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Post by Administrator on Mar 29, 2010 15:56:57 GMT
PRESS RELEASE Monday 29th March 2010
HAMMERS CALL FOR CONSISTENCY
The 2010 Elite League arrives in Essex this week as The Lakeside Hammers campaign starts in earnest with a Good Friday double header against local arch rivals, the Eastbourne Eagles. With three warm up meetings now under their belts, this is where the real action begins. "Our pre season activity hasn't gone to plan." said Hammers Co-Promoter, Stuart Douglas. "We are way off the standards we set ourselves and we will be working hard this week to address all the issues to ensure we bag the majority of the points available this Friday." The Hammers came off second best to the current Sky Sports Elite League champions, Wolverhampton, in the traditional Elite Shield season opener between the League winners and the Cup winners. They were also pipped for victory in a Challenge Match at Ipswich last week - a meeting the Hammers looked to have sewn up before two disappointing last heats gifted the result to the Witches. "We should have won both the meeting at Ipswich and our home meeting against Wolves but inconsistent performances throughout the team saw the results reversed against us." said Douglas. "We must get a much higher level of consistency from the team." Co-Promoter and Team Manager, Jon Cook, was quick to echo this sentiment. "We are all hugely disappointed with last week’s results. It’s certainly not the start to the season we had anticipated" said Cook. "But it would be foolhardy to start panicking. We worked hard at Ipswich to get into a winning position and after heat 6 at home to Wolves we looked to be cruising, which is both equally encouraging and frustrating, and having been in a positive situation this team has shown it’s capable of much, much more. I will be making sure that the message is heard loud and clear that, come Friday, there is absolutely no room for complacency or lack of commitment. We've had a chance to iron out bike gremlins and sharpen up our race reflexes - the business starts now, and I will be looking at the whole team to pick up the gauntlet and make their mark". Stuart Douglas also offered an overview. "After the euphoria of our fantastic Knockout Cup victory last season there is, not without justification, an element of expectation from the fans that the good times are ours by default. It took a lot of very hard work to get that first piece of major silverware and we don't want to see that work wasted. The fans have every right to expect bigger performances from us now. Jon and I will ensure that they don't remain disappointed - starting this Friday against Eastbourne. The busy Good Friday for the Hammers and their supporters gets underway with a 1pm start at their Arena-Essex Raceway against Eastbourne. In addition to the 15 heats of League action there will be additional heats involving quads plus it is also hoped to have some junior racing as well. After the conclusion of racing the action will then move down to the Arlington Stadium, Eastbourne for the second League match of the day. That will start at 7.30pm. Despite the additional heats of racing at the Arena-Essex Raceway normal admission prices will apply except children aged 6 to 15 will only need to pay £1 instead of the usual price of £3. The other prices are: - Adults £16, Concessions (Senior Citizens, Disabled and Students) £12 and Unemployed £10. Matchday programmes will be available at £2.50. The two expected line-ups are as follows:- Lakeside Hammers: Krzysztof Kasprzak (Poland), Stuart Robson (Great Britain), Kauko Nieminen (Finland), Jonas Davidsson (Sweden), Adam Shields (Australia), Paul Hurry (Great Britain), Daniel Davidsson (Sweden). Eastbourne Eagles: Matej Zagar (Slovenia), Simon Gustafsson (Sweden), Lukas Dryml (Czech Republic), Cameron Woodward (Australia), Joonas Kylmakorpi (Finland), Ricky Kling (Sweden), Dawid Lampart (Poland).
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Post by Administrator on Mar 31, 2010 19:56:40 GMT
PRESS RELEASE Wednesday 31st March 2010 LAKESIDE HAMMERS AFTERNOON OF ACTION The Lakeside Hammers Speedway Club will present a packed afternoon of high adrenalin action this Good Friday as racing at the Arena-Essex Raceway switches to a one off holiday start time of 1pm.
The Hammers, who race in Speedway's top League and feature regularly on Sky Sports Monday night live show, will take on Sussex rivals the Eastbourne Eagles in the main event over 15 heats of action with stars from countries as diverse as Australia, Finland, Poland, Slovenia, Sweden and the UK banging handlebars on their machines fitted with 500cc super tuned engines and NO BRAKES. Race goers will then be treated to the thrills and spills of the fast growing sport of Quad racing. The quad riders will be competing for the 2010 Essex Open Quad Championship.
The Action begins with the grand parade of riders at 1pm and is suitable entertainment for the very youngest to the very oldest. Admission prices are £16 for Adults and £12 for OAPs Students and Disabled, with the Club lowering child admission for ages 5 to 15 to just £1 for this Easter holiday event. Children under 5 will be admitted to the entertainment free of charge.
