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Post by speedyguy on Jan 26, 2016 10:30:27 GMT
Hammers launch with The Spring Trophy & Fans Forum The Vortex Hammers will start their 2016 season with a Spring Trophy Individual meeting on Friday March 18th.
The meeting will include the 2016 Hammers squad, plus invited riders including Lewis Bridger and Swedish newcomer Dennis Jonsson, son of former World Champion Per Jonsson.
As has become the tradition in recent seasons, the clubs supporters will be given the 'run' of The Arena Essex Raceway for the day, with pre-meeting access to the track itself, the pits and the referees box. A rider signing session, where fans can snap their favourite stars, will also take place and a limited number of places to watch races from the centre green during the meeting will be available.
Further details regarding the event will follow, whilst admission prices have been confirmed as Adults £15, Concessions £10 and kids up to the age of 16, free of charge. Tickets will be available at the turnstiles on the night, and shortly via the clubs on-line ticket store.
Hammers Co-Promoter Jon Cook commented
"Our intention is to make this a night when the fans and the riders come together, to set us up for the season ahead. We came through a great deal of problems last season to make it this far and we'll go into the new season stronger because of it.
This is a unique chance for fans to get behind the scenes, and for the riders to get worthwhile track time, as we prepare for the start of league racing."
Before the opening night fixture, Hammers fans will get a chance to talk about the coming season and the clubs long term plans when Cook will be joined by new Team Coach Kelvin Tatum, for a fans forum on Thursday February 18th, in the plush surroundings of the normal forum venue, the Pavilion Suite at The Orsett Hall Hotel.
Admission for the event, which starts at 7.30pm, is free although coin donations towards the clubs annual collection for the Speedway Riders Benevolent Fund will be welcomed on the night. Fans can also see the new Hammers replica shirt and order their own for collection at the Spring Trophy meeting.
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Post by speedyguy on Jan 28, 2016 15:48:00 GMT
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Post by speedyguy on Feb 7, 2016 12:38:14 GMT
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Post by speedyguy on Feb 8, 2016 9:18:17 GMT
LAKESIDE HAMMERS PRESS RELEASE:: :::::::: STUART Robson, one of the most popular riders of the modern Lakeside era, will be joining the Vortex Hammers squad for the big opening night of the season next month. Robson, who ended his retirement to join the club in 2009, will appear in the Spring Trophy on Friday, March 18. He joins Lewis Bridger and Dennis Jonsson as well as the 2016 Vortex Hammers in what promises to be a memorable start to the season for the fans. The club have also confirmed the meeting will be a fundraiser for the replacement of the safety fence after some sections were condemned by a Speedway Control Bureau track inspection. Club co-promoter Jon Cook said: "It's great to have Robbo back, the plan is very much for this to be an in-house event for Hammers fans and riders alike and the revenue raised will benefit our riders significantly by funding those safety improvements required." FANS are also reminded about the forum coming up next week featuring Cook and new coach Kelvin Tatum. The event takes place at the Pavilion Suite at Orsett Hall Hotel on Thursday, February 18.
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Post by speedyguy on Feb 11, 2016 15:32:52 GMT
LAKESIDE HAMMERS PRESS RELEASE: NEW Lakeside coach Kelvin Tatum is relishing the chance to meet up with supporters at the Vortex Hammers Fans’ Forum next Thursday, February 18 (7.30). Tatum will join co-promoter Jon Cook in the Pavilion Suite at the Orsett Hall Hotel to discuss the upcoming 2016 season. Having joined the club in an advisory capacity to assist with coaching and development over the winter, the former British Champion is excited for the year ahead. And he is interested to hear the perspective of the Lakeside fan base as he answers questions alongside Cook. “I’m looking forward to it,” Tatum said. “It will be my first opportunity to sit down with Jon Cook in front of the Lakeside fans so it should be a good evening. “I’m delighted to be involved at Lakeside and the news of my involvement seems to have gone down well, so I’m looking forward to having some good interaction with the fans. “I’m interested to hear what questions they have to ask and what they would like to discuss, so hopefully we can understand their view of things. “It’s going to be an exciting season and it isn’t far away now, so it’s always good to get the chance to meet up with the supporters and talk about the year ahead.” Admission for the event is free although coin donations will be welcomed for the Speedway Riders Benevolent Fund. Meanwhile, fans can also see the new Hammers replica shirt and order their own for collection at the Spring Trophy meeting.
