VORTEX Hammers track will see plenty of new riders learning to become faster around the bends this season.

The George Barclay Training Schools will return to the Arena Essex Raceway.

Dates are yet to be aannounced and will be dependant on the Hammers’ home fixture list, which should be out by the end of January.

However, the opening George Barclay day is scheduled for Wednesday, March 26 between 11am and 3pm.

George’s wife, Linda Barclay, said: “George has been involved with the sport for years and rode for teams including West Ham, Sunderland, Kings Lynn, Rye House and the Hammers. His track training days have always been popular as they give riders of all ages the chance to experience what it’s like on a full size track.

“George has taught riders as young as seven and as old as 74. He’s done everything from teach mechanics to East End kids through to 10 years of track training so he knows it all and has had many of his pupils go on to top level speedway competition. But for most of the people coming along it’s not about becoming a pro but simply about finding out what it’s like on the track for real.

“The riders have to have their own bikes – and some of the youngsters are on small 150 or 250 machines – but we’ll help them with the set up and make sure that they get a lot from the day. People come back to us for years because they prepare the track well at Lakeside and they know that we look after the riders,” she added. The course costs £45 per person. Call Linda Barclay on 0208 592 3361 or her mobile 07950 694383.

The Vortex Hammers Co Promoter Jon Cook commented: “It’s great to have George and Linda back on board with us. It will be a good experience for the participants to be put through their paces by George and his team on our main track.”

l MORE news from the track is that the Hagon Shocks Speedway Academy opens its doors at the track too. The Academy, the second in the world with the original being based in California USA, provides an opportunity for would be speedway riders to take to the track with all equipment provided, along with full guidance and tuition as they take their first steps into the sport.