammers Raceway on Friday 27th March with the second leg scheduled for the following evening (Saturday 28th March) down at the Arlington circuit.
The Sky Sports Elite League gets underway with the Hammers visiting Wolverhampton on Monday 30th March. The Hammers then visit Peterborough on Thursday 2nd April before they stage their opening League match of the campaign when the Panthers visit the Arena-Essex Raceway on Friday 3rd April.
Following a trip up to Manchester on Monday 6th April when they face the Belle Vue Aces the Hammers have a busy Good Friday (10th April). They open the day with an Elite League match away at Ipswich (2pm start) before returning to their home Raceway for meet the Witches for the second time. The home match will start at the usual time of 8pm.
The Club are proud to be staging, for the second consecutive year, of the British Under 21 Final. This takes place on Friday 24th April.
The Hammers promotion are looking to stage the vast majority of their home fixtures on Friday’s although fellow Friday side, the Coventry Bees, will visit the Arena-Essex Raceway on Saturday 22nd August for the ‘B’ League encounter. However, they will race at the Essex based Club on Friday 8th May in the ‘A’ League Match. There will be a home League match, against Belle Vue, the day before the British Grand Prix, which takes place at the Millennium Stadium Cardiff on Saturday 27th June. The Friday 26th June staging against the Aces is followed with the reverse fixture taking place up in Manchester the following Monday, 29th June.
The fixtures are subject to change, with the Sky Sports live coverage dates still to be confirmed.
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Post by Administrator on Mar 11, 2009 20:18:17 GMT
PRESS RELEASE Tuesday 10th March 2009. For immediate use. THE HAMMERS GET IN SOME EARLY PRACTICE[/color][/font] [/size][/u] The Lakeside Hammers hit the track a week ahead of schedule today (Tuesday) and unveiled a stunning retro race suit design in readiness for the 2009 season. All of this year’s squad, with the exception of Kauko Nieminen, took to the track along with Club asset Ricky Kling. Adam Shields, on his return to the Raceway for the first time since his 2008 crash, and new signing Lee Richardson were particularly impressive, whilst the senior riders were full of praise for young No.8 Robert Mear, who took superbly to his first ever rides around his new home track. All eyes were on the 2009 suit design, which is based upon a retro design paying homage to the Club’s links with the famous West Ham Speedway team, who raced out of Custom House before its closure in the early 70's for redevelopment.
Team Owner Stuart Douglas explained: "This year is the 80th Anniversary of League Speedway in this Country and we wanted to mark that with a retro design based on the kit of the West Ham team that were pioneers of League racing in 1929. We will also be doing some special promotions this year with West Ham United FC, and maybe these colours show the true heritage for a team they can support through the whole summer."
On practice Team Manager Jon Cook said: “It was great to get the team out on track and the session was very worthwhile for them all. I was extremely impressed with Robert Mear and Adam's comeback is bang on schedule. It was a very mouth watering appetiser for Friday 20th’s opening action". Prior to the Hammers opening match against Ipswich on Friday 20th March the whole squad will return to the Arena-Essex Raceway on Tuesday 17th March for their official Press and Practice Day. This is scheduled to commence at 11am. HOME OF THE HAMMERS
ARENA ESSEX RACEWAY
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Post by crossedhammers on Mar 12, 2009 19:07:46 GMT
May I say how much I enjoy the press releases issued by Lakeside Hammers.
