(SPEEDWAY 1)
THE Lakeside Hammers would like to pass on their thanks to the Speedway world for the countless kind messages and offers of support to Lee Richardson’s family following his tragic accident on Sunday.After consultation with the Richardson family, the Club will be setting up a support fund for Lee’s wife and three children. In the next few days online donations will be possible via a link on the Hammers website (lakesidehammers.co) and from today cheques, made payable to Emma Richardson, can be sent to Gerald Richter, The Speedway Office, Lakeside Hammers Speedway, Arena Essex Raceway, A1306 Arterial Road, Thurrock, Essex RM19 1AE. Full bank account details for direct payments will be available shortly.Hammers Co-promoter Jon Cook stated: “There is so much shock and grief in the Speedway World at the loss of Lee that we have to turn that into something positive and we can all do no better than helping to financially support Emma and the boys.“Hopefully all clubs all over the world will join with us in helping to make their future a little more secure. It’s the best way we can honour such a lovely man. Obviously Lee’s colleagues want to help and we will be talking with the top riders to find the best date for a meeting in Lee’s memory. ”Respected track man Gerald Richter will oversee the initial stages of fundraising but the Club are keen that all those that wish to join in this effort should do so and the Club will be the point of payment with all funds going direct to Emma. Richter can be contacted on 07973 839056 or email at spdwy@hotmail.co.ukThe Hammers team will be back on track on Wednesday at Poole and they will hold a private meeting to remember Lee earlier in the day.Fans attending this Friday’s home meeting can sign a book of condolence plus leave floral tributes and donations at a specially prepared area in the Tavern Parade, which will include Lee’s bike. A full collection for Emma and the Boys will be taken during the course of the meeting.Jon Cook continued: “The team wants to spend some time reflecting together and that’s why we have decided to get back racing on Wednesday. We can all grieve alone in our different towns or countries but we are better off together as I know our fans will also want to be on Friday.“Robbo (Stuart Robson) is coming down to replace Kim (Nilsson) on Wednesday as he is in a Swedish Championship Qualifier that day as we felt it totally inappropriate to use guests, which may have artificially strengthened our team. We will go on from this together for Lee.”#RICO
(SPEEDWAY 2)
TAI Woffinden is facing up to a spell on the sidelines after suffering a broken scaphoid Monday’s Gary Peterson Memorial meeting at Wolverhampton.The Wolves star has been to hospital for x-rays but the full extent of the damage is yet to be revealed because of swelling.Woffinden said: “There is too much swelling to establish how bad it is, but they could see a line through the bone which means it's broken.“They've put my arm and wrist in a cast and told me to go back and see them in a week when hopefully a lot of the swelling will have gone down.”
(SPEEDWAY 3)
MILDENHALL co-promoter Michael Lee was thrilled with his side’s 49-41 win at the Isle of Wight – and also relieved to see Joe Jacobs walk away from an horrific-looking Heat 15 crash.The Fen Tigers made it two National League wins out of two, with Cameron Heeps dropping just one point from six rides whilst Jacobs, with paid-14, managed to take third place in the re-run last race after the accident.Lee said: “After the terrible events of the last few days, the last thing anyone wanted to see was a big crash. Thankfully, it seems Joe is just battered and bruised, and although his bike is completely written off, the main thing is he is okay.“All the boys did a fantastic job with Cameron, Joe, Danny (Halsey) and Nathan (Stoneman) outstanding. Young Josh (Bates) played his part as well, and now he has seen Smallbrook for the first time he will be among the points on his next visit, I am sure of that.”
(FIXTURES)
WEDNESDAY MAY 16:SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Poole v Lakeside 7.30NATIONAL LEAGUE: King’s Lynn v Dudley 7.30
THURSDAY MAY 17:PREMIER LEAGUE: Sheffield v Redcar 7.45LEAGUE CUP: Ipswich v Plymouth 7.30
FRIDAY MAY 18:SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Coventry v Peterborough 8pm, Lakeside v Swindon 8pmPREMIER LEAGUE: Edinburgh v Leicester 7.30, Redcar v Sheffield 7.30PREMIER LEAGUE KO CUP 1st leg: Plymouth v Glasgow 7.30, Scunthorpe v Workington 7.30
