LAKESIDE Hammers stage the prestigious British Under 21 Final this Friday when the cream of young British speedway talent will be on view in an event comprising of 16 riders over a total of 22 heats.

The 16 riders will compete in 20 qualification heats with each rider having five rides and the top two scorers will go straight into the final with the next four going into a Last Chance ' heat with the first and second from that joining the top two in the final for places in the World Under-21 championships later in the season.

The full line-up is: - Lee Strudwick, Lee Smart, Sean Stoddart, Ben Barker, Charles Wright, Tai Woffinden, Danny Betson, Steve Boxall, Joe Haines, Adam Roynon, William Lawson, Lewis Bridger, Harland Cook, Jack Roberts, Daniel Halsey, Josh Auty. Reserves:- Andrew Tully, Kyle Hughes, Gareth Isherwood.

There is a slightly earlier starting time than usual for this particular meeting with the parade of riders at 7.30 p.m. with the first race scheduled to commence at 7.45 p.m.

Lakeside co-promoter Jin Cook believes that the meeting will provide some interesting and fascinating racing as the up and coming speedway stars of the future pit their wits around the Arena-Essex Raceway.

"I'm delighted that we have been given the opportunity of staging this event and I will be very interesting to see how the youngsters perform around our circuit," he stated.

"There is a lot at stake for these youngsters and I'm sure that we will witness some exciting racing."

Admission prices are:- Adults £15, Concessions £10, Children 12 to 15 years of age £5. Children 11 and under are free.

Cook meanwhile has been reflecting on the Hammers recent form including the victory at Wolverhampton on Monday night that has seen them move into third position in the Elite League.

"The lads adapted quickly and professionally to the track conditions and credit for the win must go to a solid team performance," he said. "Once again, when one rider slipped up, another team mate stepped up to the plate and put in a hero's performance. They gave me the ability to use a tactical strategy to help us win.

"It's been a very satisfactory start for the club this year including reaching the final of the Craven Shield and I think that we are convincing people that we mean business this year.

"If Joonas Kylmakorpi can continue his welcome return to form -and he's done particularly well in out last two meetings - then we could be a championship potential side. I think that we need someone to step forward and become a dependable heat leader to join Andreas Jonsson and Adam Shields in that role and Joonas as the one rider earmarked for that.

"It's early days yet but things it been a good start towards what we hope will be a very good season."