With the new speedway season at the Purfleet Raceway just weeks away - the track reopens on Friday, March 23 - Arena Essex promoting consortium member Colin Brine has expressed his enthusiasm for the new season.

He told the Essex Chronicle , "Everything seems to have slotted into place nicely.

"We have secured team sponsorship with national company Kent Sweepers Limited and our team building plans have gone smoothly. Kent Sweepers were involved with the Hammers in the past and we are delighted that they are involved once again.

"On the team front, we have built a side that we hope will be both successful and attractive, there is a good blend of experience and youth.

"I am sure that our heat leader trip will prove to be one of the most potent in the division and I doubt whether there is a better second string around than Troy Pratt.

"Having said all that, I've learned that if you are going to have a winning side, then you do need an element of good fortune particularly with reference to riders avoiding injury.

"Undisputably, that's something that wasn't in evidence last year but I'm hopeful that this time around, Lady Luck will shine on us."

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.