LAKESIDE HAMMERS 2014

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All the updates in regard to the 2014 season

THE VORTEX LAKESIDE HAMMERS
PRESS RELEASE
Friday 7th February 2014
MOUTHWATERING OPENER FOR THE VORTEX HAMMERS

The Vortex Lakeside Hammers will go straight into home Elite League action on Friday 28th March with their season opener and the opposition couldn't be tougher with the Swindon Robins being the visitors, the only team to win at the Raceway in 2013 when they won on two occasions.
The Hammers Co Promoter Jon Cook commented: "What an exciting and risky way to start. The Robins have been dynamite at our place but we believe the 2014 Hammers can kick off our season in style. All of our riders will have been in action as we ride a Challenge at Poole forty eight hours earlier plus we have the track at the Arena Essex Raceway all week for practice and what better way to start the season than with three League points!"
Explaining the cancellation of their home Challenge against the Poole Pirates Cook continued: "Once it was clear that Darcy Ward would be racing in an open meeting in Poland it really wasn't an option to take on the Pirates without the most entertaining rider in the World and other challenge opposition really weren't attractive enough to go against Speedway on TV that night. Our first League meeting is, however, a different matter and we will stage an extra meeting of some kind later in the year, possibly during World Cup week, for our supporters."
With the clock quickly ticking down to the start of the season the Club will shortly confirm details of the ‘Press and Practice Day’ on Tuesday 25th March, which will follow the now traditional theme of being open house for fans to get behind the scenes and close to the riders.

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THE VORTEX LAKESIDE HAMMERS
PRESS RELEASE
Friday 14th February 2014
THE VORTEX HAMMERS UNVEIL NEW LOOK

The Vortex Hammers have today released details of the race suits that the team will be wearing this season along with confirmation that replica tops will be available shortly for their supporters to buy.
The Vortex Hammers Co Promoter Jon Cook explained: "We felt that the time was right to freshen up the team look but keeping the claret and blue as the central Club colours. The riders are delighted with the new look and we hope fans will be too. We will be making the replica top version of the suit, which will be available shortly for purchase ahead of the start of season with team jackets plus other wear also available."
A jpg file is attached to this Press Release showing the artwork for these racesuits but it can also be viewed on the Club's website at www.lakesidehammers.co

Attachments:

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THE VORTEX LAKESIDE HAMMERS
PRESS RELEASE
Tuesday 4th March 2014
THE HAMMERS ANNOUNCE LITTLE HAVENS HOSPICE AS THEIR REGIONAL CHARITY FOR 2014

The Lakeside Hammers Community Programme is declaring 2014 as the year “When Every Point Counts!” as we are thrilled to announce that our Regional Charity for this year will be Little Havens Hospice.
Little Havens Hospice is set in beautiful woodland near Thundersley, Essex and cares for children with life-limiting conditions, and their families, throughout the journey of their illness.
The charity receives limited government funding and is not part of the NHS. Little Havens must, therefore, raise over £50,000 per week to provide the care and services that are required.
The new relationship has been formed with the assistance of our friends, and associate sponsors, Skidmarques Ltd (www.skidmarquesltd.com) who are pledging to donate £1 to Little Havens Hospice for EVERY race point that the Hammers score throughout 2014.
Skidmarques have also donated their space on the Hammers 2014 race suits, official wear and merchandise to Little Havens Hospice to help maximise awareness of the charity.
In addition, and to boost our support for this fantastic cause, The Hammers are inviting all fans and partners to join Skidmarques’ initiative by donating just 1p for every race point that the team score. The club will provide details in the near future about exactly how supporters can make their pledge and join in with #makingeverypointcount.
Peter Hall, Community Fundraiser for Little Havens Hospice, said: “On behalf of the children and families we care for, I would like to thank all the riders, staff and supporters of Lakeside Hammers Speedway Team for their support of Little Havens Hospice over the coming racing season. The donations that we receive will be making every day count for local children and families from Thurrock and across the whole county affected by serious illness. We don’t charge a penny for our care and this is only made possible because of the generosity of the local community. We want to wish Lakeside Hammers every success for a fantastic season and encourage people to come down to roar on the team at their race meetings. The more points the team win will mean more pounds are raised for Little Havens too!"
Keith Playell of Skidmarques said: “Speedway is justly proud of its reputation as a family sport, equally I am proud to be part of The Lakeside Hammers’ family. Any family would find it difficult to contemplate the loss of one of their own, that’s why I am asking The Hammers’ family to help support Little Havens Hospice and the wonderful work that they do.”
Hammers Community Liaison Manager Mark Sexton spent time at the Hospice recently and was inspired by the world-class standard of care and facilities that he saw. He commented: “The Hammers are very grateful to have the opportunity to support this wonderful charity and we’re determined to do what we can to increase the profile of Little Havens Hospice and to help them raise the funds to ensure that their vital work can carry on.”
#makingeverypointcount

