LAKESIDE Hammers will be the launchpad for the new season of live Sky Speedway.

The team will be the first host track of the year.

The action begins on Monday March 25 when League Champions Swindon will be the visitors at Purfleet.

The day marks the start of the season for the Hammers, who hold their press and fan night on Friday March 22.

They will race twice at home on the week of the 25th with the traditional home and away League meetings with Eastbourne on Good Friday on March 29.

Hammers co-promoter Jon Cook said: “We feel it’s a real honour to have been chosen to launch the year.”