Photo Gallery: Lakeside Hammers vs Ipswitch Witches Speedway

Description

Speedway is a local and very popular form of motorcycle racing that's lost out in the public eye to the bigger and more glitzy series' over recent years. The Lakeside Hammers are our local team and so we thought it would be a good idea to partner up with them and let those in the community who've not experienced it before, to go along and see it for themselves.

Community members Terry and Andy both organised their own rideouts from West and East London to get to the circuit, which was just next to the A13/M25 junction, to guide members to the event. Once there and our discounted entrance paid, we were treated to a warm welcome by the organisers who took the time to explain the workings and show the members around the pits to see the riders and bikes.

For those that don't know, Speedway is a real team sport, not an individual one like most other forms of racing. Events are held most Friday nights and the teams of eight compete directly against the oposing team, i.e. two home, two away, four laps per session. Points are tallied and winners announced. It's fast, it's brutal and damn good fun for spectators. For this first night a good LB crowd came along and enjoyed the night. The night was topped off by great weather and for us at least, a great friday-night ride home!

Once on track, this has to be the hardest things I've had to photograph. Excuses need to be made, as we're not at our usual level of LB photo-gallery quality I think. Close bikes, FAST bikes, night-time conditions and high-powered spot-lights don't make for crisp racing photos. That said, both Toby and I who were shooting had a great time on the inside of the track. We'll be more prepared next time!