Seagulls

Get to know the 2020/21 Seagulls. On two minutes with James Laker – riding for The Eastbourne Seagulls Powered by Save Thurrock Hammers speedway in the MSDL league. 

To follow James on social media, click here for Facebook, here for Instagram and here for Twitter.

What is your favourite track (and why?)

My favourite track would have to be Somerset or the Isle of wight because they are both very fast tracks to ride on.

Who is your favourite rider (and why?)

My favourite rider is Jason Doyle because he is a very good rider, down to earth and he went through a lot to become World Champion.

What is the best thing about being a speedway rider?

The best thing about being a speedway rider is the enjoyment of being able to race my bike against 3 other people.

What’s the worst thing about being a speedway rider?

The worst thing about being a speedway rider is cleaning my bikes after I’ve had a bad meeting.

Inside on the white line or hugging the fence?

I normal ride inside, but sometimes I like a blast in the dirt around the outside.

Best piece of advice you’ve been given?

The best bit of advice I have been given, is the quicker you go the easier the bike is to ride.

Pre-meeting ritual?

I don’t have one

Biggest achievement of your career so far?

The biggest achievement of my career has either got to be winning the SDL with Kent or topping the MSDL averages beating many NL riders.

What are your aims and aspirations for the next few seasons?

My aims & aspirations for the next few seasons is to progress on into a NL team.

Any sponsors to shout out too?

I would like to thank all of my sponsors:

Trevor Laker Engineering,

Rob Racing,

Will & Jan,

Peter & Barbara,

Collard Pluming Services,

Clean My Ride,

Teng Tools,

John Carpenter

Sittingbourne Speedway

Get to know the 2020/21 Seagulls. On two minutes with Cesca Wright – riding for The Eastbourne Seagulls Powered by Save Thurrock Hammers speedway in the MSDL league.

To follow Cesca on social media, click here for Twitter, here for Facebook and here for Instagram.

What is your favourite track and why?  

Rye House or Coventry would have to be my all-time favourites. Rye House because I prefer smaller tracks and I loved riding there, and Coventry because it has so much history for me – I used to go watch speedway there as a kid and it was where I was first introduced to the sport.

Who is your favourite rider and why?

It’s joint between Emil Sayfutdinov or Bartosz Zmarzlik, just because they’re both so entertaining to watch!

Best thing about being a speedway rider?

Getting to go all over the country to ride at different tracks, meeting new people and seeing the fans.

Worst thing about being a speedway rider?

Probably the long hours of driving! Although the crashes/injuries aren’t fun either!

Inside on the white line or hugging the fence?

I’m more of a middle of the track kind of girl! Although I’d probably go for more towards the fence than near the inside.

Best piece of advice you’ve been given?

I’ve had a few over the years! Normally things like ‘more throttle’ or ‘be more aggressive’! Most recently though would probably have to be from Rachel Hellowell; she was the one who gave me that first push to try and get an MSDL spot.

Pre-meeting ritual?

I don’t really have one. I always make sure I stretch, and sometimes I’ll listen to music to calm down, but mostly I just try and think about something else otherwise I end up getting really nervous!

Biggest achievement of your career to date?

My first MSDL season; I expected to come away with maybe a handful of points, and instead I exceeded my expectations, became the top female rider in the league, and even got my first 5-0 in a race!

What are your aims/aspirations for the next few seasons?

In terms of racing, I’d just really like to build upon my first season – score some more points and try to be more competitive than I was last year. One of my main aims is to try and encourage more women and girls into riding and competing, so I’ll be focusing on that a lot more over the next few years. 

Any sponsors to shout out to?

Carl Ford Accountancy

Craig Dickson

Jim West Photography

In Motion Trials

Steve Rushton

Dave Hutchinson

LPE Consultants Ltd

Stephen Nobbs

Terry McGowan

Graham Wilkins

Peter Gillam

Shale Sisters Workshop

Sam Peters Racing

Chesil Radio

Source UK

Main Image Credit: ScipsPics

Get to know the 2020/21 Seagulls. On two minutes with Nick Laurence – riding for The Eastbourne Seagulls Powered by Save Thurrock Hammers speedway in the MSDL league.

To follow Nick on social media, click here for Twitter, here for Facebook and here for Instagram.

What is your favourite track (and why)?

Maćon in France because it’s big and fast, and Peterborough in England  

Who is your favourite rider (and why)?

Tony Rickardsson, for being the best ever

Best thing about being a speedway rider?

To be able to go racing with my dad 

Worst thing about being a speedway rider?

Travelling and the injury’s 

Inside on the white line or hugging the fence?

White line always 

Best piece of advice you’ve been given?

If everything seems under control, you are not going fast enough

Pre-meeting ritual?

