FORMER Eastbourne Speedway riders are rallying to the cause as supporters step up their campaign to help the Eagles roar back into life.
The sport was lost to Sussex when a previous promotion collapsed after sustaining heavy financial losses midway through the 2021 season.
Arlington Stadium near Hailsham, the Eagles home since 1929, has since lain dormant apart from regular stock car racing.
Three members of the 2021 team — Edward Kennett, Kyle Newman and Jason Edwards — will be the star attractions at a meet and greet evening at Langney Sports Club, Eastbourne, on Saturday, February 10th at 6pm.
The event will also feature Barney Kennett, who rode in 12 meetings for Eastbourne between 1980-83 but is better remembered as a stalwart member of Eagles’ arch-rivals Canterbury during the 1970s. Two further special guests are also expected to be announced.
Organisers have scheduled a busy evening that includes a memorabilia display curated by Niall Strudwick and an auction. The show will be compered by former Arlington announcer Kevin Coombes.
A number of hardcore Eagles supporters, including some of the club’s major sponsors, set up a Save Eastbourne Speedway Group to rally interest and explore options for an Eagles resurrection.
Spokesman David Grayling said: “We will keep fighting. We have seen amazing revivals at Oxford and Workington in the last couple of years and we know speedway can be a success again here in Sussex.
“With no professional speedway in Kent, Surrey, Hampshire and London any more, we have a huge area of potential support to draw on.We have already had a lot of interest in our meet and greet.”
Admission is free but if you wish to attend or require further details, please contact the club at eesc1929@gmail.com.
