Arena Essex speedway manager Martin Goodwin, a former star of the track, was looking forward to his First season in charge as it kicked off with the visit of Isle of Wight at the Purfleet raceway on Friday.

Goodwin may not have been the only old face on show. Former world champ Greg Hancock had been invited to formally open the millennium season and an appearance from former Hammer Leigh Adams, who rode for the club in their First Division days, was a possibility.

Said Goodwin before the meeting: "Each rider knows what my expectation is and hopefully they will fulfill my aims.

"I believe we have a well-balanced side with a couple of riders who I fully expect to improve their averages.

"The new consortium here have worked very hard behind the scenes, implementing a number of new ideas, but it's on the track that our supporters naturally want to see the results."

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