Kerr to captain The Eagles
Lewi Kerr has been appointed captain of the Eastbourne HG Aerospace Eagles.
Kerr was a big hit on and off the track for the Eagles in 2019 after the club moved up from the National Development League to the sport’s middle tier in the UK.
Since then, he has made it plain how much he loves Eastbourne Speedway, the supporters and long-term project the club is building.
He takes over from Edward Kennett.
Eastbourne Director Ian Jordan explained why the change of captaincy had been made.
He said: “Having spoken to Edward, who did a great job as captain in 2019, we both agreed that it’s a year for Edward to focus on Edward.
“That is especially true when he has to go out in Heat 1 whilst No 1 in the averages.
“The time taken doing announcer interviews as captain on a parade can sometimes deflect from his preparation for the vital first heat.
“We saw in 2019 that when Edward is at his best, he is a world class talent on a bike and we want him to have the best chance to find that level and consistency.
“Richard Lawson too did a great job standing in on occasions for Edward and is another who has totally committed to the project and is a “captain and leader” on the track and in the pits but Richard feels that Lewi, with his Premiership captaincy experience at King’s Lynn, is the right choice for the role.
Co-promoter Trevor Geer added: “Lewi will do a great job, we’re sure.
“He is a great team player on and off the track, seems to thrive in the pressure situations, will be a great help to all of his team mates and is entirely comfortable in the public relations side of the role;
“We know he will be backed fully by all of his team mates and everyone across the management team.”
Kerr, who captains the King’s Lynn Stars in UK speedway’s top tier, the Premiership, said: “I always said when I stepped as captain for the Stars when Robert [Lambert] was injured that it brought the best out of me in my riding.
“I wanted to go out there as a captain and show what has to be done.
“I know it cannot happen every time because it is speedway, but it gave me the confidence.
“I don’t sit in the pits over-thinking. I go round and check everyone is OK.
“I was always captain of football when I was growing up and loved that side of it, so I am really looking forward to the job at Eastbourne.”
He said the captain’s role was to support the other riders as much as he could, for example by changing set-up details if needed.
“If they are having a bad night you have to try and get their ‘heads back’ and show an example on the track,” he added.
Online ticket store
Tickets for the opening Double Header meeting against Newcastle Diamonds, along with the South Coast derby against The Poole Pirates, the KO Cup clash against The Kent Kings and the Championship clash against The Edinburgh Monarchs are available via the Online Ticket store here.
Please note that entrance is via Advance Ticket only. 2020 Season ticket & 10 match ticket holders do not need to book – please just arrive at the stadium and go to the dedicated Season Ticket holder & 10 match ticket holder turnstile, which will be clearly identified.
Image credits: Mike Hinves