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THE VORTEX LAKESIDE HAMMERS
PRESS RELEASE
Friday 14th March 2014
THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS FOR THE VORTEX HAMMERS

With just fourteen days to go until top League Speedway action returns to the Arena Essex Raceway the Vortex Lakeside Hammers are getting set for the new season.
The Vortex Hammers Co Promoter Jon Cook commented: "This is one of the most eagerly awaited seasons ever with an exciting new race format plus the introduction of British youngsters at reserve and our final preparations have already begun in earnest. The team will be returning to action over the next ten days before gathering together for our Press and Practice Day on Tuesday 25th March followed by our away challenge at Poole on the Wednesday before we race at our Raceway in Elite League action here on Friday 28th against the Swindon Robins."
More information will be released early next week regarding the timing schedule for the Press and Practice Day.

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THE VORTEX LAKESIDE HAMMERS
PRESS RELEASE
Tuesday 18th March 2014
THE VORTEX HAMMERS NO.1 WINS AT WOLVES

The Vortex Hammers veteran Swede Peter Karlsson could not hide his delight after he stormed to a sensational victory in the Banks’s Olympique Classic at Wolverhampton on Monday evening.
The Hammers favourite fended off a star-studded field to step to the top of the rostrum as the 2014 season got off to an exciting start.
It completes a remarkable recovery for the 44 year old after he suffered a broken vertebra in the closing weeks of 2013 and he was thrilled to get his season off to a perfect start with a memorable win.
Karlsson commented after his victory: “I’m very happy, everything came good as the meeting went along and I was just so pleased to end up on the top of the rostrum.
“I felt stiff and not so fast in the first couple of races but I made some changes on the night, got a bit looser and by the end I felt more like myself.
“It’s a nice way to get the season started and a very positive night.
“It was a new thing for me really having to come back from that bad injury over the winter.
“I’ve been very lucky in that I’ve not been injured too much during my career and this was probably the worst one I’ve had.
“But I knew in myself and in my body I was OK and I’m pleased that’s put behind me now.
“I’m just looking forward to this season now and looking to keep going after getting off to a good start.”
Full result details: Peter Karlsson (Lakeside Hammers) 14, Tai Woffinden (Wolverhampton and current World Speedway Champion) 13, Peter Kildemand (Swindon) 11, Scott Nicholls (Belle Vue) 11, Ricky Wells (Wolverhampton) 10, Przemyslaw Pawlicki (Poole) 10, Piotr Pawlicki (Wolverhampton) 9, Adam Skornicki (Birmingham) 8, Jacob Thorssell (Wolverhampton) 7, Freddie Lindgren (Unattached) 6, Nicolai Klindt (Swindon) 6, Danny King (Birmingham) 5, Patrick Hougaard (Leicester) 4, Ashley Morris (Wolverhampton and Workington) 3, Ty Proctor (Wolverhampton and Somerset) 2, Joe Jacobs (Wolverhampton and Peterborough) 1, Tom Perry (reserve) (Leicester and Cradley) 1.

