Richardson eyes big year

Richardson: High hopes (pic credit Les Aubrey)

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Lakeside's new signing Lee Richardson is hoping to make a big impact this term.

Richardson has made the switch from Eastbourne, amid speculation he was ready to give British racing a break.

Now Richardson is looking forward to the new season when he will be hoping to lead the Essex side to Elite League glory.

"We have a really strong, well balanced top five in the line up this year," said Richardson.

"All of whom are capable of upping their averages, including me.

"I'm putting in a lot of effort pre-season to make sure that happens. I've got six new bikes courtesy of Hagon Shocks, and two brand new engines.

"The Arena Essex track is a tricky circuit which requires good technique and bike set up, so I plan to be doing a lot of testing to make sure my bikes and I are dialled into the track from the first race.

"It's a long time since the Hammers had a British number 1, not since Mark Loram, I believe, and it should be a good battle between Adam [Shields] - who's an Aussie - and myself to get the number one jacket. Our averages are fairly close now, so we'll see!

"I'm really impressed with the way the Promotion have picked this club up from no-hopers to Championship contenders in our own right and that was one of the main reasons I wanted to ride for them.

"The fans here are very loyal and they just missed out on a piece of silverware last year and I want them to know that I've got every ambition to take us one step further this season, and give them something to celebrate."