I have to be the last one in my team to go into the changing rooms 

Biggest achievement of your career to date?

Difficult to say but winning the tunnel trophy with Lakeside in 2017 is up there 

What are your aims / aspirations for the next few seasons?

To stay safe

Any sponsors to shout out too?

Keatley & Barrell construction LTD 

WL Racing 

#The3 

G.Gates hgv diagnostic tech LTD

Scandic CNC 

Mum & Dad 

Image Credits: Tiffani Graveling Photography

Get to know the 2020/21 Seagulls. On two minutes with Josh Warren – riding for The Eastbourne Seagulls Powered by Save Thurrock Hammers speedway in the MSDL league.

To follow Josh on social media, click here for Facebook, here for Instagram and here for Twitter.

1: What is your favourite track (and why?)

As I’ve only just started riding speedway, I haven’t ridden a lot of tracks yet, but so far Leicester is probably one of my favourites because it’s quite challenging.

2: Who is your favourite rider (and why?)

I would not say I have a favourite rider,  but some who I look up to would have to be Mick Poole, and Danny King because he is helping me loads, and John and Chris Holder.

3: What is the best thing about being a speedway rider?

As I mentioned, I’ve only just begun in my speedway career, but I’m enjoying learning my craft and meeting new people.

4: What is the worst thing about being a speedway rider?

So far there isn’t anything.  I’m enjoying everything.

5. Inside on the white line or hugging the fence?

I’m only just beginning my career, so at this stage I go wherever the bike takes me!

6: Best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Danny King and Richie Hawkins have both given me a lot of useful advice for both on and off the track, but I just keep watching the top boys and learn from their positioning on the bike and their track craft.

7: Pre-meeting ritual?

I always make sure that I check my bike before going out, so I have trust in my machine.

8: Biggest achievement of your career so far?

Unfortunately, I haven’t done a lot yet, but I was really happy with winning my first two amateur meetings in the support and novice class.

9: What are your aims and aspirations for the next few seasons?

My main aim is establish myself in a team, in domestic league racing.

10.  Any sponsors to shout out too?

I’d like to say a big  thank you to the people helping me; my Dad who is going above and beyond for me, my Mother , Danny King who is mentoring me alongside Ritchie Hawkins and my Grandad who pushes me to be a better rider and helps out with what I need.

Main image credit: Les Brewin

Get to know the 2020/21 Seagulls. On two minutes with James Jessop – riding for The Eastbourne Seagulls Powered by Save Thurrock Hammers speedway in the MSDL league.

To follow James on social media, click here for Twitter, here for Facebook and here for Instagram.

1: What is your favourite track (and why?)

To ride its Swindon. I’ve only been twice but loved it. It is a great shape, prepared well. It’s also nostalgic for me because it was the first track I watched live Speedway at.

2: Who is your favourite rider (and why?)

Jason Crump is my favourite of all time. I’m a Belle Vue fan when I’m not riding, and he was our big hitter when I started watching speedway. I also like Zagar and probably a bit controversial for an Eastbourne rider to say, but Cookie too. I like Smolinski too.

3: What is the best thing about being a speedway rider?

I love the traveling! A lot of people moan about it but I like it. Plus I’m a very competitive guy so I love the competition. When it’s going well, I feel like a superstar but I can be pretty moody when it’s not.

4: What is the worst thing about being a speedway rider?

I can’t remember the last time I had a lot of money. At this level, the outgoings are significantly more than what comes in. And what does come in 9/10 goes back into the bike/equipment or travel.

5. Inside on the white line or hugging the fence?

I would love to say I blast around the fence but I’m an inside line rider. Riding wide is something I need to work on. But I am pretty confident with my cut back ability, especially on the first turn.

6: Best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Don’t listen to everyone. Everyone thinks they are a pro and have the secret and what’s best for you. They probably have what is best for them, no doubt. But if you have 10 people in your ear, its unlikely they are all saying the same thing. So now I know who I trust when I need a hand and I’ve also picked up enough now that I’m able to test and make progress/discoveries using previous experience, whereas when I just started and was clueless. It gets confusing.

7: Pre-meeting ritual?

I like to turn up early. I enjoy watching the atmosphere in the pits/stands build. I’ll walk the track, sometimes more than once. I don’t really have any lucky omens (maybe it’s where I’ve gone wrong!) But I’ll just study the programme, read it, talk to my team mates, interact with any fans and then get changed. 

8: Biggest achievement of your career so far?

In my first year on a bike in 2017 I won the southern track riders series championship (Novice class) which led to my SDL debut with Weymouth down at Plymouth (a 7 hour drive for 2 rides cause it was abandoned). I never won an individual round that series. To this day, I have never won an individual meeting. I did also win the pairs that season to make it a double on my first season.