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Post by speedyguy on Feb 18, 2016 11:10:22 GMT
Lakesdie make it eight! HAMMERS MAKE NO.8 SIGNING
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 18, 2016
LAKESIDE have snapped up Swedish racer Dennis Jonsson to fill the newly-created No.8 role in their 2016 squad.
The Hammers have moved to bring in Jonsson, the son of former World Champion Per, for the position which enables him to replace any rider in the main body of the side during the season.
Co-promoter Jon Cook said: “We're very excited to be working with Dennis at this early stage of his international career and delighted he chose the Hammers as the best place to start his British career.
“The No.8 is the brainchild of Matt Ford and will allow Elite League teams that wish to, to start blooding young talent from overseas.”
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Post by speedyguy on Feb 22, 2016 9:20:29 GMT
LAKESIDE bosses have reluctantly released Bjarne Pedersen from their team plans due to a series of fixture clashes. The Vortex Hammers promoters Stuart Douglas and Jon Cook took the decision after agreeing Pedersen’s absence would have an adverse effect on their season. Cook said: “This has proved beyond Bjarne’s or our control and following an Elite promoters meeting last week it was clear this situation wasn't going to improve and if anything would worsen. “After last year’s struggles, for us to open the season in the knowledge one of our top riders would miss three meetings against title favourites Belle Vue as well as clashes with Coventry and Poole just couldn't happen. “We wish Bjarne well, this wasn't of his making or ours but we believe we can't enter a season in this way." The Vortex Hammers are now pursuing their next option with a club statement expected in the next few days.
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Post by speedyguy on Feb 23, 2016 9:13:28 GMT
TALENTED British racer Lewis Bridger is ready to return to Speedway with Lakeside for the 2016 season. Bridger, regarded as a natural talent on a bike, has taken a year out of the sport but is now fitter and hungrier than ever. He replaces Bjarne Pedersen in the Vortex Hammers side after the Dane was ruled out for a chunk of the fixtures due to meetings abroad. Vortex Hammers co-promoter Jon Cook said: "Kelvin Tatum (team coach) and I met with Lewis and were very impressed with both his own preparations to return to Speedway and the factory ride he has with Revolution Racing team. “Together they present a terrific package and as Hammers fans know Lewis is Mr Entertainment around the Arena. “In 2014 he hit top form and we expect him to return to and surpass that level with the support of Revolution and the Club. It's the move he wanted, turning down approaches from other Elite teams. “Importantly for the club we have another British rider in the team on whose availability we have first call.” Meanwhile Kelvin Tatum said: “It was important for us to meet Lewis, on face value he seems a reformed character. “He’s available, British, and has lots of potential. He wants to ride for Lakeside and I’d like to think we can help him realise his potential.” Bridger joins Andreas Jonsson, Kim Nilsson, Edward Kennett, Richard Lawson, Piotr Swiderski, Lewis Kerr and Robert Mear in the Vortex Hammers line up. Kennett and Lawson are set to start the season in a shared double up role to best counter a string of fixture clashes unavoidable due to the early Elite League and Premier League Cup schedules. We will have reaction from Lewis Bridger in our next Vortex Hammer media bulletin.
