Lakeside 2017

[liam]

How do you know that ? According to what he said in a fans forum a few years ago it is.

I don't know that I just thought it would be doubtful, thought they all struggled to make any money or even break even?

[TMW]

I imagine there is not a National League team in the country that would ,not like Kelvin Tatum in the pits working with the young riders .We are lucky to have him at Lakeside..His enthusiasm and knowledge will be invaluable to all the riders young and old...

Chris Louis did wonders at Mildenhall. No disrespect to Kevin Jolly and Rob Henry

[marko]

I am surprised he didn't go to Manchester, he Only probably came to Arena because Stuart took over and he saw pound signs? if Dougo hadn't taken over and Ronnie Russel had stayed he would not be here in a million years.

Edited March 11, 2017 by Claret73

[gazzac]

May not be the case but when he was in charge at Eastbourne he lived in Brighton and think he still does. Not everyone would want to move up to Manchester to a job that could be short term.

[tocha]

I am surprised he didn't go to Manchester, he only came to Arena because Stuart took over and he saw pound signs, if Dougo hadn't taken over he would not be here in a million years.

If Duggo hadn't taken over neitherJC nor anyone else would have done as the club would have folded at the end of the 2006 season.

[Falcon Hammer]

The Vortex Hammers have announced that their Press and Practice will take place at The Arena Essex Raceway on Thursday 13th April, starting at 1pm, with members of the public also welcome to come along to see the new look Hammers.

 

Along with meeting the invited press, the Hammers team will pose for photographs, and will be taking to the track for additional practice ahead of the Season opening challenge meeting against local rivals The Eastbourne Eagles which takes place the following day, Good Friday, the 14th of April (tapes up 1pm)

 

Hammers Co-Promoter Jon Cook added Were really looking forward to the new season, its going to be a fun, exciting time, and all the boys looking forward to meeting the fans and getting on with the action!

 

We will be also be using the final practice to make our decision on our remaining number seven position.

 

As we mentioned at our Fans Forum, both Kelvin and I are looking at a number of riders for the remaining seat, and wanted to see the guys in action on the track, and their set up off it, as well as looking at averages.

 

Ahead of Press and Practice, the club have arranged a meet the riders night which takes place on Friday 7th April in the Garden Suite at The Park Inn hotel starting at 7pm. Further details will confirmed

 

http://www.lakesidehammers.co/press-practice-announced/

[E I Addio]

I am surprised he didn't go to Manchester, he only came to Arena because Stuart took over and he saw pound signs, if Dougo hadn't taken over he would not be here in a million years.

Where is the evidence that he only came because he saw the pound sign ? I have never seen that account in the public domain. Is that true or something you made up? If you can't back it up it is slanderous and should be withdrawn . Stuart Douglas account is that he imterviewed other applicants for the job and Cook was, in his opinion, the one best qualified for the job.

 

You seem to overlook the fact that at the end of 2006 Arens was on the point of closure and Cook was taking a leap in the dark because it meant increasing the crowds and balancing the books, otherwise he would have been out of the job.

 

I get it that some people don't like Cook and he is not my favourite person but I don't get why people seem prepared to make things up.

[liam]

Where else does it come from?

Well Iam guessing he would have a job outside speedway like Douglas when he took over the club. When Douglas took over as promoter he employed Cook as team manager so where was his income coming from then unless he made enough money being manger. It still says on the Lakeside website that both Cook and Douglas are promoters so are we saying they are going to share this season thousands they make from running in the National league? Edited March 11, 2017 by liam

[Halifaxtiger]

Indeed. In fact it need not be as sophisticated as BV. The 90 metre training track was laid down virtually single handedly by Gerald on a BSPA grant if I remember correctly of £5000. Obviously a 300 metre track would be proportionately dearer and it wouldn't have the expensive state of the art drainage that Belle Vue has, but it would be sufficient fo league racing, and at least comparable to many of the other tracks that were laid down in the late 1940s /1950s. The present Rye House track for example was built by Len Silver without employing expensive contractors and that is a reasonable track even if it is not Belle Vue.

