Test match is coming

The Arena-Essex Raceway, the home of Speedway Elite League club, the Lakeside Hammers, has been chosen to stage the final Test Match of a three match Test series between Team GB and Australia.

The event will take place at the Essex based Club’s Raceway on Friday 3rd June with the earlier two matches scheduled to be held at Poole on Wednesday 1st June and at Swindon on Thursday 2nd June.

The Lakeside Hammers Co Promoter Jon Cook commented on this exciting news being released by stating: “We are delighted to have the honour of staging such a prestigious event at the Raceway and we are really looking forward to seeing the first Test Match Series for many years conclude in Essex. It’s great news in the same week as we stage the British Under 21 Final for the last time. The return of the Speedway Ashes is excellent news.”

More information regarding the riders selected by both countries along with admission prices will be announced nearer the date but Speedway supporters in general, and Hammers fans in particular, will now wish to put 3rd June in their diaries as it is expected to be a keenly contested match as is the case with any sporting events between the two countries.

This Friday, 15th April, will see the Arena-Essex Raceway stage, for the fourth consecutive year, the British Under 21 Final. Hammers supporters will be able to cheer on three of their Club’s assets in Jerran Hart, Shane Hazelden and Marc Owen who are amongst the 16 strong field that will compete over 20 races plus a ‘Last Chance’ Semi Final and then the Grand Final.

Friday’s meeting will start at the slightly earlier time of 7.45 pm and despite there being a total of 22 heats of Speedway the admission prices have be kept at the Lakeside Hammers normal prices with the exception of adults, who will see their admission price drop by £1 from the usual £16 to £15. A special souvenir full colour programme will be available at £4. There are large free parking areas at the Raceway either side of their approach road. The pay booths will open at 6.15pm and tickets will be available on the night although those fans that wish to book in advance may do so via the Hammers online shop, which can be accessed through their website at www.lakesidehammers.co

Picture: Kauko Nieminen (blue) and Ricky Kling (white) – Lakeside Hammers vs Belle Vue Aces, Elite League Speedway at the Arena Essex Raceway, Purfleet – 08/04/11 –  (Rob Newell/TGSPHOTO)