With the start of the brand new speedway season around three months away, this week Hammers fans got an early Christmas present with the announcement of next seasons fixtures, along with the line up for the 2012 season.
Returing next season will be Captain Lee Richardson, Swede Kim Nilsson, Rider of the year 2011, Robert Mear, Stuart Robson and Finn Kauko Nieminen.
Both Robson and Nieminen will share doubling up roles, whilst Nilsson will initially occupy one of the reserve positions, although it is expected that the Finn will soon move up into the top five as soon as he completes his first two away League matches, in so doing will receive a new average.
Joining the Essex based club is Davey Watt, who captained the victorious 2011 League Champions the Poole Pirates. Hammers have also signed the very experienced Swedish international Peter Karlsson from Wolverhampton. Not only is Karlsson a very likeable rider, he also always rides the tricky Hammers track exceptionally well.
Completing the Hammers line up is 20 year old British rider Richie Worrall and 19 year old Australian Justin Sedgmen.Both riders will share reserve doubling up duties.
Earlier than expected the Elite League fixtures were released this week. Lakeside start their league campaign on Friday 30th March at home against the Belle Vue Aces. The following Friday 6th April, which is Good Friday Hammers entertain the Eastbourne Eagles with a 1 pm start, followed a few hours later with the return fixture at Arlington.
Among the highlites of the list is a rare Saturday fixture for the Hammers on the 21st July when the Coventry Bees pay a visit to the Arena Raceway.
Lakeside will face Belle Vue, Eastbourne, Peterborough, Swindon and Poole a total of four times during the season, two at home and two away.
With 28 meetings, 14 of which are at home, Hammers fans will have plenty of chances to see some top quality racing regularly on Friday evenings from late March until late August.
Stay tuned to Kool AM for regular news, reports and information about the Lakeside Hammers.
Remember to check out the official website of the Lakeside Hammers www.lakesidehammers.com
