EASTBOURNE Eagles will end three years out in the cold when they return to racing for the first time since being forced off track due to a financial crisis.
An Eagles side will take on old rivals Kent at Iwade, near Sittingbourne, in a 15-heat challenge match on Sunday, April 14 at 2pm.
There will also be an Eastbourne team at Poole for the Kyle Newman testimonial, a four-team tournament likely to take place in June.
Eagles’ comeback was announced at a well-attended supporters evening at Langney Sports Club, organised by the Save Eastbourne Speedway Group.
Eagles withdrew from Speedway’s Championship league in the summer of 2021 when the previous promotion, fronted by Ian Jordan, collapsed under heavy debts.
Eagles’ famous blue and yellow colours have not been seen on a racetrack since and although hopes of a professional return to Arlington remain on hold, campaigners are determined to keep the club’s name alive.
Vinnie Foord, the Leicester National Development League starlet who lives at Hailsham, close to Eagles’ former Arlington Stadium home, is the first Eagles rider named for the Kent match.
Spokesman David Graveling said: “Our campaign is gathering strength. To have had around 150 people turn out for our supporters evening on a cold, wet February night was amazing, and highly encouraging.
“Now we have the prospect of the Eagles back in action. A lot of people are getting behind us and public awareness is rising. People want their speedway back and we won’t be giving up the fight.”
Members of the 2021 team, Jason Edwards, Drew Kemp, Newman and Ed Kennett, spoke in wide-ranging interviews conducted by Kevin Coombes at the social function. The one-time Arlington announcer also talked to former riders Keith Pritchard and Barney Kennett.
There was applause during the evening in memory of legendary Eagles rider Gordon Kennett, who died last year, and Mick Norris, father of Arlington favourite David Norris, who passed away recently.
