LAKESIDE Hammers will not compete in the 2017 top flight as negotiations for an extension to the club’s rental arrangement with the Arena Essex Raceway ongoing.

Consequently, the club cannot confirm its place in the League at the BSPA AGM as required by rules and regulations.

Co-promoter, Jon Cook, said: “This doesn’t mean the end of racing by any means as our talks are cordial and in line with every year’s timescale.

“But, this year’s early AGM and the need for us to look at more weekend dates to avoid the calamitous weekday tunnel toll and A13 road chaos that adversely affected a third of this year’s fixtures means we need the right agreement for all parties.

“We understand this news will come as a huge shock to fans but our long term need for our own home, and our will to achieve that goal remain as strong as ever.

“Once we have details in place we will hold a public meeting to update fans.”