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Post by Administrator on Mar 23, 2009 6:58:40 GMT
PRESS RELEASE Wednesday 18th March 2009. For immediate use. THE HAMMERS ARE READY FOR ACTION
Following a successful Press and Practice Day on Tuesday the Lakeside Hammers are now ready for action. The Essex based Club’s season gets underway later this week with challenge matches against local rivals, the Ipswich Witches. The first meeting between the two Elite League clubs gets underway at Foxhall Road, the home of the Witches, at 7.30pm on Thursday with the second leg the following evening (Friday) at the Arena-Essex Raceway where the start time will be 8pm. The Hammers go into these matches with one of their new riders, experienced GB star, Lee Richardson, donning the No.1 race jacket. He will be partnered in the opening heat by Joonas Kylmakorpi, who is back in the Hammers colours for another season. The Hammers captain, Adam Shields, will ride at No.3 with Jonas Davidsson and Kauko Nieminen completing their top five. At reserve Phil Morris and Stuart Robson, who has joined the Club on a full transfer from Premier League side Rye House, will give the Hammers strength in depth. For Ipswich, Pole Jaroslaw Hampel returns for his second consecutive season with the Witches and will be partnered by former long serving Hammer, Leigh Lanham. Ipswich based Lanham joined his local side during the winter following a long and successful period of 11 seasons with the Hammers. The Witches top five is completed by German, Tobias Kroner, Daniel King, who returns to the Suffolk side after a spell with Peterborough, and Pole, Piotr Swiderski. At reserve they field their third Polish rider, Dawid Stachrya and Australian Kozza Smith. The Pole will be making his debut for the Witches on Thursday evening whilst Smith will combine riding for the Witches, in a doubling up role, with his regular position in the Premier League with King’s Lynn. If the past is anything to go by both matches are likely to be highly competitive meetings and they should prove valuable for both sides as they prepare for the League season ahead. The Hammers Team Manager, Jon Cook, commented: “Press and Practice Day went very well but there is nothing like team action to fully blow away the winter cobwebs. Starting the season with these two challenge matches against Ipswich is ideal for us as the riders will get much needed competitive action prior to the League and Cup campaign, which starts later this month.”
HOME OF THE HAMMERS
ARENA ESSEX RACEWAY
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Post by Administrator on Mar 25, 2009 21:03:30 GMT
LAKESIDE HAMMERS PRESS RELEASE Tuesday 24th March 2009 HAMMERS IN CUP CLASH AGAINST THE HOLDERS
The Lakeside Hammers take on the holders of the Elite League Knockout Cup, the Eastbourne Eagles, in the opening leg of the first round of this year’s competition at their Arena-Essex Raceway this coming Friday. The Hammers will be going all out for revenge as it was the Eagles that knocked them out at the semi final stage of the competition in 2008 and the Sussex side will be equally determined to retain the Cup. It, therefore, has all the makings of it being a fiercely competitive tie. With the first leg being staged at the Hammers home circuit they will be looking to take a healthy lead to defend down at Arlington Stadium the following evening. However, there are riders in both sides that excel at their opponents raceways. The Hammers, fresh from their thrashing of the Ipswich Witches last Friday, will go into Friday’s match in confident form, although the Eagles are likely to provide a far sterner test for the Essex Club. In an enforced change in their line-up the Hammers captain, Adam Shields, will move into the No.1 race jacket and will be partnered by Jonas Davidsson. Lee Richardson moves to No.3 with Joonas Kylmakorpi at No.4. These partnerships worked well in the matches against the Witches and Team Manager, Jon Cook, believes that the understanding of these pairings together on the track should prove vital in what is expected to be an enthralling Cup tie. Kauko Nieminen, who raced to a superb five ride 15 point maximum against the Witches last Friday, retains the No.5 race jacket. Eastbourne go into the match with a track specialist around the Hammers Raceway in Australian Davey Watt at No.1 He will be partnered by fellow Aussie Cameron Woodward. Lewis Bridger, who guested for the Hammers on occasions during their late season injury problems, will ride at No.3 with Lukas Dryml at No.4. It has been several years since Dryml has raced around the Arena-Essex Raceway and freely admits that it is not one of his favourite tracks. At No.5 the Eagles will have David Norris, who returns to the track after a period of retirement following several injuries. On his day he has been one of the best visiting riders to around the Hammers raceway. At reserve the Eagles field two young Swedes, Ricky Kling and Simon Gustafsson. Kling is a Hammers asset but has been loaned out to the Sussex club this season whilst Gustafsson, the son of former top rider Henka, is one of the current top young Swedes to race in the Elite League in this Country. The action gets underway at the Arena-Essex Raceway on Friday with the opening race scheduled for 8pm. Prior to that there will be a series of races involving junior riders commencing at 6.30pm. Normal admission prices apply for this Cup match and are as follows: - Adults £15; O.A.P.’s, Students and Disabled £11; Unemployed £10; Children aged 6-15, £3 and Children under 6 are free. In addition a Family Ticket is available at £30 for 2 adults plus £2 for each child aged 6-15. Proof of age and/or status will be required.
