Mitchell Young updates us on the current goings on at Arena Essex prior to the imminent season…
The Lakeside Vortex Hammers have released Bjarne Pederson from their team line-up for the upcoming season, and reinstated former rider, Lewis Bridger after he took a year out from the sport.
The Hammers promoter Stuart Douglas and Jon Cook made the tough decision to let Pederson go due to him missing the opening three meetings.
Cook and Tatum are delighted to have Bridger return to the Raceway: “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 with Revolution Racing team” said Cook.
Having finished bottom of the Elite League last season and with Pederson unavailable to compete against title favourites, Belle Vue Aces, Coventry Bees and Poole Pirates, the Hammers decided that Pederson’s unavailability would hinder this year’s title chances.
“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” said Cook on the Lakeside Hammers website.
“We wish Bjarne well, this wasn’t of his making or ours but we believe we can’t enter a season in this way.” He continued.
Cook and Tatum are delighted to have Bridger return to the Raceway: “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 with Revolution Racing team” said Cook.
Young Starlet
The Hammers have also announced Dennis Jonsson, son of World Champion Per Jonsson, as their eighth rider.
This comes after the new British Speedway Promoters Association brought in regulations that allow clubs to have a squad of eight riders – with the eighth rider able to replace their team-mates at any point in the season.
“We’re very excited to be working with Dennis [Jonsson] at this early stage of his international career and delighted he chose the Vortex Hammers as the best place to start his British career.” said Cook.
The first chance to see Jonsson, will be at the Hammers pre-season meeting at Arena Essex for the Spring Trophy on the 18th March.