Welcome Returns For Essex Speedway

Credit: Mitchell Young

Mitchell Young reports on how the Lakeside Hammers new team is shaping up ahead of the 2016 season.

The Lakeside Vortex Hammers have confirmed the signing of a further two riders to their side. Fans’ favourite Richard Lawson returns alongside another familiar face, Piotr Swiderski.

Lawson has re-joined The Hammers for his fourth season at the raceway while Swiderski comes back for his third spell at the club.

“It’s great to be back at Arena. I enjoy the track and the fans have been brilliant since day one,” said Lawson on the Lakeside Hammers website.

Swiderski also expressed his joy on returning to the club: “I am so happy to be back as a Hammer. It’s my home team in England and I intend to give the fans my best every Friday”.

Last year’s team Captain Andreas Jonsson has also returned, joining Bjarne Pederson and reserve rider Lewis Kerr who were named in the squad before the festive period.

Prior to Christmas, The Hammers made the tough decision to relieve team manager Neil Vatcher of his duties by mutual consent, after a disappointing end to the 2015 campaign in which they finished bottom of the Elite League.

‘Terrific’

Promoter Jon Cook has been appointed as new team manager for the upcoming season.

The club have since brought on board former England Captain and British Champion Kelvin Tatum, in an advisory capacity alongside Cook on race nights.

“I’m very pleased to take this opportunity. I feel it is a good move for me and sincerely hope the riders will benefit from my help,” Tatum told BBC Essex before Christmas.

Cook said after the introduction of Tatum: “This is a terrific boost for the club’s forthcoming season preparations. Kelvin brings a wealth of knowledge and know how in areas we’ve previously been lacking.”

Lakeside will confirm their full line-up in due course and have fixtures announced for the upcoming season, with their opening home meeting on Friday 18th March.

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