The Hammers Co Promoter Jon Cook commented on this Friday’s action by stating: "A day out at the Speedway is an experience not to be missed and this week’s event is extra special as we bring over 30 heats of racing for fans old and new to enjoy. Traditional Speedway will be followed by hairum scarum quad racing. We hope our ‘Kids for a Quid’ scheme will be the perfect reason for families to kick start their holiday weekend with an afternoon of action, which will still see them buzzing come Easter Monday!"
The Arena-Essex Raceway is situated directly north of the Lakeside Shopping Centre with the main entrance next to Thurrock services. Parking is free and plentiful and, unlike most motor events, the pits area is open to the public up until 45 minutes before racing. The gates will open at 11am. Admission payment is on the day via the pay booths that are to be found at the top left end of the entry driveway or, alternatively, tickets can be purchased online via the Club’s website at www.lakesidehammers.com The two expected line-ups for the main event are as follows:- Lakeside Hammers: Krzysztof Kasprzak (Poland), Stuart Robson (Great Britain), Kauko Nieminen (Finland), Jonas Davidsson (Sweden), Adam Shields (Australia), Paul Hurry (Great Britain), Daniel Davidsson (Sweden). Eastbourne Eagles: Matej Zagar (Slovenia), Simon Gustafsson (Sweden), Lukas Dryml (Czech Republic), Cameron Woodward (Australia), Joonas Kylmakorpi (Finland), Ricky Kling (Sweden), Dawid Lampart (Poland).
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Post by Administrator on Apr 7, 2010 20:21:46 GMT
PRESS RELEASE Wednesday 7th April 2010
LAKESIDE HAMMERS LOOK TO TAKE THE STING OUT OF THE BEES
After last week’s false start to their home season The Lakeside Hammers aim to get their first home Sky Sports Elite League points on the board when they entertain the Coventry Bees at the Arena-Essex Raceway this Friday.
Robbed of action after just two heats on Good Friday the Hammers then travelled to Eastbourne and secured two League points with a 45-45 draw, which is the Club’s best result in Sussex since 2007, and buoyed by that the team will be looking to start their home campaign in style.
The Hammers Co promoter Jon Cook stated: "We are still blowing away a few cobwebs thanks to the wretched start to the season caused by the weather but there were enough signs down at Arlington to suggest we are starting to find our feet".
The Bees visit the Essex based Club having lost both their opening League fixtures but with a host of riders who have shown a liking for the Hammers tight circuit.
Cook continued: "I look forward to welcoming Alun Rossiter (the Bees new Team Manager) and his charges to the track this Friday. He has already bought a modernising air to his new club and I am sure he will be gunning for his first League points at our expense".
Fans are reminded that the refund tickets from Good Friday’s abandoned meeting may be used although the offer of children admission for £1 will not apply. Those holding Child refund tickets will need to pay the additional £2. The Bees will include their Grand Prix rider Chris Harris in their side along with fellow British international Edward Kennett plus Australian international Rory Schlein. Former Hammers rider Christian Hefenbrock will miss the meeting due to injuries sustained in a crash at Peterborough last week. They are expected to utilise the ’Rider Replacement’ facility to cover his rides. Their side is completed with young British riders Ben Barker and Josh Auty together with Czech Republic rider Filip Sitera. The Hammers are expected to be at full strength and the same septet are due to compete at Swindon on Thursday in another important League fixture. The two expected line-ups for Friday are as follows:- Lakeside Hammers: Krzysztof Kasprzak (Poland), Stuart Robson (Great Britain), Kauko Nieminen (Finland), Jonas Davidsson (Sweden), Adam Shields (Australia), Paul Hurry (Great Britain), Daniel Davidsson (Sweden). Coventry Bees: Chris Harris (Great Britain), Rider Replacement for Christian Hefenbrock (Germany), Edward Kennet (Great Britain), Ben Barker (Great Britain), Rory Schlein (Australia), Josh Auty (Great Britain), Filip Sitera (Czech Republic).
