THE speedway season starts for Arena-Essex Hammers on Wednesday, March 16, when the visitors to the Purfleet raceway will be the Eagles of Eastbourne in the first leg of the AirTek Air Barrier Challenge.

The second leg will take place at the Eagles’ Arlington track on Saturday, March 19.

The Hammers, whose squad includes Kent-born Mark Loram and Paul Hurry, will be away to Ipswich in a Sky Bet Elite League match on Good Friday, March 25, at 2pm.

Leigh Lanham’s Testimonial Meeting, called off twice last season because of the weather, will now take place at the Raceway on Friday, April 8.

* Arena-Essex Supporters’ Club’s annual meeting will take place at the Arena-Essex Raceway Tavern on Sunday, February 6, at 7pm.