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'WIGHTLINK' WARRIORS & WIZARDS

ISLE OF WIGHT SPEEDWAY

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Writer's pictureRob Dyer

US Style Handicap Meeting This Week


Following the success of previous similar events, the speedway action this Thursday (19 August) at the Smallbrook Stadium in Ryde sees the return of USA style racing where all the riders are graded and the those with the best grading have to chase and pass the lesser graded riders by starting further back from the tapes.


In the past these meetings at Smallbrook have produced some amazing races as the lower grade riders battle to keep their opponents at bay whilst those in the higher grades have to exhibit all the track craft and speed that earned them the higher grading in the first place. The 2019 meeting produced over 40 passing moves and there is no reason to think that this meeting will be any different. The climax of the meeting is a harum-scarum six rider final – a real spectacle to conclude the racing.


Wightlink Warrior’s co-owner Barry Bishop has had no hesitation in running this meeting again. He said, “We love this style of meeting as it gives plenty of scope for close racing, plenty of passing, surprise results and lots of skill as the riders manoeuvre past their rivals. Last time we had a fantastic meeting with a pulsating Grand Final and I would like to thank meeting sponsor Mark Cooper (truly independent IFA) who was quick to step forward and back a very different take on conventional speedway. Long term supporter Kay Richardson will also be presenting The Michael Richardson Memorial Rider of the night award to a rider or riders who contribute most to the evening’s entertainment”.


The format sees twelve riders taking part and they are graded by a panel of assessors. The meeting runs over twelve qualifying heats and the top eight scores on the night progress to two semi-finals from which the top three in each semi contest the Grand Final.


The line-up is expected to include Connor Coles (pictured), Kelsey Dugard, Jamie Evans, Charley Powell, Jamie Sealey, Alex Spooner, Danno Verge, Chris Watts, Chris Widman, Morgan Williams and Chad Wirtzfeld.


Prior to the main event there will be the usual Pee Wee and Junior 125cc races and this week the Wightlink Warriors have invited some of the ultra enthusiast ‘elder statesmen’ of speedway to spin their flywheels on track with six additional races integrated into the main event as the ‘Diamond Cutters’ and ‘Powder Coaters’ go head to head in a match up supported by The Wheel Specialist – Fareham.


With the weather looking to be set fair for some summer fun at the speedway, join the Wightlink Warriors as the gates open at 5.15 pm, enjoy open pit access until 6.15 pm, pre-meeting action from 6.15 pm ahead of the parade of riders at 6.45 pm with the tapes up at 7.00 pm.

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