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Post by Administrator on Apr 9, 2010 15:19:02 GMT
PRESS RELEASE Friday 9th April 2010
HAMMERS WIN AT SWINDON
Thursday evening saw the Lakeside Hammers continue with their liking for the Abbey Stadium, Blunsdon, the home of the Swindon Robins, with victory in the Sky Sports Elite League match. Having won their last two matches down in Wiltshire in 2009 against the Robins the 2010 side continued the success story. With a well taken two point win that takes the Hammers up to third place in the Sky Sports Elite League the Hammers remain unbeaten in the League having gained a draw away at Eastbourne on Good Friday in their only other League meeting so far. They have yet to race in a League match at their Arena-Essex Raceway although tonight (Friday) will see them face the Coventry Bees at their Essex based Raceway in League action. Coventry are the team that the Hammers beat at the end of the 2009 season to win the Elite League Knockout Cup so this evening is likely to see a very competitive encounter. Last night’s match at Swindon saw the Hammers dominate the opening five heats with their superior speed from the starts, which resulted in them achieving race winners in each of those races. After those initial five heats the Hammers led by six points with two race wins from Krzysztof Kasprzak and one apiece from the Davidsson brothers (Daniel and Jonas), and Adam Shields. The Robins then hit back in heat 6 with a maximum 5-1 heat win and after a shared heat 7 the home side levelled the scores with a 4-2 heat advantage in heat 8, which saw Hammers rider Stuart Robson grind to a halt with machine problems when in a points scoring position. It transpires that his fuel pie split resulting in fuel leaking that eventually meant that he ran out of fuel. Despite the good start to the meeting from the Hammers things looked ominous for them after the home side secured a 5-1 in heat 10, which put the Robins into the lead for the first time in the meeting. Krzysztof Kasprzak and Stuart Robson, however, hit straight back for the Hammers with their own 5-1 in the next heat only to see the Robins regain the lead in heat 12 with a 4-2 heat advantage. Once again the Hammers immediately hit back to level the scores again thanks to a fine win by their captain, Adam Shields, over Swindon legend Leigh Adams. Following a shared heat 14 the two teams when into the final heat with the scores level. The toss of the coin for gate positions was going to be vital as gates 2 & 4 appeared to be better than 1 & 3. The Robins won that coin toss and, as expected, took the favourable 2 and 4 gates. However, the Hammers pairing of Krzysztof Kasprzak and Adam Shields went into the race in confident mood. Shields made a great start and led all the way to the chequered flag but Kasprzak had work to do as he was at the back. He was on the heels of the Swindon duo Leigh Adams and Simon Stead but then Stead had machine problems allowing the Hammers Pole to come through and pick up the important third place to give the Essex Club a 4-2 heat advantage, which resulted in the Hammers gaining the away victory by 46-44. The Hammers Co Promoter and Team Manager Jon Cook commented after this victory stating: “I’m delighted with this result and, hopefully, this marks the start of our season. Special praise must go to Adam Shields, who beat Leigh Adams in heats 13 and 15 in a true captain’s performance.” The Hammers scores in racing order were:- Krzysztof Kasprzak 11, Stuart Robson 3+1, Kauko Nieminen 3+1,Jonas Davidsson 7, Adam Shields 13, Paul Hurry 1 & Daniel Davidsson 8+1. The action now moves on to tonight’s home match against Coventry with the first race scheduled to start at 8pm. The weather forecast is good and a big crowd is expected to see the Hammers attempt to keep intact their 2010 League unbeaten record.
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Post by Administrator on Apr 15, 2010 17:21:41 GMT
PRESS RELEASE Thursday15th April 2010 THE HAMMERS BACK EXTREME TRIATHLON CHALLENGE The Lakeside Hammers are delighted to offer their support to a charity initiative established by two former Royal Navy Submariners, Barry Bishop and Steve Mills. On leaving the Navy, after notching up over 28 years active service, the pair have established the Two Fat Submariners charity and set themselves a huge challenge by embarking upon 3 gruelling endurance events, which they aim to complete within a year, in order to raise a substantial amount of money for three chosen charities. Starting on the 25th July 2010 they will take 10 days to cycle from Lands End to John O’Groats in aid of the Help for Heroes’ charity. On the 12th September will see them compete in the Wroclaw Marathon in aid of the NSPCC and subject to final clearance, the intrepid pair aim to swim the English Channel in aid of the Make a Wish foundation before July 2011. Taking time out from their training, ex-rider and avid speedway fan, Bishop commented: “After leaving active service with The Royal Navy a few years ago, Steve and I decided to give a bit back to the community and are incredibly excited, if a little apprehensive, with the challenges we have set ourselves. We are also delighted and honoured to have the help and backing of the Lakeside Hammers Speedway team as we continue to raise our profile” Along with helping to raise awareness of the Two Fat Submariners charity, The Hammers will also be donating auction items for the pair as they train for their gruelling events later in the year. Hammers Marketing Manager, Ian Smalley, added: “Barry first got in touch following the announcement of our association with The Royal Navy. These are three great, if slightly daunting, challenges that Barry and Steve have set themselves and, as we continue to develop our own Hammers Community initiatives, we’re delighted to offer our support and wish them all the best as they cycle, run and swim in aid of these incredibly worthy causes.” Hammers fans can find out all about the challenges and the charities that will benefit by visiting the charity’s website at HYPERLINK "http://www.twofatsubmariners.com" \t "_blank" www.twofatsubmariners.com The site also includes latest training news and events along with information such as opportunities to sponsor training equipment, and how to bid for items in their auction. The Hammers website on HYPERLINK "http://www.lakesidehammers.com" www.lakesidehammers.com will also be kept up to date on the pairs training and the actual challenges themselves throughout the year.
