Arena Essex promotor Ronnie Russell has confirmed the Hammers will be riding in the top flight again next year.

The Purfleet team are in their first season back in the Elite League and Russell wants the outfit to stay in British speedway's highest level for 2005.

"After having studied the books of the club for this season, I believe that it was definitely the right move for us to move up into the Elite League, having competed in the Premier League in previous years," said Russell.

"We will be competing in the Elite League next season. We are constantly looking to build for the future and this is the way we have to go."

Russell believes the switch from Friday to Wednesday home race nights has also been a success.

Published Friday August 20, 2004

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