Thanks to Bryn for this reminder from Island Speedway. Ed
Yes it’s back! Tonight (Thursday) is the night that all roads lead to Smallbrook Stadium in Ashey Road, Ryde on our glorious Isle of Wight to be present at a night many thought might never be witnessed on the Isle again in the form speedway racing.
A speedway race on paper is simple really, with four riders in each heat astride 500cc motorcycles with no brakes fitted, with highly tuned 500cc engines doing battle to get to the chequered flag first. Yes, you did read “with NO brakes!” Why? That would be far too dangerous!
All thanks to Barry Bishop and Martin Widman
Sadly speedway ceased here in the autumn of 2013, but many fans dreamt, more in hope than expectation in many cases it has to be said, but two men with speedway in their blood, Barry Bishop and Martin Widman, thankfully shared the dream.
Therefore thanks to the duo’s efforts, and of many others plus the backing of many local national and indeed international businesses, tonight is a night NOT to be missed.
Come on down
Join us and enjoy the thrills, spills, drama, and sheer excitement of the return of speedway here at Smallbrook when the tapes rise at 7pm signalling the birth of the Wightlink Warriors with all eight of OUR Warriors plus four other top riders from other clubs in the 2016 Travel Plus Tours National League battle to win the Vince Mapley Memorial meeting.
It’s fitting that tonight’s reopening meeting should carry Vince’s name and be dedicated to the memory of a remarkable man who always had a smile on his face, who is missed by us all and although he won’t be with us, he’ll be smiling!
Find out more
Go to our Website where you can find admission prices for tonight and a brief programme of events including a specified 30min period you’ll be allowed into the pits to look at the bikes and have your picture taking with all YOUR Wightlink Warriors.
And there’s much more detail to be obtained by clicking the menu logo in the top left corner on your screen.
Image: © Used with the kind permission of Ian Groves