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Post by Administrator on Apr 19, 2010 21:17:42 GMT
PRESS RELEASE Monday19th April 2010 THE FLYER BRIGADE The Lakeside Hammers are both proud and delighted to announce that, as a part of the Club’s community programme, Essex Air Ambulance will be the Club’s nominated regional charity for the 2010 season. Operating seven days a week the Essex Air Ambulance is a Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) with the ability to access remote areas quickly, bringing highly qualified clinicians and life-saving equipment to patients within the first few vital minutes of an emergency. Patients can be airlifted to the most appropriate hospital quickly capitalizing on the aircraft’s unique advantage of speed and versatility when minutes can make all the difference between life and death. It costs in the region of £250,000 per month to cover all charitable costs and aircraft operations. The Charity is reliant upon donations from the people and businesses of Essex who give generously to keep the county’s life-saving service in the air. The Hammers will be promoting the Essex Air Ambulance through a range of channels and initiatives over the forthcoming season. Mark Sexton, The Hammers Community Manager commented: “The Lakeside Hammers are busy working on a number of community based initiatives supporting local schools, clubs, charities and youth organisations and, as part of that programme, we decided to identify a regional charity that we could channel specific support for. We are delighted to offer our support to such a worthy cause as the Essex Air Ambulance and hope that we can help them to continue providing their life-saving services” Essex Air Ambulance Fundraising Manager, Nezda Leigh, who recently visited the Hammers to learn all about the Club, commented: “We are delighted that the Lakeside Hammers have nominated us as their Regional Charity for the 2010 season. Speedway is a modern, vibrant family sport and from my time at the Hammers I could also see that they are an integral part of local sporting community. “Unlike other emergency services, the Essex Air Ambulance is a Charity that relies solely upon the generosity and goodwill of the people and businesses of Essex to remain operational and keep saving lives. “The Hammers involvement will really help to raise our profile and also help inform and educate the people of Essex of why the service is invaluable” Hammers fans can find out all about the Essex Air Ambulance, including ways to become a fundraiser, a sponsor or volunteer, make a donation or take part in the weekly ‘Flight for Life Lottery’ draw which costs just £1, by visiting their website at HYPERLINK "http://www.EssexAirAmbulance.uk.com" www.EssexAirAmbulance.uk.com
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Post by Administrator on Apr 21, 2010 18:51:49 GMT
PRESS RELEASE Wednesday 21st April 2010 LAKESIDE HAMMERS WILL TAKE TO THE TRACK DESPITE FLIGHTS CRISIS The Lakeside Hammers have confirmed that their home Sky Sports Elite League fixture this Friday (23rd April) at the Arena-Essex Raceway goes ahead despite several of their team being currently stuck on the continent of Europe. Swindon visit in a crucial Elite League fixture and whilst the Robins riders, with the exception of Grzegorz Zengota, are all in the UK having been stuck here since flights ended last Thursday the Hammers have Krzysztof Kasprzak, Kauko Nieminen and the Davidsson brothers, Daniel and Joonas, currently in Poland or Sweden. The Hammers Team Manager Jon Cook commented on these flight problems by saying: "We will have the majority of our own riders here in time for Friday’s home meeting against Swindon with Daniel Davidsson and Kauko Nieminen’s overseas commitments allowing them the time to travel overland. "All being well they should be at Calais in time to get to our meeting at Coventry on Thursday, while both Krzysztof Kasprzak and Jonas Davidsson are dependent upon flights reopening, so Scott Nicholls is on standby for Friday, for which we wish to thank both him and the Ipswich management." Cook added: : We have made a strong start to the League season and this isn't the best situation to be in before a clutch of important fixtures but all being well all riders, barring Jonas, whose Swedish season starts next Tuesday, will be staying put once here until our next home fixture a week Friday, 30 th April, against Belle Vue."
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Post by Administrator on Apr 22, 2010 9:45:48 GMT
PRESS RELEASE Thursday 22nd April 2010 HAMMERS ARRIVING FOR SWINDON HEAD TO HEAD AND VISIT TO THE BEES Like a scene from planes, trains and automobiles the Lakeside Hammers riders are making their way to UK shores in time for the visit to Coventry tonight and the all important visit of Swindon to the Arena-Essex Raceway on Friday at 8pm. Currently Kauko Nieminen and Daniel Davidsson have undertaken the 18 hour road trip from Sweden and are hoping to clear the queues at Calais this morning in time to make it to Coventry while Jonas Davidsson and Krzysztof Kasprzak are flying into Heathrow and Luton respectively at 2.30pm this afternoon, Jonas having already had two flights cancelled on him this morning. Therefore, all being well, the Hammers will be at full strength for both meetings. The Hammers Team manager, Jon Cook, commented on the travelling arrangements for four of his side by saying: "Its very much fingers crossed at the moment as far as tonight’s trip to Coventry is concerned but all should be well and we have enough time if not to make alternative arrangements to get the boys here for Friday. Kauko and Daniel hit the road on Wednesday whereas Jonas and Krzysztof have decided air travel is the best option. "It’s an extraordinary situation we all find ourselves in but the worse is behind us and I hope this busy period will see us pick up our League form from where we left off a fortnight ago".
