SPEEDWAY: THURROCK’S Lakeside Hammers will warm up for their new Elite League season with away and home clashes against the Peterborough Panthers on March 21 and 22. The Hammers’ home leg on March 22 will include an open track and pits for fans between 6pm and 7pm.

Fan will be able to walk the Arena Essex track, have a look behind the scenes in the referee’s box and gain access to the pits. And plans are being hatched to allow a limited number of fans to watch three heats from the centre green during the evening. Hammers co-promoter Jon Cook said: “This is a great chance for both teams to get worthwhile racing ahead of the countrywide Good Friday full Elite League programme.”

Hammers season tickets will be valid for this home meeting against the Panthers.

For motorsport see Friday's THURROCK GAZETTE