Arena Essex
Get good Odds on Arena Essex at Coral
OLD BOYS REUNITE AS HAMMERS REJOIN THE PROFESSIONAL RANKS
British Speedway underwent it's third major shake-up of the decade in the 1996-97 close season with the announcement that the 'one big league' set-up of 1995 and 1996 was to be broken down into Elite and Premier Leagues.
This was is direct response to the claim that a one tier set-up was effectively creating a divide of have's and have-nots and did not provide the necessary step-up curve that allowed a Conference League set-up to progress.
For Arena-Essex, it presented a temptation that was to prove too good to miss. Complex owner Chick Woodroffe had already gone on record to say the Hammers would be moving up from their amateur status - if the correct set-up existed.
Certainly, the new intermediate league appeared to suit Arena down to the ground - and although increased costs were an issue, Woodroffe took the plunge and entered Arena-Essex in the Premier League.
Some Previous Esses Riders
Mark Loram
The 2000 World Champion is now CLub Captain and returns for a second season with the Hammers
Gary Havelock
Former World Champion Gary makes the switch to Arena for 2005.
Roman Povazhny
Russian favourite Roman returns after impressing in 2004.
Josh Larsen
Arena's favourite American son returns for another year with the Hammers
Leigh Lanham
A Hammer through and through and back for a testimonial in 2005
Paul Hurry
Paul returned where it all started in 2004 and is back for another season
Piotr Swist
Experienced Pole Piotr makes his British debut at Arena in 2005
Phil Morris
Hard-riding Phil will provided backup as a valuable squad member in 2005
Tony Rickardsson
Swedish legend and five-times World Champion will start the season at the Purfleet Raceway
STADIUM FACILITIES:
Address: Arena-Essex Speedway
Arena-Essex Raceway
A1306 Arterial Road
Thurrock
Essex RM19 1NX
Race Night: Wednesdays @ 7:45pm Alternative Race Night: Fridays @ 7:45pm.
Occasional Monday meetings when required by Sky Sports.
Official Information: Promoter: Ronnie Russell
Team Manager: Ronnie Russell
Club Captain: TBA
Track Length: 252 metres
Track Record: 57.2 seconds, Andreas Jonsson (27th April, 2005)
Admission Prices:
24-hour clubcall hotline: 09066 555938 (calls cost 60p per minute)