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Post by Administrator on Apr 27, 2010 15:08:09 GMT
PRESS RELEASE Tuesday 27th April 2010 THE HAMMERS ARE DOING IT FOR THE KIDS The Lakeside Hammers are leading the way in enticing the next generation of Speedway fans, by confirming that they are re-structuring their admission prices for 16-18 year olds, in a bid to make the sport as accessible to as many junior Hammers fans as possible. The new structure, which will commence from the next home Sky Sports Elite League match against the Belle Vue Aces this Friday, 30th April, will see all youths who are 16 years old (i.e. Year 11 at school) now being charged the same as children aged 15 or below, a price of £3. All youths of sixth form age including those that have left school up to and including their 18th year will be now be charged at the current rate for those who are unemployed – a price of £10. Please note proof of age may be requested for both age groups. The Hammers Co-Promoter Jon Cook commented: “Healthy attendance figures are the life blood of all clubs as are sensible admission prices. Whilst at the Hammers we charge a range of extremely competitive prices in comparison to other Elite and Premier League Speedway clubs, we are not above making mistakes ourselves. "Therefore thanks to the very sensible observations of a Hammers fan, we are changing our admission structure for 16-18 year olds and hope that this will help those with slightly older sons and daughters to come along and have a fantastic night of entertainment at our Raceway. "Promoters often quote that the younger generation are the future of Speedway, so it’s nice to be able to try and do something about it.” The Hammers owner and fellow Co-Promoter Stuart Douglas added: “We recognise that more young people are staying in education beyond the current legal age of 16 and it is right to try and help these fans, and their families, where we can. We believe we are the first club in the country to adopt this overall approach, and it will be on-going. "To ensure that we continue to offer the best value Elite League Speedway in the country well into the future, we will also be considering ways to reflect the current raising of the Government's participation age to 17 in 2013 and 18 in 2015.” The new pricing structure follows hot on the heels of the recently launched Hammers Club Nights initiative, developed as a part of the Hammers Community Programme. The scheme offers special discounted rates to members of any constituted club, society or community group enabling them to do something a little different and come along and have a fantastic group night at The Lakeside Hammers. The Hammers Community Manager Mark Sexton added: “The Club Nights already look like they’re going to be very popular with bookings and enquiries on the rise. If desired, we will work with you to tailor the packages to meet your club’s particular needs, so don’t hesitate to contact the club to see how we can help you put your club or society in the public eye.” Full information about the Club Nights scheme can be found in the Community section of the Lakeside Hammers website at www.lakesidehammers.com or by contacting Mark by email on HYPERLINK "mailto:marksexton@lakesidehammers.com" marksexton@lakesidehammers.com
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Post by Administrator on Apr 29, 2010 12:38:00 GMT
PRESS RELEASE Thursday 29th April 2010
THE HAMMERS AIM TO BOUNCE BACK
The Lakeside Hammers intend bouncing back tomorrow (Friday 30th April) when the Belle Vue Aces visit the Hammers Arena-Essex Raceway for an important Sky Sports Elite League fixture following two defeats away from home earlier this week against the Aces and current league leaders Poole. The two away defeats were very disappointing, especially the extent of them, but against two of this season’s top performing sides it was probably not unexpected. With the late withdrawal of Hammers No.1, Krzysztof Kasprzak due to illness from the Poole match and not being able to find a suitable guest replacement the Hammers were always going to be up against in down in Dorset. These two defeats mean that there is additional pressure on the Hammers riders to bounce back in Friday’s home match against the Aces, who undoubtedly will arrive with added confidence following their victory against the Hammers on Monday evening. Once again, the Hammers will have to go into a meeting without their No.1 as Kasprzak has an important meeting in his native Poland the same evening. This time, however, a guest has been booked in and Poole’s Davey Watt will wear the No.1 race jacket. The remaining six members of the Hammers side will line up in their usual racing order. The Belle Vue side will show at least two changes from the side that competed against the Hammers up in Manchester earlier this week. Their Danish rider, Patrick Hougaard, will be missing as he is involved in a U-21 qualifying meeting overseas whilst former Hammer Leigh Lanham has not recovered from the injuries he sustained in the crash involving the Hammers captain, Adam Shields, in Monday’s match between the two sides. His place at reserve with be taken by the Aces official No.8, Australian Josh Grajczonek, who combines his duties with the Aces with that of competing for Glasgow in the Premier