HOME OF THE HAMMERS
ARENA ESSEX RACEWAY
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Post by Administrator on Apr 1, 2009 6:10:45 GMT
PRESS RELEASE Monday 30th March 2009 HAMMERS THROUGH TO CUP SEMI FINAL
The Lakeside Hammers have knocked out the reigning Elite League Knockout Cup holders, the Eastbourne Eagles, on aggregate to reach the semi final stages of this season’s competition.
The Hammers did the hard work on Friday evening at their Arena-Essex Raceway when they roared to an impressive 57-38 victory. Then, in the second leg at the Eagles Arlington Stadium they successfully defended their 19 point lead to eventually go through by an aggregate margin of 12 point. Despite losing the leg at Eastbourne by 43-50 this was sufficient to see the Hammers progress into the semi finals.
It was a good all-round team performance in the opening leg that led the way to the overall victory. The Eagles started strongly and were two points up after the first two heats but a series of seven maximum 5-1 heat advantages for the Hammers in the middle part of the meeting saw the home side lead by 26 points after 10 heats.
Eastbourne then reduced the Hammers lead to 19 points over the next two heats. That margin was maintained over the final three heats although the two sides did exchange maximum heat advantages in heats 14 and 15.
Jon Cook, the Hammers Team Manager, commented on Friday’s home victory by saying: “That series of maximum heat advantages to us during the middle stages of the meeting Stuart and myself rate as the best performance we have seen during our time with the Club. It augers well for the tough League season ahead of us.”
Down at Arlington on Saturday the Hammers were always in control of things despite falling behind by 12 points after 10 heats. That still left the Essex based Club 7 points up on aggregate but it also allowed Jon Cook to nominate the Hammers captain, Adam Shields, for a double points ‘Tactical Ride’ in heat 11.
The resultant 8-1 in favour of the Lakeside Hammers virtually guaranteed them the overall victory. That was definitely sealed in over the next two heats where Lee Richardson and Shields secured second places in heats 12 and 13 respectively.
Although nine points in arrears on the night the Hammers were still 10 points up on aggregate so merely needed to have a finisher in one of the remaining two heats. Heat 14 was shared and the Hammers finished the evening in some style by claiming a 4-2 heat advantage in the final race.
Team owner and Co-Promoter, Stuart Douglas was delighted with the aggregate win and although he was unable to be down at Eastbourne was kept up to date with the scores. He commented after the meeting: “That was a great performance from the lads over the two legs and goes some way in avenging our defeat in the semi finals of this competition last season by the Eagles.
The League gets underway this week and it will be a busy time for the Club as we are away at Wolverhampton on Monday, at Peterborough on Thursday and then are back at our Arena-Essex Raceway on Friday when Peterborough will be the visitors. We need to start this League campaign strongly and the week ahead of us will be an important time for the team.”
