Eyejay

Hi fella, there is a cab rank there and in the early evening there should be plenty of cabbies on the rank . If not however, try Lakeside Taxis on 01375 383878 . There is a rank at the shopping centre too, but it is not always loaded with cabs.

Yes, to be more specific at the end of 2016 season I think. Have a look, it definitely ain’t there anymore. Shame as I had a go on it, and it was fun.

It sounds like the home promotion have done their best to drive another nail in the coffin of our sport. Preparing a track that has been slaughtered by riders from both teams and home supporters and has that has provided tentative approach from riders according to those that were there. Oh, and 2 home riders picked up injuries as a result. But at least the home team won eh Mr Promoter. You really could not make it up......

The Hagon Shocks academy went two years ago.

Oh believe me, I hate doubling up, my comment was very much tongue in cheek

I can’t see it being a profitable venture to run two teams independently at the same track, especially if they were in the same league, but Beung Speedway you never know. If that was the case, Rockets and Hammers riding as separate entities in Premiership and Championship, they could just track the same riders under the doubling up rule!

Like most on here, I too am gutted. I only discovered speedway 12 years ago and then totally by accident. I became hooked after watching my first meeting at Arena even though Hammers were on the run of about 20 straight defeats. Arena has been described by many as a 5hithole, and it is difficult to argue. However, as some of those with whom I stand have said, ‘It is our 5hithole and we love it’. Arena has provided my son (First meeting at age of 6) and I with some great nights, great racing, (Yes, really) and through standing in the same spot for the majority of those years, I have made some great friends. Sadly, many of them are from the other side of the river and a trip to Rye House is unlikely, which is a real shame. I am only 45 minutes from Rye but am undecided as to whether I will go once The Hammers are there. The reason being is that in those 13 years I have seen the sport disintegrate to what it is now. In 2007, my first full season, there was no doubling up. There were the worlds top riders coming to town, Crump, Adams, Pederson (The world Champion) et all. They were great days, in front of good crowds. Since then, the powers of be have slowly dismantled what was a great product as they have failed to view the picture in a bigger way than suits their own needs. A 25 minute trip to my local track is enough to keep me going, but to go further afield leaves me wondering if I will bother. I think it is unlikely other than for the odd meeting when I have nothing else planned. Sorry to waffle, but Arena has given me great entertainment and great friendships over the years and it saddens me. To Andrew, Shaun, Paul, Andy and Aaron, and the bloke with the huge road bike who always chats but I have never asked his name, thanks for the great evenings, and thanks to all The Hammers and opposition riders for doing what you guys do.

This was announced at Lakeside v Ipswich meeting last night, and I thought I would share the news if anyone is interested. Sorry it is a bit late, but as I say I only found out last night and have had to trawl the net to find anything I could paste on here. Looks like it should be a good day - and even better I can walk it in 10 minutes!! For info, the venue is just off A127, at Rayleigh Weir turn off, take exit signposted Benfleet & Hadleigh then turn left at first set of lights (Stadium way - opposite Halfords) then follow road to the end. All the best, Eyejay. SPEEDWAY fans will be turning the clock back this month when they get together to remember the former Weir Stadium. The venue was home to the Rayleigh Rockets between 1948 until it closed down in 1973. But there will be plenty of nostalgia around on Sunday, July 27, when there will be a get-together close to the original stadium site. The event, which runs between noon and 3pm, has been organised by former Rockets rider Terry Stone, who lives in Thundersley. “It’s 60 years since racing started at Rayleigh and 40 years since the club entered the Second Division,” explained Stone. “I just thought it would be good to do something to mark the anniversary, so I contacted a few of the old riders and speedway fans to see if we could do something.” Stone hopes to have 15 bikes on display, including two 1928 Douglasses, a 1934 Rudge, Australalian rider Billy Sanders’ machines and Stone’s original bikes from his days with Rayleigh Rockets in the early 1960s. He will also be bringing a selection of photo albums along packed full of memorabilia and is inviting speedway fans to bring along any items of Rockets’ nostalgia that they have. The guest of honour will be five-times speedway world champion Ove Fundin. The Swedish rider took the title in 1956, 1960, 1961, 1963 and 1967, and is in Britain to join in the 80th anniversary celebrations of speedway in the UK at Belle Vue in Manchester. Other riders from the Rockets days will be attending, including Vic Gooden, who rode in the first meeting held at the Weir Stadium. “I’m hoping to see former Rockets fans at the get-together, although some of them will be in their 80s by now,” added Stone. “It would also be great to see some of the younger generations there who weren’t around at the time of the Rockets.” The get-together will be held in the car park just past the Unipart shop at the end of Stadium Way, Thundersley

Once again thanks folks - seems it could be a colossal journey - and I doubt a cheap one either. I think I will maybe pass on Dackarna and stick with Hammarby, at least they ride in Stockholm!! Regards Eyejay

Cheers my friend you are a star. I really appreciate your help. regards, Eyejay

Guys, can anyone please tell me how accesable the town of Malilla in Sweden is from Stockholm or Gothenburg. I intend going out there at some point to watch Dackarna ride in the Swedish Elite League. I would be grateful for any help. Thanks Eyejay