The Wightlink Wizards take to the road this Easter Weekend as they face the Reading Racers in their new home at Swindon's Abbey Stadium.
This year's Midland and Southern Development League is made up of 7 teams from across the country and the Wizards kick-off their season racing on Monday at Swindon when they line up against the Reading Racers in a clash that is sure to be packed with MSDL action. The 2019 Wizards, who must be regular students at My First Skid Speedway School to be in the squad, will be Captained by Ben Ilsley who will be backed up by fans favourite Jamie Sealey at number 1, Chris Watts number 2 and 15-year-old Wightlink Warrior reserve Chad Wirtzfeld at number 4.
Wightlink Wizards Co-promoter Barry Bishop said, "Martin and I are delighted to once again put a team into the MSDL that will provide race experience for our My First Skid Students. We are massively proud of the riders and this method of rider development has been recognised by Wightlink who have now extended their sponsorship to include the Wizards team. We would also like to thank CFS Filtration, Bruce Buckland, Hedgehog Racing, Rhino Goo and My First Skid for all their help with the team this year. The squad has a great feel to it, they all know each other well both on and off the track, so we look forward to seeing them develop and be knocking on the door of National League clubs in 2020, if not in 2019."
The Wightlink Wizards Captain, Ben Ilsley added, "I am really looking forward to getting the season underway and the tapes rising for the first time in the new Midland and Southern Development League against the Reading Racers on Monday. It will be an honour to be Captain and I was over the moon when I was asked.
I think we have a squad capable of causing a few upsets and the mood is good going in to Monday, and all the boys can’t wait to get going now. I know Jamie Sealey will be looking to hit the ground running right from the off and will be a true number 1 which we were without for most of 2018. Chris Watts is Mr Consistent and ended up as top scorer for the wizards last year. I know he has invested in new equipment and will be keen to make the next step towards National league speedway this season. Finally, having Chad in the squad is an added bonus. The youngster goes from strength to strength on the shale and his progress over the last couple of years has really impressed me. He’s so smooth and fast and just loves to ride his bike.
As a group we can’t wait to get going. I’m extremely proud to be leading the team as Captain and I’m determined to do my bit on and off track!"
The Racers have a blend of youth and experience in their squad and have elected for Nick Laurence as Captain, joined by Sam Norris, Jamie Bursill and Rhys Laker to open their season for them on Monday and it is sure to be a cracker.