Douglas is confident the 2009-spec Hammers will deliver the goods

Lakeside Hammers co-promoter Stuart Douglas is confident his side can end the season with some silverware.

The Hammers were runners-up in both the Elite League and Knockout Cup last year, but Douglas told BBC Essex they can go one better in 2009.

"Last year was a success, even though we fell at the last hurdle," he said.

"This year we've got a good base and we're going to be strong - we've got a strong asset base through all types of riders, from reserve up to number one."

He added: "It gave us a taste for what it's like to be at the top and we're determined to be back up there and get a little bit more of that kind of action."

For 99% of the time the racing is going to be even better than last year Stuart Douglas

British speedway has endured a tough winter, with a number of the top riders, such as Jason Crump and Scott Nicholls, deciding not to race full-time in the Elite League this season.

But Douglas is confident the racing will not be affected by their absence.

"I think it will actually make the racing better," he explained.

"Sure they're fantastic riders, but it's like having Ronaldinho up against someone from the Isthmian League - it's a big comparison I know - but there's going to be a big qualitative difference.

"Leigh Adams is head and shoulders above everyone in the league this year and we can expect him to clear-off sometimes, but for 99% of the time the racing is going to be even better than last year."

The Essex outfit kicked-off their season with 39-33 and 66-24 victories over Ipswich Witches in a pre-season challenge last week.

They get their season proper underway against Eastbourne in the Knockout Cup on Friday.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version