Shadders

I was told that they don't have to be used in the National League. Someone said that they weren't used by the second half lads last night.

We have little choice as we have to go through the pits gate with a wheel chair as we can't access our usual place in the Tempstand if we come in through the main entrance

We're pretty lucky not to have a curfew at Rye House (or not one that I'm aware of) to give these lads a chance to open up the throttle in a race rather than practice laps. A fair few people stayed behind to watch, but as I said earlier it was pretty chilly and my son was hungry ... Warning to anyone who was thinking of parking in the kart track car park next door ... We were turned away by track staff there as they were "closing the gates at 10pm" ... It seems that now the kart track no longer sponsors the Cobra's their attitude has changed.

Yeah, we left just after that ... Someone mentioned he may have clipped the fence. Nothing hurt apart from pride, cos he was coming out for a second go as we were leaving the stadium.

Anyone around for the second half last night after the Ippo match? ... We braved the cold for a few heats to see Ben Hopwood easily win his opening couple of races in times of around 61 seconds ... Brandon Freemantle looked a little slow away from the gate, but didn't look uncomfortable on the track ... Didn't catch the name of the youngster in the red kevlars who suffered a first lap ef in his first ride ... Did I miss anything significant after the first 3 races?

I was at the 2009 PL 4TT where the racing was on the whole disappointing ... You've never seen a poor meeting at Derwent Park?

I'd rather walk out early from a double header where I've paid £35 for 2 adults than from one where I've paid over £40, which it very well could be at Rye House this year ... There's always a trip to the snack bar to warm you up a little

He did at one stage ... I think he shed a chain My first taste of Hawks action will porbably be at Lakeside in the Good Friday double header

All of the Hawks were present at Rye House press & practice today, although In only saw Owen, Freemantle and Hopwood take to the track in the 90 minutes I was there.

I used to go to Arena regularly back in the late 80's, mainly when the Rockets were there, but also to a few Hammers home meetings when they used to have the little white plastic pegs instead of a safety fence. Banger racing too in the late 90's when the kids were very young. My abiding memory was how cold it was with a biting wind and the rabbit droppings that littered the banking. Also the complete lack of atmosphere ... When we were at the London Chmapionships back in October it was wet and horrible ... You're right about the pricing. £17.50 is a bargain for 30 heats of speedway with the added bonus of a trip to the shopping centre beforehand to keep the missus happy

Hmmmm... We may make the trip over for this for my first taste of Elite League speedway

So his business strategy is woo new fans and at the same time alienate your existing fans? ... smart move

He seems to have a blind spot when it comes to concessions. Only OAP's get a couple of quid reduction. Nothing for students, registered disabled or families.

No family OR season tickets at Rye House ... It's only a couple of quid more (£36) for a family of four to watch EL racing at Lakeside!!

It's the same price at Kings Lynn and only a couple of quid more at Lakeside which is comparable with Rye House as it's only just "down the road", plus the fact you'll be watching the exact same side!! Unfortunately my two sprogs fall into the bracket where I have to pay for both ... I'd gladly pay £12 each for me and the OH if the kids got in for a quid or two each ... If Mr Silver wants the Hawks to perform in front of 200-300 fans every week he's going the right way about it. The four of us won't be among them

I'd expect to be charged the same as they do at Lakeside to watch the same side!!

£34 for the four of us (2 adults, 2 kids) to watch NL racing at Rye House? ... No thanks!!

Hmmm.... I'll see if I can persuade the other half and kids to take a trip up to West Row when the Hawks are there.

That's a long way to travel, and a very expensive one at that, just for a chat and one decent race!!! ... I'm glad I kept my hard earned money in my pocket this time

Decent shout Ben, although from what I've heard there is a little friction between him and and someone at the club which may cause a problem.

There's a kid called Brendan Freemantle who's around 15 years old. I think he comes from Susses and is s'posed to be pretty good.

Oh dear

I've Rocket IN my boxer shorts ... will that do?

Definitely WON'T be purchasing any Hawks memorabilia. It was just a general inquiry ... Although I was born less than a couple of miles from Hackney Stadium I only went there for less than half a dozen meetings and only one of those didn't involve the Rockets ... Hackney were the side I most wanted us to beat back in the 80's/90's. I can't recall many instances when we did, but I DO remember them knocking 60+ past us one Sunday afternoon at Hoddesdon while sitting with a couple of Hackney supporting friends ... A VERY painful afternoon

I doubt It'll make me attend any more NL fixtures than I did in 2010 ... I'd have to buy Hawks clothing, programme board etc... Will they be on sale at the Rye House merchandise stall?