 

Then you would need stands on the home straight and terraced standing on the back straight which would not be cheap but basic facilities ( much better than the existing ones) could be set up to get the track in operation. Once the track is running further investment would come because the promotion would be making money on food outlets etc, which they don't at present.

 

It's still a big ask, and would take a lot of effort to get there, but if Belle Vue, Leicester, Kent etc can do it, then Lakeside's prospects shouldn't be dismissed out of hand. It is doable without running into millions.

 

I think any blueprint for a new track would probably need to be on the lines of Plymouth or Scunthorpe. If memory serves me correctly, Scunthorpe cost £100k for the land and basic facilities (track, pits etc).

 

I would imagine finding the land would be the major issue. No one in their right mind would 'build' a stadium where houses were viable - so a plot with the correct zoning is essential (just how much, if any, of that is available), who knows? Location and neighbours (or more precisely, a lack of them) will also be a key feature. It is a hard ask in the London commuter belt.

 

I think you are bang on. Finding the land will be harder than finding the money for building. There does seem to be a lot of potential brown field sites in the area though and there's also a lot of industry - which is more conducive to a speedway track than housing.

[E I Addio]

Well Iam guessing he would have a job outside speedway like Douglas when he took over the club. When Douglas took over as promoter he employed Cook as team manager so where was his income coming from then unless he made enough money being manger. It still says on the Lakeside website that both Cook and Douglas are promoters so are we saying they are going to share this season thousands they make from running in the National league?

When the website says they are promoters I think it probably means they each have s promoters licence, not necessarily that they are joint owners of the club. According to. Jon, Stuart is still very much in charge and involved in all the decisions.

[marko]

Where is the evidence that he only came because he saw the pound sign ? I have never seen that account in the public domain. Is that true or something you made up? If you can't back it up it is slanderous and should be withdrawn . Stuart Douglas account is that he imterviewed other applicants for the job and Cook was, in his opinion, the one best qualified for the job.

You seem to overlook the fact that at the end of 2006 Arens was on the point of closure and Cook was taking a leap in the dark because it meant increasing the crowds and balancing the books, otherwise he would have been out of the job.

I get it that some people don't like Cook and he is not my favourite person but I don't get why people seem prepared to make things up.

What other reason could there possibly be for leaving a perfectly decent setup at Eastbourne? He spent years trying to screw Arena Essex over in the name of winning at all costs then suddenly wants to save them? Look, there is nothing wrong with seizing an opportunity, thousands do it every week (footballers are a prime example) when the chance comes to make a better life for themselves and their family but if anyone thinks Jon came to Arena out of love for the club then they are deluded?

Maybe my memory on events is not right but I was on the understanding that Jon approached Stuart when he learnt of his plans, Stuart needed someone with a current license (a guardian so to speak) to be excepted so it fell into place.

And was there any real risk for Jon? Stuart is the man putting the money in, if the thing had gone belly up then Jon would have found a place elsewhere no problem at all.

[E I Addio]

What other reason could there possibly be for leaving a perfectly decent setup at Eastbourne? He spent years trying to screw Arena Essex over in the name of winning at all costs then suddenly wants to save them? Look, there is nothing wrong with seizing an opportunity, thousands do it every week (footballers are a prime example) when the chance comes to make a better life for themselves and their family but if anyone thinks Jon came to Arena out of love for the club then they are deluded?

Maybe my memory on events is not right but I was on the understanding that Jon approached Stuart when he learnt of his plans, Stuart needed someone with a current license (a guardian so to speak) to be excepted so it fell into place.

And was there any real risk for Jon? Stuart is the man putting the money in, if the thing had gone belly up then Jon would have found a place elsewhere no problem at all.

I can only repeat the way Stuart described it at a fans forum some years ago. Stuart found himself sitting next to Jon at some sort of meeting ( I can't remember what it was) in the days when Stuart was just a sponsor and they just hit it off very well on a personal level (and they clearly still get on well on a personal basis) Stuart later bought Lakeside and had interviewed various applicant for the job and was about to offer the job to someone when he got a call from Jon and the deal was done.