League. Hougaard’s rides will be covered by utilising the ‘Rider Replacement’ facility, which will allow any of the Aces riders, apart from Hans Andersen, to take an additional ride. In addition, at the time of issuing this Press Release the Aces Management have announced that there is some concern over the fitness of their veteran Swede, Peter Karlsson, who was involved in a crash in his homeland on Tuesday. A decision still has to be made as to whether he will be fit enough to take his place in their side. Jon Cook, the Hammers Co-Promoter and Team Manager stated this morning: "Obviously the defeat on Wednesday at Poole, even without a number one, is an embarrassment to everyone at the Club and we look to the riders to put that right this Friday as the Aces will be sensing we are there for the taking. In the short term we still believe the current seven Hammers riders can show the pride needed to represent this Club as they are more than aware that long term Stuart and I won’t allow our fans or our non racing staff to be let down on track and if that means changes then they will be made." The action at the Arena-Essex Raceway gets underway on Friday at the usual time of 8pm with the parade of riders scheduled for 7.50pm. As announced earlier this week the new price structure for 16 to 18 year olds will come in for the first time on Friday. This means that 16 year olds will now need to pay the child’s admission price of just £3 whereas 17 and 18 year olds will now need to pay £10 instead of the student price of £12 or adult price of £16. Friday’s expected line-ups Lakeside Hammers: Davey Watt Australia) – Guest for Krzysztof Kasprzak (Poland), (Stuart Robson (Great Britain), Kauko Nieminen (Finland), Jonas Davidsson (Sweden), Adam Shields (Australia), Paul Hurry (Great Britain), Daniel Davidsson (Sweden). Belle Vue Aces: Hans Andersen (Danish, Rider replacement for Patrick Hougaard (Denmark), James Wright (Great Britain), Tobias Kroner (Germany), Peter Karlsson (Sweden)– if fit, Josh Grajczonek (Australia), William Lawson (Great Britain
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Post by Administrator on May 6, 2010 16:43:49 GMT
PRESS RELEASE Thursday 6th May 2010
THE HAMMERS TAKE ON LOCAL RIVALS
The Lakeside Hammers intend to continue their run of being unbeaten at home in the League when they face local rivals, the Ipswich Witches, at the Arena-Essex Raceway tomorrow (Friday 7th May). Following last Friday’s impressive performance against the Belle Vue Aces the Hammers supporters will be looking for more of the same. The Hammers will see the return of their No.1 Krzysztof Kasprzak, who missed last Friday’s match along with the away match against League leaders, the Poole Pirates. Then Hammers are, therefore, expected to be at full strength and line-up in their usual riding order. Last Friday’s home meeting saw good performances from the Hammers captain, Adam Shields, along with those of Kauko Nieminen, Stuart Robson, Paul Hurry and Daniel Davidsson plus their guest Davey Watt. Special mention, however, must go to Daniel Davidsson, who scored a very impressive paid 17 points from his 6 rides. A repeat of those performances in tomorrows match against the Witches should ensure that their home record remains intact. The Ipswich side will be led by British international and former Grand Prix rider Scott Nicholls. They have two former Hammers riders in their team in Oliver Allen and Daniel King. Allen recently sustained a hand injury but the Ipswich Management have included him in side. King, who has ridden for Team GB in the World Cup, is now the Witches captain. There are two Poles in their team, Robert Miskowiak and Dawid Stachyra, although neither of them appeared at the Arena-Essex Raceway for the opening Challenge Match, which ultimately fell foul of the March bad weather. It is hoped that they will be appearing for the Witches tomorrow evening. Danish rider Claus Vissing, who joined the Witches from Peterborough before the start of this season, completes their top five. The Witches have needed to book in a guest to ride alongside Stachyra at reserve as both of their doubling up riders, Linus Sundstrom and Carl Wilkinson, are required to ride tomorrow evening for their Premier League sides, Rye House and Scunthorpe respectively. Furthermore their Official No.8, Ritchie Hawkins, will be riding for his Premier League team, Somerset. The rider chosen by the Witches to come in as a guest is American rider, Chris Kerr, who rides this season in a doubling up capacity for Wolverhampton in the Elite League and for Birmingham in the Premier League. Being a local derby it is likely to be a fiercely competitive encounter and one that the Hammers team will be determined to win. The action at the Arena-Essex Raceway gets underway on Friday at the usual time of 8pm with the parade of riders scheduled for 7.50pm. Friday’s expected line-ups Lakeside Hammers: Krzysztof Kasprzak (Poland), (Stuart Robson (Great Britain), Kauko Nieminen (Finland), Jonas Davidsson (Sweden), Adam Shields (Australia), Paul Hurry (Great Britain), Daniel Davidsson (Sweden). Ipswich Witches: Scott Nicholls (Great Britain), Oliver Allen (Great Britain), Claus Vissing (Denmark), Daniel King (Great Britain), Robert Miskowiak (Poland), Dawid Stachyra (Poland), Chris Kerr – Guest (U.S.A.).
