Kim Nilsson (blue) crashes out with Peterborough's Jacob Thorsell during an Elite League meeting in 2012 (Gavin Ellis/TGSPHOTO)

Elite League rivals to meet

Lakeside Hammers will warm up for the Elite League season with away and home clashes against the Peterborough Panthers.

They will visit the East of England Showground on March 21, then host their rivals the following night (March 22).

The home leg at Purfleet will include an open track and pits between 6pm-7pm, with fans able to walk the track, have a look behind the scenes in the referee’s box, have access to the pits and the Hammers riders for photographic opportunities.

Plans will be announced shortly for a limited number of tickets to watch three heats from the centre green during the evening, which is a rare and exciting view of racing.

Hammers co-promoter Jon Cook said: “With the differing sizes of both venues and with the clubs only meeting once home and away in the league this is a great chance for both teams to get worthwhile racing ahead of the countrywide Good Friday full Elite League programme.

“We will be incorporating the most popular features of the Open Night success of last season as well and hope the night will provide a firm foundation on which to build the season.”

Hammers 2013 season tickets will be valid for the home meeting against the Panthers on Friday March 22.