A FULL-HOUSE of Arenacross fans is expected to converge on the Odyssey Arena tonight and tomorrow night as the passionate Irish fans get to cheer on three homegrown heroes who have been given wildcard rides for the opening two nights of the 2014 tour. Gordon Crockard, Wayne Garrett, and Ed Allingham will all be in action, with Allingham from Derry champing at the bit to get going in this spectacular event. The former British youth champion is no stranger to the cut and thrust of indoor racing but has been absent from the indoor Arenacross for a few years, and he knows only to well that this weekend will be a huge challenge. "I've raced Arenacross in the US a few times and raced at the Mini-Olympics over there which is outdoors, but the track style is similar to Arenacross," said Allingham. "I've raced indoors a lot in Europe and a few years ago I was fourth in the Dutch Championship, so I can look after myself out there in the arena. "I really enjoy racing indoors but I didn't race in 2013 and I was out injured for most of 2012, so I am going to be a bit rusty. "Friday night will be all about finding my form and getting used to a new bike and then Saturday I will be a lot smoother and faster." The Derryman will race for the Kawasaki Ireland team on a 250F machine, which has been provided by Temple man Norman Watt. Allingham added: "The fans will get behind me and give me a lot more confidence. There will be some pretty fast guys out there but I am fast too - so much depends on getting a good start". MEANWHILE, Prodigy front man Keith Flint and Maid-stone's Steve Mercer have teamed up for this year's Vauxhall International North West 200. Mercer will ride Flint's TAS-built Suzuki Superbike and Suzuki Supersport 600 at the speed event in May under the Team Traction Control racing banner. Mercer, 31, is looking forward to his visit to the North West 200. "I've been to the North West on two occasions but I've never raced, but hopefully I can get out there this year with out any rain delays," he said. "I have really good bikes under me and an experienced team. I went to see a Prodigy gig at the Brixton Academy and got chatting to Keith afterwards. "When he is on stage it is surreal, he is a crazy rock star but in the paddock, Keith is a completely different person. He used to race himself so he knows a fair bit." Race fans at this year's North West will have plenty of opportunities to meet the Prodigy star as Flint is scheduled to take part in lots of events during race week, including judging Miss North West 200 and at the meet the riders day in Coleraine.
