THE Arena-Essex Hammers speedway team, who have signed former Canterbury men Mark Loram and Paul Hurry for their step up to the Sky Sports Elite League in 2004, have announced the renewal of their sponsorship deal with A.F. Stocktaking.

However, the club have also agreed to release young Danish rider Henning Bager, who is now to join Peterborough Panthers.

The sponsor of Bager, a fans’ favourite at Arena-Essex last season, has become team manager of Peterborough, and Hammers promoter Ronnie Russell said: “This has placed Henning in an impossible situation. If Henning were to remain with the Hammers it would have been extremely likely that he would have had to look for new lodgings and sponsorship.

“After due consideration, I have allowed him to move away as I don’t believe that it is in the best interest of either Henning in particular or the sport in general to prevent the move.”