SPEEDWAY: Track race fans do not have long to wait to see racing restart in south Essex.

The Lakeside Hammers are just a few days away from returning to Elite League Speedway action at the Arena Essex Raceway.

And Vortex Hammers Co Promoter Jon Cook is tipping new boy Mikkel Bech as the key to a successful season.

Cook said: "We beat off a string of clubs to bring Mikkel to Essex and he has already shown his potential at the Raceway with a double figure score against us last season and started this season with another big return for his Polish club at Kings Lynn. With the new format I expect him to move quickly to heat leader status and his terrific style of racing is going to provide plenty of entertainment for our fans on Friday nights."

The Hammers open their League season next Friday March 28th against Swindon.