Speedway club reveal plans for future

Lakeside Hammers have revealed their Arena Essex venue will be home to the Hagon Shocks Academy in the UK.

The Academy, only the second in the world with the original being based in California, will provide an opportunity for would-be speedway riders to take to the track with all equipment provided, along with full guidance and tuition as they take their first steps into the sport.

Based at the brand new 180-metre track, built specifically for this venture at the eastern end of the Purfleet Raceway, the open sessions will begin in the New Year and run throughout the season.

Friday sessions will be discounted so fans of both the Hammers and any visiting clubs can take the opportunity to try the sport ahead of watching the nights action, with sessions open to all ages.

Saturday sessions will again include full equipment hire, as well as being open to riders with their own equipment.

A junior club will be started under the guidance of ex-Crayford rider Alan Johns, who is vastly experienced in the junior speedway scene, while ex-Hammer Paul Hurry is expected to head the coaching team.

Hammers co-promoter Jon Cook said: “This is a tremendous step for the club to develop a tie in with such a professional company as Hagon Shocks.

“As a club, we are fully committed to the development of British riders and this is a huge step forward for us.

“In building the venue, the club decided to make a major investment in the future and our thanks also go to the BSPA for providing a grant that covered the cost of the fencing and shale.

“We believe this facility will help increase the supply of riders not just for the Hammers, but for all tracks in the years ahead.

“It will be a twice weekly operation and our bi-monthly George Barclay Training Schools and Ride’n’Slide days will also continue, all providing the opportunities for would be league riders or those that simply want to have a go at riding to do just that.”

Early bookings for the new track and training sessions will be available in the New Year with the facility officially opening it’s doors at the end of January.