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Thursday 20th March 2014
THE VORTEX HAMMERS PRESS AND PRACTICE DAY TIMETABLE

The Vortex Hammers will be staging their Press and Practice Day next Tuesday, 25th March, at the Arena Essex Raceway.
Members of the Press and Media will receive a separate advice regarding their arrangements but the public will be allowed entry to the event free of charge from 6pm via the gate adjacent to the Lakeside Karting entrance.
Between 6pm and 6.30pm the public will be able to walk the track.
At 6.30pm there will be the opportunity for fans to take their own photographs of the 2014 Vortex Hammers team.
The riders will take to the track to practice at 6.45pm and that session will finish at 8.30pm.
From 6pm until the end of the session a special area will be set aside to enable the public to walk up and look at a working Speedway pits.
Jon Cook, the Vortex Hammers Co Promoter commented: “All of the team would have been in some competitive action in this Country prior to our Press and Practice Day but it is important for them to get in some track time on their home circuit before the Elite League campaign gets underway on Friday 28th March when they face the Swindon Robins, who are a team that, in the past, have performed well at our Raceway.”
The Press and Practice will be the start of a busy week for the Vortex Hammers as they are due to race away at Poole on the Wednesday in a Challenge match against the current Elite League Champions before returning to the Arena Essex Raceway for their opening home Elite League match of the season against the Swindon Robins, who were the only side to defeat the Vortex Hammers at the Raceway in 2013.

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Friday 21st March 2014

SEVEN DAYS TO ACTION

With the Lakeside Hammers just seven days away from a return to Elite League Speedway action at the Arena Essex Raceway, Vortex Hammers Co Promoter Jon Cook is tipping new boy Mikkel Bech as the key to a successful season.
Cook said: "We beat off a string of clubs to bring Mikkel to Essex and he has already shown his potential at the Raceway with a double figure score against us last season and started this season with another big return for his Polish club at Kings Lynn. With the new format I expect him to move quickly to heat leader status and his terrific style of racing is going to provide plenty of entertainment for our fans on Friday nights."
The Hammers open their League season next Friday March 28th against the Swindon.
All Press and media are invited to a private session with the team on Tuesday 25th March from 4pm. TV or Radio arrangements are available on request for all days next week in the run up to Friday.
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PRESS RELEASE
Monday 24th March 2014

THE VORTEX HAMMERS SKY DATE

The Hammers Co Promoter Jon Cook has paid tribute to the support of main team sponsors Vortex as the Club’s first live Sky date has been announced today.
The May schedule sees the Vortex Hammers at home to King’s Lynn on Monday 19th replacing the reserved date of Friday 16th, which was initially shown in the Fixture List.
Jon Cook commented: "With a greatly anticipated season starting at the Arena Essex Raceway this Friday (28th March) and this confirmation of an early appearance on Sky Sports is the icing on the cake for us and our Sponsors. We are now entering into year two of our deal with Vortex and their support has been terrific since day one. They have given us the security to move forward and increase the Club’s asset list so it's great to be able to carry their name on TV so early into the season."

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Thursday 27th March 2014

THE WAITING IS OVER

It's been a long time coming but Elite League Speedway action returns to the Arena Essex Raceway this Friday, 28th March, as the Vortex Lakeside Hammers take on the Swindon Robins.
The Vortex Hammers co Promoter Jon Cook is relishing the challenge ahead after a successful Press and Practice Day along with an encouraging away challenge match at Poole on Wednesday evening.
Jon Cook commented: "There’s a real buzz around the team and we can't wait to get cracking. The mixture of youth and experience has given the year a real air of excitement and I think we can look forward to plenty of entertainment packed Friday nights, plus a few Saturdays, at the Raceway"
The two teams for Friday are (in alphabetical order):-
Vortex Lakeside Hammers: Mikkel Bech, Lewis Bridger, Adam Ellis, Peter Karlsson, Richard Lawson, Ben Morley and Davey Watt (Captain). Team Manager: Neil Vatcher.
Swindon Robins: Troy Batchelor (Captain), Simon Gustafsson, Peter Kildemand, Nicolai Klindt, Nick Morris, Darryl Ritchings and Matt Williamson. Team Manager: Alun Rossiter.
The action will get underway on Friday at the Arena Essex Raceway with the parade of riders scheduled for 7.45pm with the first of the fifteen heats of racing commencing at 8pm.
Admission prices are: Adults £17, Senior Citizens, Students and Disabled £14, Unemployed and 17 and 18 year olds £12, children aged six to sixteen inclusive just £1 and children under the age of six will be admitted free of charge provided they are accompanied by a paying adult. Proof of age or status may be requested. There are large parking areas at the Raceway that are free of charge.
All tickets may be purchased on the night but, alternatively, they are also available in advance online via the Club’s website at www.lakesidehammers.co
The Arena Essex Raceway (postcode RM19 1AE) is situated just east of the M25 junctions 30/31 on the A1306 close to the Thurrock Motorway Services and Lakeside Shopping Centre and is clearly signposted from the main roundabout under the M25.