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Post by speedyguy on Feb 25, 2016 8:25:19 GMT
LAKESIDE HAMMERS PRESS RELEASE LEWIS Bridger can’t wait to get racing again after joining Lakeside. Bridger, the former Great Britain World Cup rider, has ended his exile from the sport to link up with the Vortex Hammers. It’s a move which is sure to prove popular with supporters as Bridger has a spectacular style and is delighted to be back with a club he knows well. “After having some time out it’s great to be coming back at a track I already know my way round and where I feel confident,” he said. “I know how to win races around Lakeside, I’ve had some great times there and with the backing of Revolution Speedway and everyone at the club I don’t see any reason why I can’t have lots more great times ahead. “I’m feeling really good about my decision and about the season ahead. I’m just looking forward to getting started and getting back into the swing of things. “It might take a couple of meetings to get back up to speed, but I’m sure I’ll get there in no time and hopefully get back to riding at the level I’m capable of.”
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Post by speedyguy on Feb 26, 2016 23:04:05 GMT
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Post by speedyguy on Mar 3, 2016 9:15:05 GMT
LAKESIDE HAMMERS PRESS RELEASE:: ::::::: ROB Mear has paid tribute to former rider Martin Hagon for getting him back on track with Lakeside this year. Mear has ended his self-imposed exile from Speedway by agreeing to return to the Vortex Hammers thanks to the hugely successful Hagon Shocks owner. Hagon, who is also responsible for the much acclaimed academy project at the Arena-Essex Raceway, has supplied Mear with machinery to get started. And the rider himself admits he wasn’t planning to make a return to the shale – until the phone rang! “I probably wouldn’t have even thought about if I hadn’t been approached by Lakeside and if Martin Hagon hadn’t sorted me out with a couple of bikes,” he said. “I’d been planning to have a busy year riding abroad doing grasstrack and longtrack, but with Martin Hagon supplying me with bikes it would be silly to turn it down and it’s just all fallen into place. “It’s a good situation, and even though I haven’t been riding speedway I’ve still been doing plenty of grasstrack meetings so I’ve been keeping myself busy and keeping on the bike. “It’s not quite the same and it might take some time to get back into the swing of things on the shale, but I'm not worried about riding a speedway bike again. “I had a few practices last year just to make sure I wasn’t off the bike for too long and I didn’t feel although I’d lost anything.” Mear only has a fortnight to wait for his competitive return when he takes his place in the club’s big opening night meeting. The Spring Trophy will feature all the Vortex Hammers and invited guests on Friday March 18 when a bumper crowd is expected to herald an exciting new season for the club. And Mear said: “I can’t wait to get started – bring it on!”
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Post by speedyguy on Mar 7, 2016 15:26:04 GMT
LAKESIDE Vortex Hammers are holding their practice day at the Arena-Essex Raceway on Thursday March 17 taking to the track from 12.30pm.
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Post by speedyguy on Mar 10, 2016 9:59:54 GMT
LAKESIDE HAMMERS PRESS RELEASE ::::::::::::: KELVIN Tatum can’t wait to get his teeth into his new coaching role as Lakeside host their press and practice day next Thursday, March 17. The former British Champion will help put the 2016 Vortex Hammers through their paces at the Arena-Essex Raceway from 12:30pm after meeting with members of the media from 11am. Tatum, 52, will be taking a hands on role as he takes some laps of his own, giving supporters a rare chance to see him back in action. He is keen to ensure the Hammers enjoy a productive session prior to the season-opening Spring Trophy the following night as they warm up for their Elite League opener at King’s Lynn on Thursday, March 24. “It will be good to see all of the riders for the first time at press and practice day so we can get accustomed to each other ahead of the season,” Tatum said. “I’m very much looking forward to my new role at Lakeside, so it will be a chance for me to try and offer some advice and try to make it as productive a session as possible. “I’m hoping to have some equipment there to have a ride myself which should be a lot of fun. “I’m heading to France next week to do a few laps at Macon and get back into the swing of things. “Lakeside will be different as it’s a challenging track, it’s tight and physically demanding but I’m looking forward to it. “It’s a chance for me to settle myself into my new role and get to know all of the riders a lot better, so I’m very much looking forward to it.”
