Double Header Preview
Eastbourne Speedway riders go into action at Arlington on Saturday (May 22) for the first time since September 2019.
The Covid-19 pandemic ruled out last year’s season and Eagles fans have been snapping up tickets for their first fix of racing in 602 days.
First up at 5pm will be the Eastbourne HG Aerospace Eagles v the Newcastle Diamonds in the Championship.
Once that is done and dusted, the National Development League riders will move into the pits for the Eastbourne Seagulls, powered by Save Thurrock Hammers Speedway v the Newcastle Gems.
Eastbourne managers aim to make the gap between the meetings as brief as possible, the target being around 15 minutes.
Admission to meeting is only by ticket, purchased in advance, from the Eastbourne Speedway website. After that time, no tickets will be available.
There is no on-the-day (walk-up) admission because of the Coronavirus restrictions.
A few tickets remain and can be purchased here, but they will go off sale before noon on Friday May 21st. After that time, no tickets will be available.
Face masks.
Following a meeting with the local Council on Monday, we have also been instructed that everyone must wear a face covering when entering the Stadium and at all times when at the meeting both inside and outside (unless medically exempt and children aged under 10).
It is vitally important that everyone complies with this (unless medically exempt) as the event will be monitored and we could be stopped from staging further fixtures if the rules are not adhered to. Refusal to comply could prevent entry.
A limited supply of Eagles branded masks will be available for purchase on the Gate (cost £5 exact money only no change) together with Printed programmes £3.00. Please have exact change as no change or card facilities will be available outside the Stadium confines. (This does not apply to Bar and Food outlets inside the Stadium where cash and card facilities are as normal)
The Track Shop is closed due to Council Covid Restrictions. All Merchandise is however available online here.
Eastbourne co-promoter Trevor Geer said: “The whole team can’t wait to get started after such a long break.
“The shortened season means it is vital we hit the ground running and get three points on the board on Saturday.
“Our lads have all practiced at Arlington and some have enjoyed a successful return to competitive action with their Premiership teams.
“It all bodes well and it will be a huge relief to see the tapes fly up for the first heat on Saturday.”
Eastbourne Seagulls v the Newcastle Gems sees the return of National Development League racing to Arlington.
The club were NDL champions when they were last members of the league in 2018.
Team manager Will Pottinger said: “We have a great mix of experience and youth in our Seagulls team.
“The last NDL team at Arlington set the standard for us all to aspire to.”
Teams
Eastbourne Eagles: Edward Kennett, Tom Brennan, Kyle Newman, Lewis Kerr, Richard Lawson, Jason Edwards, Drew Kemp.
Newcastle Diamonds: Ben Barker, Adam Roynon, Connor Mountain, Max Clegg, Matthew Wethers, James Wright, Joe Alcock.
Eastbourne Seagulls: Jake Knight, Connor King, Chad Wirtzfeld, Richard Andrews, Henry Atkins, Nick Laurence, Nathan Ablitt.
Newcastle Gems: Max Clegg, Josh Embleton, Kelsey Dugard, Joe Alcock, Ryan Terry-Daley, Archie Freeman, Danny Smith.
Image credit: Mike Hinves