No name change at Arena.

It was finally announced on Sunday evening that the Hammers will continue to be known as "Arena-Essex ". The Hammers Promoter, Ronnie Russell, had previously stated that he was considering changing the name of the Club for commercial reasons and had asked for the views of supporters, sponsors, advertisers, the Media and potential supporters from the areas near to the Arena-Essex Raceway.

Ronnie Russell was concerned that there may be many potential supporters and sponsors who had no idea where the track was actually situated. Despite the Club having been in existence for 21 years and based at the Arena-Essex Raceway for the whole of that time, recent surveys indicated that many people did not realise that the Raceway is close to the Thurrock Services at Junctions 31/32 on the M25 and also very near to the Lakeside Shopping Complex.

Following his decision to retain the name of "Arena-Essex Speedway" the Hammers boss stated: "Since I made it known that I was considering a change of name for the Club the interest has been overwhelming."

"I have been contacted personally by several national and local radio stations and have given them all interviews. Similarly the telephone at the Speedway office has taken a large number of calls from supporters and sponsors and there have been many letters sent there on this subject. I understand that the Internet has been inundated with the views of our supporters."

"In view of the vast majority of these supporters pleading with me to retain our present name I have decided that we will continue to be known as "Arena-Essex". The last thing I wanted to do was to alienate those supporters who have remained loyal to the Club for many seasons."

"One thing that has come out of this is the volume of support there undoubtedly is for this Club. Many of the fans have offered to assist the Club in the future in helping to spread the word that there is speedway close to Lakeside by distributing leaflets and posters in the area. I really appreciate their offers and I will be looking to get them more involved in the build up to the new season."

"The Press and Media have also helped in bringing to the notice of more people that we do exist and I hope that many of these potential supporters will come and see what we have to offer when the new season gets underway towards the end of March."

" I am determined that Arena-Essex Speedway is going to be here to stay but I have to ensure that the Club is put on a firm financial footing. In this respect I need more income coming into the Club and this could be in the form of additional sponsorship and advertising but also I need to see more people coming through the gates each and every week. Awareness of where we are situated is, I believe, key to the future success of the Club."