9: What are your aims and aspirations for the next few seasons?

To keep getting quicker and be the best I can. 2018, my 2nd season was rough as I thought it would be easy to just slot into the MDL/SDL. 2019 was plagued by bike issues. So really, I want to go and prove my worth. Some people only saw my worst from 2018 so it would be nice to go and prove them wrong. Even some people in my own camp doubt me at times. Hopefully, I can earn a NL guest booking in the not too distant future.

10.  Any sponsors to shout out too:

Claret IT

Robins Updates

A&D Roofing

Pete Hibberd Training Academy

DP Designs

Chesil Radio

Jo Collings

Danny Chilcott

Ruth Hannah

Race FX

Ali Morgan

Will Warnes

Jonathan Peplow

Main Image credit: ScipsPics

Get to know the 2020/21 Seagulls. On two minutes with Eli Meadows – riding for The Eastbourne Seagulls Powered by Save Thurrock Hammers speedway in the MSDL league.

To follow Eli on social media, click here for Facebook and here for Instagram.

1: What is your favourite track (and why?)

My favourite track is probably Somerset, as it’s the track I have learnt to ride on and it is always well prepared.

2: Who is your favourite rider (and why?)

My favourite rider from the past is probably Leigh Adams. I watched him at Swindon when I was about 2 or 3 and he was flying. From the present day it would probably be Charles Wright. He is an exciting rider and never gives up.

3: What is the best thing about being a speedway rider?

Getting the opportunities to go around the country and ride at various tracks.

4: What is the worst thing about being a speedway rider?

RAIN OFFS!!!

5. Inside on the white line or hugging the fence?

Definitely around the white line because it’s less likely you will get wiped out!

6: Best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Probably the best piece of advice I have been given is to always believe in yourself and never get disheartened.

7: Pre-meeting ritual?

I don’t really have one, however we must go en-route for a Tesco’s meal deal.

8: Biggest achievement of your career so far?

Probably winning a grass track meeting in Bridgewater in the intermediates. With speedway it was always nice to win home and away for Reading.

9: What are your aims and aspirations for the next few seasons?

My aims are to just get faster and faster. One of my goals for this season is to get a maximum in the MSDL for Eastbourne. I would also like to be in a national league team in the next couple of seasons.

10.  Any sponsors to shout out too?

Big thanks to the following & everyone who backs and supports me.

Dave Meadows Plant hire and Groundworks.

Dm Aqua blast

Rock field Farm Shop

Proper job jukebox

Spencer Commercial

Mom and dad

Ari

Broomie

Autosmart

Worcester

Chris Moseley

Emma Stevens

Matt Stevens

Gene Carter

Dave Linaker Plumbing and Heating

Jack Spanner

Image credits: Jeff Higgot and HMX images / Haggis Hartman

In light of the BSPL statement announcing the cancellation of the National Development League, the Eagles have released the following statement.

“Eastbourne HG Aerospace Eagles and Eastbourne Seagulls MSDL Team powered by Save Thurrock Hammers are naturally disappointed at the latest news, but fully support the BSPL decision following measures announced in the past 24 hours.

We can confirm that we have already liaised with the BSPL and confirmed our intention to try to stage some form of competitive Speedway in the Autumn, should the situation be safe for all concerned and financially viable to do so.

We will assess the situation in the coming weeks and make any further announcements when a clearer picture has emerged.

Original BSPL statement:

THIRD TIER LEAGUE CANCELLED

BRITISH Speedway bosses can now confirm there will be no National Development League this season – but that doesn’t mean the end of hopes of team racing.

A number of clubs have made contact with league co-ordinator Jason Pipe to say they would like to stage competitive meetings at grassroots level. More are expected to follow.

With the additional local lockdowns put in place to continue to combat Covid-19, the decision was made to scrap plans for a full league programme in the weeks ahead.

Said Pipe: “This decision wasn’t made lightly, but one we felt had to be made in the end.

“I feel this is the right decision to make. I wouldn’t like to see clubs commit to a ‘league’ campaign and then not be able to fulfil all these meetings.”

Meanwhile Chairman Godfrey added: “In the end this is the logical and most sensible policy to take.

“We’ve seen how quickly things are changing once again and this way we don’t have clubs tied down to a full league programme.

“The opportunity is there for open meetings and challenge matches and there are a number of clubs who have already expressed a strong interest in staging meetings between now and the end of October.

“I remain confident there will be some form of NDL standard racing this year, but not in a league format.”

Image credit: Jeff Higgott

The Eastbourne Seagulls powered by Save Thurrock Hammers speedway are delighted to complete their 2020/21 Midland Southern Development League squad, naming Josh Warren as the sixth rider.

