Arena Essex return to Premier League action at the Purfleet Raceway on Fridaywhen the Workington Comets are the visitors.
The Hammers are expecting to be at full strength for this eagerly-awaited encounter againstthe Cumbrian sidewho have pushed them all the way in their recent visits south.
It will, however, bea very busy time for Hammers' Finn, Joonas Kylmakorpi, as he will need to leave for Poland immediately after the meeting to compete in a semi-final of the Grand Prix Qualification Series.
He has to attend the compulsory practice on Saturday with the meeting scheduled to take place on Sunday at Rybnik, which isin the north of Poland.
That commitment rules him out of the Hammers Knockout Cup clash at Newcastle on Sunday where the visitors will be forced to use the rider replacement facility as the Finn's nominated replacement David Ruud is also on World Championship duty.
Workington are led by 31-year-old Carl Stonehewer, who has competed at the top level in the Grand Prix Series and is riding in the Elite League for Belle Vue this year whilst also representing the Comets in the Premier League.
Workington's Finn Kauko Nieminen will be looking to put one over countryman Kylmakorpi, and two members of the renowned Collins family are also included in visitors line-up -- Aidan and Chris. Aidan is the son of former World No2 Les and Chris is the son of former world champion Peter.
Hammers reserve Andy Galvin recently broke a bone in his wrist during a practice session at Easbourne but has stated his intentions to ride in tonight's meeting which starts at 8pm.
Published Friday, June 20, 2003
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