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Post by Administrator on May 11, 2010 10:38:18 GMT
LEE RICHARDSON 2.JPG PRESS RELEASE Tuesday 11th May 2010 RICHARDSON RETURNS TO THE HAMMERS The Lakeside Hammers are delighted to confirm that last season's number one and Great Britain International, Lee Richardson, will be rejoining the team with immediate effect. He will make his 2010 return to the Arena-Essex Raceway this coming Friday, 14th May, when he will lead the team into their mouth watering clash with table-topping Poole Pirates. Hastings based Richardson and the Club parted company after a successful 2009 season when talks broke down between the Hammers and the holders of Lee's UK registration, Swindon Robins, during the close season. The rider and Club Promoters Stuart Douglas and Jon Cook have maintained contact since that time and the rider was present at the Club's pre season practices, taking part in the sessions with the 2010 squad.
Having gained Swindon's permission to re-open talks last month, both parties are delighted to be reunited at a time when the Hammers are well placed in the upper reaches of the Sky Sports Elite League table with the core of the team that Richardson rode with, supplemented by new signing Daniel Davidsson, who is enjoying an excellent run of form.
Richardson replaces current number one, Krzysztof Kasprzak, in the Hammers line up.
"I was disappointed to miss out on a return to the Hammers this year, and had instead planned my season around my continental commitments, winning a place in the GP series, and leading Great Britain in the SWC." said Richardson. “I had a lot of interest from several clubs, but I turned all the offers away. I initially, although reluctantly, turned down Jon's approach but having slept on my decision and discussed things with my wife, and also my main sponsor Martin Hagon, I contacted Jon the following morning to say count me in! Last year was a complete blast for me with the Hammers, I learnt the track well, and the fans were great with me. I'm looking forward to more of the same kind of success".
Hammers Co promoter Jon Cook was candid in his explanation of the circumstances. "We felt that the fact we dropped the extra League point at home last Friday was the final straw for the team at present," said Cook. "In truth, the year hasn't felt right to me or Stuart ever since Press and Practice Day when Lee quietly packed his stuff away as the photos were being taken of the 2010 squad. When you make a mistake it's best to put it right when you can, and without going into great detail, we all could have handled that situation in the winter a bit differently with the benefit of hindsight."
Cook also explained why it was Kasprzak that had to make way. "We hold no animosity towards Krys. It's just fair to say that things have not worked out for either party this time around. His reasons for his absence a fortnight ago for our visit to Poole, and the nature of the resultant humiliating defeat, were weak at best. It's clear that his racing team set up, handled by his father in Poland, has different priorities from ours, whilst his progression in the GP Qualification in his home country makes us fear for further, short notice, absences. "His recent performances would indicate that he needs a little time to assess his form just now". Lee Richardson will be competing this Wednesday, 12th May, in the British Championship Semi Final at King's Lynn, and will take to the track in the crossed Hammers for the visit to Ipswich on Thursday, 13th May, before his home debut in what is shaping up to be a classic battle with Poole this Friday, 14th May. Attachments:
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Post by Administrator on May 13, 2010 8:28:26 GMT
LEE RICHARDSON RIDES FOR THE HAMMERS
Lee Richardson will make his season's debut for the Hammers tonight at Ipswich despite leaving the British Semi Final at King's Lynn last night by ambulance. The England international suffered a foot injury in the crash and was fortunate not to suffer concussion in a crash which wrote off his crash helmet. With the Hammers unable to call upon a replacement as he has yet to ride in the redeclared team he was quick to assure the team's Management that he would be able to take to the track for both the visit to Ipswich this eveningand big home match on Friday (14th May) against the current Elite League leaders, the Poole Pirates.
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Post by Administrator on May 14, 2010 14:39:42 GMT
PRESS RELEASE Friday14th May 2010 THE HAMMERS AIM TO SINK THE PIRATES The Lakeside Hammers, in proud association with The Royal Navy, head into tonight’s clash of the top two in the Sky Sports Elite League aiming to strengthen their claims as a top Play Off contender with victory over the run away League leaders Poole at the Arena Essex Raceway tonight.
All at the Club have been buoyed on by the return of Lee Richardson and the resultant seven point win resulting in the maximum of four League points over the Ipswich Witches last night that propelled the Hammers into a clear second place in the table with this one home match in hand over Belle Vue and Wolverhampton who are in third and fourth places.
The Hammers walking wounded of Lee, Adam Shields and Paul Hurry have again declared themselves fit for action tonight in a meeting that is the season highlight thus far.