 

Apart from that I have heard from another source that Cook was basically getting fed up with being Bob Dugards bag carrier at Eastbourne and wanted to have a bit of his own responsibility. It's fairly common knowledge that Eastbourne wasn't a happy ship at the time hence riders like Adam Shields came across with Cook.

[TonyE]

I can only repeat the way Stuart described it at a fans forum some years ago. Stuart found himself sitting next to Jon at some sort of meeting ( I can't remember what it was) in the days when Stuart was just a sponsor and they just hit it off very well on a personal level (and they clearly still get on well on a personal basis) Stuart later bought Lakeside and had interviewed various applicant for the job and was about to offer the job to someone when he got a call from Jon and the deal was done.

 

Apart from that I have heard from another source that Cook was basically getting fed up with being Bob Dugards bag carrier at Eastbourne and wanted to have a bit of his own responsibility. It's fairly common knowledge that Eastbourne wasn't a happy ship at the time hence riders like Adam Shields came across with Cook.

That pretty much meets my recollection of what was said. Apparently, Jon told Stuart what he was on (money) at Eastbourne and that was used as a basis for JC's employment at Purfleet.

 

As to other comments re 'screwing over etc' isn't that what all promoters do (in the nicest possible way of course)!

[marko]

To a point Tony but if you go back to the early 90's where Terry Russell would often talk about the "Eastbourne trickery" then that's what i am pertaining too and back then they were in my opinion just as bad if not worse than Poole's attempts at win at all costs in recent times, given that as soon as he came to us his attitude changed makes me wonder whether he was really playing an active part in that or whether he decided to turn over a new leaf, only he knows.

Funny enough though, its that very heated history which is why we still have quite an intense rivraly with them to this day, nothing fake or manufactured.

 

Anyway, I have moved this thread off topic, but I would like to ask the question since there is an upcoming meeting the riders event soon, why wasn't this done at the celebration of speedway? surely that would have attracted a lot more interest all round?

[The Voice Of Reason]

In fairness to Jon Cook, during his tenure at Lakeside, he's generally ran a decent, fair ship. He's also demonstrated a lot of loyalty towards riders; particularly when individuals have suffered a downturn in form. That's to be admired in my view.

 

My only gripe remains that, more recently, I think he's been somewhat lacking in telling the full story - particularly with our (have to use this word) 'demise' into non-league racing. I'm sure that most folk would rather be told the truth; rather than the reasons to date - which have the depth of a grain of sand.

 

Notwithstanding this, I will always admire, and have full respect, for the way in which our Promotion handled the gut-wrenching sadness when Rico was so tragically taken from us. The situation was handled immaculately; and I will be forever proud of the dignity and respect shown throughout the club.

 

I just wish that people were told of the true reasoning behind the decision to move to National League racing. Open, honest and regular communication is key in my book - particularly given what is a risk dropping into the NL.

 

It goes without saying that I truly wish The Lakeside Hammers ongoing success in whatever our future holds.

[*JJ]

My only gripe remains that, more recently, I think he's been somewhat lacking in telling the full story - particularly with our (have to use this word) 'demise' into non-league racing. I'm sure that most folk would rather be told the truth; rather than the reasons to date - which have the depth of a grain of sand.

 

I just wish that people were told of the true reasoning behind the decision to move to National League racing. Open, honest and regular communication is key in my book - particularly given what is a risk dropping into the NL.

 

Er ... the National League is NOT 'non-league' racing. What part of 'League' don't you understand? The fact is, that NL racing is just as good as that served up in the so-called 'Elite' league or whatever they call it now. Any Eastbourne or Birmingham fan will tell you that. Try not to be so closed-minded and give it a try.

[tocha]

Latest news re fixtures, press and practice etc.

 

Lakeside Hammers Speedway Press Release Rico Remembered as rivals meet

Lakeside will honour club legend Lee Richardson when they renew their historic rivalry with Eastbourne on Good Friday (April 14th).

The Vortex Hammers will face off with the Eagles in two meetings to get their 2017 season underway with the Lee Richardson Memorial Trophy up for grabs.