HOME OF THE HAMMERS
ARENA ESSEX RACEWAY
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Post by Administrator on Apr 8, 2009 5:55:37 GMT
PRESS RELEASE Tuesday 7th April 2009 HAMMERS IN GOOD FRIDAY ACTIONThe Lakeside Hammers Speedway Club have a very busy Good Friday ahead of them as they race twice on the day plus they stage a special six heat veteran’s challenge match to celebrate 80 years of the Sport between teams who will be wearing the old colours of West Ham and Romford. The action starts at 2.15pm at Foxhall Stadium, Ipswich, the home of the Witches, where the Hammers are the visitors in a Sky Sports Elite League match. The return fixture against the Witches then takes place at the Hammers Arena-Essex Raceway at 8pm. The Hammers will go into these two important League matches without Joonas Kylmakorpi, who is recovering from a broken bone in his elbow, which he sustained when taken out in the penultimate race of their away League match at Peterborough. The Hammers won that match along with last Friday’s match against the Panthers, which has moved them to the top of the Sky Sports Elite League. They were looking to extend their lead at the top of the table on Monday evening when they were at Belle Vue Manchester in a match that was shown live by Sky Sports. However, despite leading the match for the majority of the time, the weather intervened resulting in the meeting having to be called off after just nine heats. The result, therefore, does not stand and the Hammers will have to make the long journey back up to Manchester later in the season for the re-staging. The Hammers will continue to use the ’Rider Replacement’ facility to cover Kylmakorpi’s rides for both the matches against Ipswich and will have Robert Mear at reserve as both Chris Mills and Phil Morris are racing for their Premier League sides in what is a busy day for the Sport. The Witches have named Jarek Hampel, Piotr Swiderski, Daniel King, Tobias Kroner, Morten Risager and Dawid Stachyra for both matches but are still to name their final rider as Kozza Smith is injured and both Carl Wilkinson and Jerran Hart are unavailable due to their Premier League commitments. Risager has been drafted into their side as a short term replacement for Leigh Lanham who is currently recovering from broken fingers. Supporters are urged to turn up as early as possible for the evening match at the Arena-Essex Raceway and, as an additional attraction, the veteran’s races will commence at 6.30pm. Former star riders George Barclay and Stan Stevens will be guest Team Managers for the Hammers and Bombers respectively. The West Ham Hammers and Romford Bombers sides will be wearing special race jackets specially produced for the match and these will be auctioned after the event via the Club’s website at www.lakesidehammers.com It is hoped that supporters of the old West Ham and Romford clubs will attend the meeting as it is likely to be a nostalgic evening for them. In another incentive Lakeside Hammers Speedway are currently advertising in the West Ham FC home programmes and there is a special admission offer to anyone bringing the football programme containing the advert with them to this meeting.
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Post by Administrator on Apr 15, 2009 16:32:45 GMT
PRESS RELEASE Saturday 11th April 2009 HAMMERS TOP THE TABLEThe Lakeside Hammers head into the Easter weekend sitting pretty at the top of the Sky Sports Elite League after their Good Friday home and away, double header, against Ipswich reaped a 4 point haul. A very narrow, two point defeat at Ipswich in the afternoon, only served to spur the Hammers' riders on as they secured a dominant 54-42 victory to cement their place at the top of the table. The large Bank Holiday crowd bucked the inclement weather to see a strong performance throughout the team with young number 6, Robert Mear, notching his first Elite League victory. Earlier in the evening, the spectators had been treated to a vintage display as senior riders representing the glory days of West Ham Hammers and Romford Bombers took to the track in a six heat match on their classic machines. The specially produced race jackets depicting the famous old logos of West Ham and Romford worn by these senior riders will be auctioned off via the Hammers website at HYPERLINK "http://www.lakesidehammers.com" www.lakesidehammers.com from where full details are available. Hammers co-promoter Jon Cook was pleased with the evening's work. "It was great to see such a large crowd, despite a poor weather forecast, and the old boys went down particularly well. It was fantastic to see and hear the distinctive old Jap bikes again," said Cook. "The main event showed our team has great mental strength after the afternoon's narrow result, and having to cover for injured rider, Joonas Kylmakorpi. The whole team was determined to pick up the three home points available - they like being top of the League." Hammers owner Stuart Douglas, echoed Cook’s response. "I'm particularly pleased that this tough economic climate hasn't put our fans off their Speedway. Everyone is having to work harder then ever, just now, and we are definitely heading in the right direction." said Douglas. "Unlike football, the League is not won in April or May, so we must continue to push, right up until autumn, to ensure we are in the mix at the business end of the season." Douglas also had a word for the unsung heroes of a race day. "I feel this victory should be dedicated to our track staff, who read the weather situation perfectly and planned a track preparation in advance that allowed good racing even though it was raining for half the meeting. They have the thanks of all the riders and all the fans."
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