Billy Hamill excited to see old friends at Wolverhampton Golden Hammer
Speedway legend Billy Hamill is excited by the prospect of meeting old friends at tonight's Golden Hammer at Wolverhampton (7.30pm).
Hamill is back in the UK as boss of the USA side in the Speedway World Cup – and he's making the trip back to the Black Country for the Dudley Heathens event as guest of honour.
It's the first time since 2009 that he's had the opportunity to be reunited with Heathens fans – and he's relishing the prospect.
He said: "As soon as we qualified for the World Cup event in King's Lynn, I realised this was an opportunity to meet up with old friends.
"The Cradley days were just awesome and it's still a big regret for me that the old place closed down and we all had to move on.
"But tonight's is an opportunity for me to meet my old friends and I'm really looking forward to being at the Hammer.
"I think it's great that the fans have a team to support these days in the Dudley Heathens and I'm right behind the guys who are running the show.
"Obviously they are still looking for that elusive new stadium and if I'm playing some small part with publicity by being at the Hammer that's great."
Hamill started his professional career with Cradley in 1990 and went on to win the world title in 1996 – the same year as he won his only Golden Hammer title.
"It was amazing for me to win the world title and the Golden Hammer in the same season," said Hamill.
"And that was at Stoke when we raced there for a season after Dudley Wood closed down. I hope the winner tonight appreciates the fact he will go down in history!"
Turnstiles open at 6pm and Hamill will be signing copies of the special eight-page supplement on his Cradley career which is free with the programme.
Normal admission prices apply – £11 adults, £8 concessions and £2 children – and as with the three previous stagings of the event, all Heathens season tickets are valid.
The 2013 FAST Golden Hammer is promoting the good work of Dudley Stroke Association through their FAST message – Face, Arms, Speech, Time – suspect a stroke? Dial 999.
Club partners Motor Market of Cradley Heath will also have a presence at the Hamill signing session and will offer a cash prize to the unluckiest rider and most entertaining rider of the night.
