Thanks to Bryn for this latest update from Island Speedway. Ed
After a three year absence the thrills, spills and excitement of speedway racing returned to the Isle of Wight last Thursday and the tremendous amount of effort put in by a great many people, notably joint promoters Barry Bishop and Martin Widman was suitably rewarded.
James Cockle, who’ll skipper the Wightlink Warriors challenge for National League honours, capped a perfect night by romping to victory in the Vince Mapley Memorial meeting roared on by a large crowd who turned out in force to witness the thrills, spills and excitement of riders doing battle on 500cc motorbikes with no brakes.
In the final, James headed home Kent King, James Shanes, Buxton’s Ollie Greenwood and fellow Wightlink Warrior Lee Smart, who slid off on the third bend, to claim top spot in a meeting to the memory of a man who was such a popular figure at Smallbrook.
Speaking afterwards James said,
“I’m well pleased to have capped what has been a brilliant opening night for our reborn club and couldn’t have wished for anything more. Let’s hope it’s a sign of what lies ahead in the coming months for both the club and myself.”
A clearly delighted Barry Bishop speaking for himself and Martin Widman, the men behind speedway racing returning to Smallbrook commented,
“Martin and I would like to thank everyone for their efforts tonight and all those who have worked so hard to help bring about tonight. As you can imagine everyone was nervous and excited but we are thrilled with the way the meeting went and the number of fans who came. It was a huge success and a fine tribute to Vince’s memory.”
Result: The Vince Mapley Memorial
1st: James Cockle (Isle of Wight)
2nd: James Shanes (Kent)
3rd: Ollie Greenwood (Buxton)
4th: Mark Baseby (Isle of Wight)
Image: © Used with the kind permission of Ian Groves