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Thursday 27th March 2014

AN ENCOURAGING START FOR THE VORTEX HAMMERS AT POOLE

It was cold in Dorset on Wednesday evening but the 2014 Vortex Hammers produced a heart warming performance in their opening match of the season against last year's champions Poole.
It may have only been a challenge match but in front of a big crowd both sides rode hard from the outset and prior to racing getting underway not many in that crowd would have predicted that the scores would be level at 36-36 with just three heats to go.
And whilst a Pirates 5-1 in heat 13 proved to be their undoing, the Vortex Hammers were still in with a chance of snatching what would have been a deserved draw going into the final race but the home side grabbed a 4-2 with Darcy Ward heading home Mikkel Bech to give the win to the Pirates by 48 – 42.
The latter was the star of the show for the Vortex Hammers and showed just why they were delighted to have signed him in the winter and the other major plusses were the 7+2 return from four rides from Adam Ellis at reserve and the 7+1 scored by Richard Lawson at No.2
Singling those three out shouldn't detract though from the efforts of the other four on the night with both Davey Watt and Peter Karlsson being hit by engine failures in the second half of the meeting, which cost the Hammers points and will cost them to effect repairs. In addition Ben Morley did all that could have been expected of him
The one tough fact to come to terms with is that Lewis Bridger's four point tally really didn't do any justice whatsoever to his wholehearted efforts in all of his rides and amply demonstrated that, under the new heat formula, the No.5 position away from home is going to prove tough for any rider.
A good start to 2014 track action then and now we the Vortex Hammers can look forward to Friday's first Elite League home meeting against the Swindon Robins.
Scorers:-
Poole: Przemyslaw Pawlicki 12, Darcy Ward 9, Maciej Janowski 8+2, Josh Grajczonek 8, Kyle Newman 5, Lee Smart 4 and Vaclav Milik 2.
Vortex Lakeside Hammers: Mikkel Bech 11+1, Adam Ellis 7+2, Richard Lawson 7+1, Peter Karlsson 6, Davey Watt 5, Lewis Bridger 4 and Ben Morley 2+2.

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Saturday 29th March 2014

HAMMERS HAIL HERO ELLIS

The Vortex Hammers Promoter Jon Cook hailed youngster Adam Ellis as a match winner as the Lakeside Hammers denied the Swindon Robins a fourth consecutive win in Essex on Friday night.
With the Robins staging a mid match revival that ultimately gained them the extra point Hammers Team Manager Neil Vatcher brought Ellis into Heat 12 and the Vortex Hammers asset pulled out all the stops to join the similarly impressive Richard Lawson on a 5-1 beating the experienced Nicolai Klindt in the process.
Jon Cook commented after the match: "Adam was awesome and to claim such a notable scalp on his home debut is a mouth watering taster of what's to come in the seasons ahead. Praise too to Ben Morley for a terrific first Elite League meeting as a Vortex Hammer."
The final score was 47 – 43 in favour of the Vortex Hammers and the scorers were as follows:-
Vortex Hammers: Richard Lawson 9, Mikkel Bech 9, Davey Watt 9, Ben Morley 6+1, Adam Ellis 6+1, Lewis Bridger 6+1, Peter Karlsson 2.
Swindon Robins: Peter Kildemand 13+1, Troy Batchelor 11+1, Nick Morris 6+2, Nicolai Klindt 5+2, Simon Gustafsson 4, Darryl Ritchings 3, Matt Williamson 2+2.

