Cooks believes big crowd will strengthen team’s argument in redevelopment plans
Lakeside Hammers boss Jon Cook believes the attendance for the fixture with Coventry Bees will help the club secure its future.
The Hammers currently face uncertain times, with plans afoot to develop their Arena Essex Raceway base not including speedway.
But at home to Bees in front of their biggest crowd of the season, with several important guests also in attendance, the Hammers drew 45-45 and Cook praised the high turnout.
“We couldn’t have asked for more, a crowd of over 2,000 and fantastic speedway, a last heat decider, race to the line and all in front of our local MP Jackie Doyle-Price,” said Cook.
“I’d say it was probably the most important and successful night in the history of this great club.”
In the final race of the night, Lakeside skipper Andreas Jonsson salvaged a dramatic draw by pipping Bees man Hans Andersen to the line.
Andersen had looked set to win the finale and give Coventry their seventh away win of the season but made a mistake at the wrong time.
“I knew I’d lost it when I lifted coming off that corner, and it’s just one of those things,” admitted Andersen
“I had to change bikes just before the race because the clutch broke on the bike I’d just won a race on, so I went out on a bike I hadn’t used at all.
“But no excuses, I made the gate and just needed to hold on for less than half a lap and I just made a rider error.
“Both teams had a bit of good and bad luck, so in the end it was probably a fair result and a good meeting on TV.”
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