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Post by speedyguy on Mar 15, 2016 8:21:50 GMT
LAKESIDE HAMMERS PRESS RELEASE: TALENTED youngster Zach Wajtknecht has put pen to paper with Lakeside as a full club asset. After bursting onto the scene as part of Birmingham’s National League title-winning side last season, the 18-year-old is widely considered one of Britain’s hottest prospects. He will take the step into the Premier League with Somerset in 2016 whilst spearheading Birmingham’s bid to defend their title. However, he has opted to commit his long-term future to the Vortex Hammers – a move he believes will pay dividends. “I'm over the moon to join Lakeside as a club asset - for a club like them to show an interest in me is a big confidence booster in itself,” Wajtknecht said. “There were a number of reasons why Lakeside appealed to me and a number of people played their part. “One of the main reasons I've signed for Lakeside is because I see it as a really good challenge for myself. “I know I need to improve on the smaller tracks more than anything and with Lakeside being so tight and technical, it will mean I'm always pushing myself to be the best that I can be on all levels. “Being a club asset for an Elite League side means I can try and put myself in the shop window and show them I want to ride for them in the future. “I think this will be a really beneficial move for me in the long run but meanwhile I can't wait to have what will hopefully be another successful season for me with Somerset and Birmingham.” Meanwhile, Lakeside co-promoter Jon Cook has hailed the influence of former Hammers’ favourite Paul Hurry in making the deal happen. Cook added: “We are delighted to welcome Zach to the home of the Hammers, he is an excellent talent and we look forward to working with him over the coming seasons. “I'd like to thank Paul Hurry for advising Zach that we are the club best served to help him achieve his speedway goals and Paul too will be back at the Raceway as both a talent scout and within our pits team on racenights.”
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Post by speedyguy on Mar 16, 2016 18:00:05 GMT
LAKESIDE HAMMERS PRESS RELEASE :::::::: RETURNING Lakeside ace Lewis Bridger is raring to go ahead of his comeback in the Spring Trophy on Friday (8pm). The British star will make his first competitive appearance in almost a year as the Hammers kick-off their 2016 campaign. He will first be put through his paces at press and practice day on Thursday before taking on his team-mates in the individual meeting. 12 riders, all with Lakeside connections, will do battle at the Arena-Essex Raceway with a number of Hagon Shocks Academy races also taking place over the course of the evening. Bridger has revealed he is heading into the meeting feeling relaxed and with no expectations after his time away from the sport. The all-action 26-year-old said: “I’ve got the same routine this week, and I’m just going to try and treat things as usual. “I’ll ease myself into it on Thursday at press and practice and try not to think too much about things. “I’ve had great preparation the last few weeks. Things went really well out in Croatia with Team GB, we got the bikes working nicely so I’m feeling good after that. “Hopefully we can get the same feel to the bikes around Lakeside on Thursday and then I can head into the Spring Trophy meeting on Friday feeling confident. “I feel like the pressure isn’t really on because I’ve been off the bike for a year, and I’m not really going in with any expectations. “I guess everyone would like to be able to have a year off and come back stronger so in that way I’m sure a lot of people will be hoping I struggle a bit. “But I’ve worked harder than ever with my fitness and diet over the winter, and I’ve got the best team I’ve ever had around me with Revolution. “I’m just hoping that will all pay off and I’ll get the reward for it. It might not happen straight away, but hopefully I can hit the ground running with a good meeting on Friday.” Bridger will be joined in the line-up by all of his 2016 Hammers' team-mates alongside No.8 Dennis Jonsson. Former Hammers' favourites Leigh Lanham, Stuart Robson and Ben Morley will also return to the Arena-Essex Raceway for the event. Supporters will also have the chance to walk the track prior to the meeting and take part in an autograph and photograph session at 7pm. SPRING TROPHY: Andreas Jonsson, Stuart Robson, Kim Nilsson, Richard Lawson, Edward Kennett, Piotr Swiderski, Lewis Kerr, Robert Mear, Ben Morley, Leigh Lanham, Dennis Jonsson, Lewis Bridger.
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