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Wednesday 2nd April 2014

AFTER THE WIN AT BIRMINGHAM
THE VORTEX HAMMERS CAN’T WAIT FOR FRIDAY

The Vortex Hammers travelled up to Birmingham on Wednesday evening and came away with the maximum four Elite League points after a thrilling victory by nineteen points The final score was Birmingham Brummies 37 Vortex Lakeside Hammers 56.
It was a solid all round performance by the Hammers with six of their seven riders claiming at least one heat win. The result was never really in doubt despite the Brummies claiming a 7-2 heat advantage whilst using a Tactical Ride in heat ten, which reduced the Hammers lead to nine points. That further reduced to seven points after a Brummies 4-2 in the next heat but there was no stopping the Hammers as they then increased the margin up to nineteen points over the remaining four heats.
The Vortex Hammers scorers were: Davey Watt 13+1 (from five rides), Mikkel Bech 11 (4), Adam Ellis 10+2 (5), Richard Lawson 10+1 (5), Peter Karlsson 6+2 (4), Lewis Bridger 5+1 (4) and Ben Morley 1 (3).
The Vortex Hammers Team Manager, Neil Vatcher, said after the meeting: "Credit to all the boys for a huge win, and thoroughly deserved from the start. Spirits are high and we can't wait for Friday when we get back home to take on Leicester ."
Co promoter Jon Cook added: "Our season is truly up and running. It's a pleasure watching this team work together and the performances of all were super. Bring on Friday!"
The action now moves back to the Arena Essex Raceway this Friday as the Vortex Hammers take on the Leicester Lions in Elite League action. It will be the first time that the two clubs will have met as the Lions only moved up into the top flight of Speedway this season. They originally shut down in 1983, the year before the Sport was introduced to the Arena Essex Raceway, but they returned to the Sport at Premier League level at their new venue in 2011.
Included in the Lions team will be former Hammer Peter Ljung, who last rode in this country for the Hammers in 2012.
The two teams for Friday are (in alphabetical order):-
Vortex Lakeside Hammers: Mikkel Bech, Lewis Bridger, Adam Ellis, Peter Karlsson, Richard Lawson, Ben Morley and Davey Watt (Captain). Team Manager: Neil Vatcher.
Leicester Lions: Max Clegg, Jason Doyle, Patrick Hougaard, Mads Korneliussen (Captain), Peter Ljung, Tom Perry and Simon Stead. Team Manager: Norrie Allan.
The action will get underway on Friday at the Arena Essex Raceway with the parade of riders scheduled for 7.45pm with the first of the fifteen heats of racing commencing at 8pm.
Admission prices are: Adults £17, Senior Citizens, Students and Disabled £14, Unemployed and 17 and 18 year olds £12, children aged six to sixteen inclusive just £1 and children under the age of six will be admitted free of charge provided they are accompanied by a paying adult. Proof of age or status may be requested. There are large parking areas at the Raceway that are free of charge.
All tickets may be purchased on the night but, alternatively, they are also available in advance online via the Club’s website at www.lakesidehammers.co
The Arena Essex Raceway (postcode RM19 1AE) is situated just east of the M25 junctions 30/31 on the A1306 close to the Thurrock Motorway Services and Lakeside Shopping Centre and is clearly signposted from the main roundabout under the M25.

