Elite League club cut admission
Lakeside Hammers chief Jon Cook says Monday’s televised clash with Coventry - where heavily reduced £5 admission is available in advance - is the perfect opportunity to showcase the club and their future prospects.
Runaway Elite League leaders Coventry will pose a big threat to hopes of a home win, but Cook has greater concerns at present.
He said: “With our long-term future uncertain at the Arena Essex Raceway we’re taking the opportunity to show the good people of Essex and beyond just what a great night out speedway is, and in doing so also strengthen our hand for the sport to remain in the county.
“To this end all pre-booked tickets are offered at just £5 for adults and concessions via either our website or Sky Tickets. We’re hoping for a bumper crowd and a great atmosphere at the Raceway.”
The cut in admission is thanks to the support of event sponsors Andrews Garage, Beadles Van Hire, Hagon Shocks and Team Sponsor Vortex.
Advance ticket holders, who purchase their tickets online, will enjoy speedier entrance through their own gate at the top of the entry road.
Club owner Stuart Douglas said: “With the future development of the Arena looming, this is probably the most important fixture in my time at the club.
“We need to show our friends and everyone watching that the Hammers are a really important asset to the local community and Essex in general.
“Our thanks go to the generosity of our Support Partners and I am calling on all those fans who have visited us for a night of speedway over the years to come on back and show their support for the club and the sport.
“It will be a fantastic meeting and at a fiver it has got to represent unbelievable bang for your buck.“
Team Manager Neil Vatcher says his riders will need to focus on the job in hand when the Bees visit while the rest of the club concentrate on securing the team’s future.
Vatcher said: “Our home form has been back to expected and we’ll need to be on the top of our game to beat the Bees, who were fortunate to grab victory in their earlier visit when a heat 14 machinery failure for Richard Lawson robbed us of league points”.
But Coventry’s former Hammers star Joonas Kylmakorpi says the Bees will maintain their focus on ensuring a play-off place as they continue to set the pace at the top of the table.
He said: “The team is good, there are no problems at all, the spirit is fantastic and I think we can go a long way with this team.
“The goal is to get to the play-offs first, and then when you get there you can have different goals. Now it’s about getting to the play-offs.”
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