The Hammers Team Manager Jon Cook commented after last night’s away win stating: "One week ago we let a point slip against the Witches and last night we saw a great reaction from the boys to take all four League points on offer. We need to take that spirit into tonight’s meeting when, as with all teams facing the Pirates, we will start as underdogs even at home." Lee Richardson also commented following his return to the Hammers side stating; “I feel pretty bashed about but I'm really glad I rode. It was a great night for the team and I'm really chuffed to be part of it again. "I didn't think I could do the nominated heat but Jon (Cook)said he needed me to go for the extra point, so I gave it my best and team rode with Jonas (Davidsson) to ensure we got it. I'm really pleased and I can't wait for tonight now!" The Hammers go into this evening's match with their usual line-up but the Pirates will arrive minus two of their regular team. Darcy Ward, the current World U-21 Champion, misses the match as he is due to start his defence of the Title he won last year. Their new Polish signing Artur Mroczka is also involved in a qualifier for the same Championship. The Pirates have brought in their Official No.8, the 1992 World Champion Gary Havelock, to replace the Pole at reserve. Havelock, who rode for the Hammers in 2005, has vast experience and is more used to the Arena-Essex Raceway than Mroczka, who has yet to appear at the Essex based track. The Pirates will be using the ‘Rider replacement’ facility to cover Ward’s rides and that will permit their Captain, Davey Watt and fellow Australian Jason Doyle to take an additional ride. The remaining two rides will need to be taken by the reserves, Leon Madsen or Havelock. The Prates are led by Australian GP rider Chris Holder and Danish former GP rider Bjarne Pedersen who is somewhat of a track expert around the Hammers Raceway having scored a maximum 21 point tally in the past. With it being an important top of the table clash and the forecast of dry weather there is likely to be a large crowd attending this evening’s meeting. Fans are asked, therefore, to arrive as early as possible. The pay booths will open at 6.30pm although the free car parking areas will be open at 5.30pm. Tickets will be available on the night but may also be purchased via the Hammers on-line shop at HYPERLINK "http://www.lakesidehamers.com" www.lakesidehamers.com Hammers fans need to get behind their team once again and ‘Make some Noise’ as the great atmosphere they help to create around the Raceway really does spur on the team even more. The Arena-Essex Raceway will be the place to be this evening.
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Post by Administrator on May 21, 2010 13:49:34 GMT
PRESS RELEASE Friday 21st May 2010 RACE FOR SECOND SPOT HOTS UP The Lakeside Hammers, in proud association with The Royal Navy, will aim to extend their second position in the Sky Sports Elite League when Wolverhamptonvisit the Arena-Essex Raceway on Monday, 24th May. The midland team have closed the gap on the Hammers to just a single point after a successful week and the Hammers, who have not been in action over the past ten days, will be keen to extend the gap again having ridden one less home match than the visitors. Paul Hurry will be forced into watching the meeting from the sidelines having had a successful operation on his broken finger, which should allow him to return to action in time for next Friday’s visit of Peterborough. Jason Lyons, the experienced Australian international, who rides for Birmingham in the Premier League, will deputise for Hurry at No.6. With the introduction of the new averages coming into force for Monday’s match the Hammers Team Manager, Jon Cook, has needed to make changes to the riding order. This will see Kauko Nieminen move to No.2 to partner Lee Richardson whilst the Davidsson brothers, Daniel and Jonas, will occupy the No.3 & 4 positions. Stuart Robson will now move down to reserve – a position he rode well in for the Hammers last season. Jon Cook commented: “It was a great win against Poole last Friday but that victory was at a price as Paul (Hurry) picked up a nasty finger injury in a crash, which was not his fault. The difference between his average and Kauko’s (Nieminen) is so close that if he had been able to complete that final race Paul would have been up in our top five with Kauko dropping down to reserve. At least we are able to have a guest for Paul on Monday and I’m sure Jason ( Lyons) will do a good job for us.” Wolverhampton have already won at the Hammers Raceway this season in the Elite Shield and the Hammers will be looking for revenge, and the maximum three Elite League points that will be available. With it being an important clash between second and third in the League and with the weather forecast looking for the present hot dry spell to continue there is likely to be a large crowd attending this Monday’s meeting. Fans are asked, therefore, to arrive as early as possible. The pay booths will open at 6.00pm although the free car parking areas will be open at 5.30pm. Tickets will be available on the night but may also be purchased via the Hammers on-line shop at www.lakesidehamers.comThe Arena-Essex Raceway will be the place to be on Monday evening. The two teams for Mondays match are, in alphabetical order:- The Lakeside Hammers – Daniel Davidsson (Sweden), Jonas Davidsson (Sweden), Jason Lyons (Australia) – guest for Paul Hurry, Kauko Nieminen (Finland), Lee Richardson (Great Britain), Stuart Robson (Great Britain), Adam Shields (Australia) – Captain. Wolverhampton Wolves – Joe Haines (great Britain), Nicolai Klindt (Denmark), Fredrik Lindgren (Sweden), Ludvig Lindgren (Sweden), Tyron Proctor (Australia), Joe Screen (Great Britain), Tai Woffinden (Great Britain) – Captain.
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