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FEET ON THE GROUND FOR THE VORTEX HAMMERS

The Vortex Lakeside Hammers excellent start to the season continued on Friday with a third successive win.
The Hammers saw off a second half recovery from the Leicester Lions to eventually take all three of the available Elite League points that were available by winning by 52 – 42.
The Vortex Hammers Co Promoter Jon Cook commented after the meeting saying: "Obviously nine points from three is a dream start but we are only eight days into the new season and we're not going to go making outrageous statements about championships at this stage. In fact I think we're yet to really hit our form despite results. This is shaping up to be a very exciting and difficult season to call already our aim is simply to be in the mix at its conclusion."
Friday’s scorers were:-
The Vortex Lakeside Hammers 1. Peter Karlsson 11+1, 2. Richard Lawson 9, 3. Davey Watt 10+1, 4. Mikkel Bech 7, 5. Lewis Bridger 5+3, 6. Ben Morley 4,
7. Adam Ellis 6+1,
Leister Lions: 1. Jason Doyle 10, 2. Peter Ljung 6, 3. Mads Korneliussen 6+2, 4. Simon Stead 8+1,5. Patrick Hougaard 4, 6. Max Clegg 3+1, 7. Tom Perry 5+2

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Saturday 12th April 2014

THE VORTEX HAMMERS DEMOLISH THE BRUMMIES

The Vortex Hammers demolished the Birmingham Brummies 69-21on Friday evening to maintain their unbeaten home record at the Raceway. The Hammers started in a devastating fashion, notching up maximum 5-1s in the opening three heats and following a further heat advantage by Mikkel Bech and Morley in the 4th, led to the Brummies nominating their first Tactical Ride in heat 5, but Danny King found the pace too hot to handle. The heat domination continued in heat 6, with swoops either side of Edward Kennett by Watt and Bech by the third turn of lap one. Lawson and Ellis then delivered a 4-2 in the 7th, before Bech and Watt again showed great team riding around the second and third bend in the 8th heat to leave the second Tactical nomination for the Brummies, Adam Skornicki, trailing in third. Morley and Ellis had delivered the seventh 5-1 maximum of the night before the Brummies finally delivered a race victory and heat advantage in heat 10 with Edward Kennett getting the better of Karlsson and with Lawson finishing at the rear behind King. It was too little far too late however as Watt and Bridger scorched from the tapes in the next race to increase the Hammers lead further. Heat 12 delivered one of the races of the night with Hammers young Ben Morley holding the experienced Skornicki behind him for four laps to notch up another 5-1 to the Hammers with Lawson. Bridger and Karlsson continued where they had left off in the 13th, before Bech delivered a classy sweep around bend three in heat 13, to help the Hammers to a further 4-2 with Ellis. The nominated heat continued to form, with Bech and Watt combining to deliver a final 5-1 on a perfect night for the Essex based club. Afterwards Vortex Hammers Co-Promoter Jon Cook enthused. ”It was a truly great team performance with paid maximums for Davey, Mikkel and Lewis, but also a fantastic effort from the rest of the boys including Ben’s victory over Skornicki in heat 12. Despite how the scoreline appears there were some great overtaking maneuvers and performances like this, with the team all clicking together, bodes well for the rest of the season.” The Vortex Hammers Team Manager Neil Vatcher added: “It was a brilliant team performance and I’m especially pleased for both Ben, who had a great race victory, and for Lewis who showed a good return to form. We’ll look to continue where we left off on Saturday night at Leicester and on Good Friday when we take on the Eastbourne Eagles.” The Vortex Hammers scorers were: Peter Karlsson 9+2, Richard Lawson 8+1, Davey Watt 14+1, Mikkel Bech 13+2, Lewis Bridger 10+2, Ben Morley 9+1 and Adam Ellis 6+2.

www.birminghambrummies.co/news.php?extend.1897

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Sunday 13th April 2014

THE VORTEX HAMMERS TO MAKE OFFICIAL COMPLAINT

Following last night’s 48-41 point defeat at Leicester Lions, The Vortex Lakeside Hammers will make an official complaint to the SCB (Speedway Control Bureau) against both referee Peter Clarke and the Leicester Speedway medical officer following the exclusion of Adam Ellis from the meeting against the riders and the Club’s wishes.

Ellis was at the start of Heat 9 ready to race as the Hammers only rider in the lineup, when he was called to return to the pits. The failure to provide a rider in the race following the exclusion of Ben Morley cost the Club the extra point on the night.