The twenty-year-old is new to speedway after originally riding in Motocross and came to the Seagulls Managements notice following an initial recommendation from fellow Seagull Cesca Wright.

Based in Peterborough, Josh has already ridden at numerous tracks including Rye House, Ipswich and Leicester as well as Macon in France, and despite being in his first season won his class in the recent amateur meeting at Scunthorpe.

Josh who shares a workshop with former Hammers star & British Final winner Danny King and comes recommended by Ipswich Co-Promoter Richie Hawkins commented:

“I want to say a big thank you to The Seagulls for giving me the opportunity to ride for such a good club and I’m really looking forward to going racing”

Seagulls Team Manager Mark Sexton added:

“Josh is new to speedway but has been making rapid strides through the amateur classes at Scunthorpe recently.  He has already caught the eye of several shrewd observers and we’re confident that the extra track time he will get with the Seagulls will speed up his development even further.”

The Seagulls MSDL meetings will take place at Arlington, with dates to be confirmed with the current Government restrictions in place. 

We hope to have some exciting news in a few days about plans for some additional Meetings in line with Covid 19 Government restrictions, and subject to Supporter approval in a short Poll planned for the weekend. 

To follow Josh on social media, click here for Facebook, here for Instagram and here for Twitter.

For further information regarding the Save Thurrock Hammers Speedway campaign please click here or to learn about a range of Sponsorship opportunities for both individual riders and the Seagulls in general, please contact our Commercial and Operations Director Russell Keetch here.

Image Credits: Jeff Higgott.

The Eastbourne Seagulls powered by Save Thurrock Hammers speedway are delighted to announce James Laker as the fifth rider of their 2020/21 Midland Southern Development League squad.

The eighteen-year-old from Sandwich in Kent, landed a team place at reserve for the Kent Kings in the National League in 2019, as well as captaining the Weymouth Wildcats in the MSDL.

He has also ridden for The Kent Kestrels in the SDL and for Sittingbourne in the SSL and competed in the British Youth Championship between 2015 and 2017.

James, who first took to the shale at the Hagon Shocks Academy at The Hammers former home, The Arena Essex Raceway, will also be riding for the Crayford Kestrels in 2020 commented:

“I would like to thank the Eastbourne Seagulls for the opportunity, and look forward to representing them and getting some competitive laps in”

Seagulls Team Manager Mark Sexton added:

“James’s inclusion in the Seagulls squad is a major boost given his experience and results at this level in previous seasons and I’m certain that he’ll be looking to put himself in the shop window for rides in higher leagues. He has good equipment ready to go and I’m confident he will make the most of his opportunity with the Seagulls.”

The Midland Southern Development league rules allow a squad of up to 6 riders, with The Seagulls MSDL meetings taking place following the main Championship action at Arlington.

To follow James on social media, click here for Facebook, here for Instagram and here for Twitter.

For further information regarding the Save Thurrock Hammers Speedway campaign please click here or to learn about a range of Sponsorship opportunities for both individual riders and the Seagulls in general, please contact our Commercial and Operations Director Russell Keetch here.

Image Credits: Odd Shots (Geoff Young)

The Eastbourne Seagulls powered by Save Thurrock Hammers speedway are delighted to announce Eli Meadows as the fourth rider of their 2020/21 Midland Southern Development League squad.

Along with riding in the FGA Championship (Formula Grasstrack Association), Eli also rode for The Reading Racers in the MSDL in 2019.

He has been impressing everyone with his progress at the fortnightly Training Schools at the very technical Plymouth circuit and is looking forwards to practising at Somerset this week too.

The 16-year-old from Evesham in Worcestershire, who signed a contract with The Somerset Rebels earlier this year after initially starting out as their mascot, commented:

“I would like to thank the Eastbourne Seagulls for giving me the opportunity to race for them, and I’m looking forward to starting the 2020 season”.

Seagulls Team Manager Mark Sexton added:

“Eli fits perfectly into the Seagulls /Hammers vision of providing young, up and coming talent with opportunities to progress. Eli has obviously already impressed the Rebels management enough for them to sign him as an asset and with a great support team around him, we believe the sky’s the limit – as befits any Seagull!”

The Midland Southern Development league rules allow a squad of up to 6 riders, with The Seagulls MSDL meetings taking place following the main Championship action at Arlington.

To follow Eli on social media, here for Facebook and here for Instagram.

For further information regarding the Save Thurrock Hammers Speedway campaign please click here or to learn about a range of Sponsorship opportunities for both individual riders and the Seagulls in general, please contact our Commercial and Operations Director Russell Keetch here.

Image Credits: HMX images Haggis Hartman