The sides will meet at the Arena-Essex Raceway at 1pm before making the trip to Arlington later that evening (7.30) for the second leg.

Hammers boss Kelvin Tatum believes the clash is a perfect opportunity to commemorate the career of Richardson, who tragically died in a track crash in Poland in May 2012.

The Hastings-born racer captained Eastbourne to Knockout Cup glory in 2008 and repeated the feat with Lakeside after making the switch to Purfleet the following year.

Tatum is relishing two exciting meetings with the Eagles to celebrate Richardson's career and get a new era for the Hammers underway.

Said Tatum: "It's very exciting to be rekindling our rivalry with the old enemy, and they should be two fantastic meetings.

That's combined with the fact we'll be celebrating and remembering Lee Richardson, who was a club legend at Lakeside and also enjoyed success with Eastbourne.

I think it's a great idea to commemorate him, it's also a perfect way for us to start the season. Particularly for Lakeside, it's an exciting start to our first season in the National League and we're all looking forward to it."

Eastbourne promoter Martin Dugard said: “This for a long time, was our traditional Easter fixture and it is good that Lakeside have now joined us in the National League. With Kent in the same league, this is a perfect scenario for speedway in the South East of England.

“Kelvin Tatum and Jon Cook are both local to us and we are certainly looking to ‘put one over them’, if we can. It is good to have that rivalry. There’s nothing malicious about it but, of course, both teams will want to win this trophy which is a fitting memorial to Lee.”

The Lee Richardson Memorial Trophy is set to become an annual event at Easter between the two clubs, and thanks go to Terry Partlett for donating the silverware.

Ahead of the season opener, Hammers fans have a chance to meet the 2017 Hammers at a meet the riders night, which takes place on Friday the 7^th of April, in the Garden Suite at The Park Inn Hotel, High Rd, North Stifford, Thurrock RM16 5UE.

The Vortex Hammers Press and Practice then takes place at The Raceway on Thursday the 13^th of April, from 1pm, with all fans welcome to attend.

The Vortex Hammers have confirmed a fixture change, with the Belle Vue Colts now visiting the Arena Essex Raceway on Friday May 5th, rather than Friday the 9th of June as originally scheduled, due to rider availability for the Colts.

In addition, the home meeting against the Isle of Wight, originally on Sunday May 7 will be re-scheduled.

Edited March 18, 2017 by tocha

[E I Addio]

I see the Hammers website are inviting any unattached 3 point riders who want a team place to turn up at press and practice the day before the first match against Eastbourne.

 

Doesn't seem very inspiring. Two three pointers at reserve, one of whom will be Nick Laurence who has been 3 pointer (or de facto 1 pointer) for his whole career, and the other will be someone who couldn't get a team place anywhere else a possibly may never have ridden the track until the day before. Two three pointers at reserve is not great at the best of times. I don't see many heat advantages in the reserve heats.

 

I hope what others have said about NL racing being exciting proves correct but I don't have much confidence at the moment

[Halifaxtiger]

I see the Hammers website are inviting any unattached 3 point riders who want a team place to turn up at press and practice the day before the first match against Eastbourne.

 

Doesn't seem very inspiring. Two three pointers at reserve, one of whom will be Nick Laurence who has been 3 pointer (or de facto 1 pointer) for his whole career, and the other will be someone who couldn't get a team place anywhere else a possibly may never have ridden the track until the day before. Two three pointers at reserve is not great at the best of times. I don't see many heat advantages in the reserve heats.

 

I hope what others have said about NL racing being exciting proves correct but I don't have much confidence at the moment

 

Isle of Wight have made a similar request (following the vicious, biased and totally unjustifiable decision to treat Harland Cook at over 4) and Plymouth have a space free.

 

Lakeside aren't alone.

 

The problem for the Hammers is that they started too late and as I'd say the secret of success in dropping down is having a good team they could pay dearly for it.

[Sings4Speedway]

I think it's purely down to lakeside being a higher tier team and not needing to know who is a decent prospect. To be fair it's a good shout to see who can adapt to the technical track the quickest but a day before a meeting might be a bit tight