Thanks to Bryn for the latest news from speedway team, the Wightlink Islanders. Ed
We are very pleased to confirm that Wightlink Islanders fans favourite Ben Hopwood will be back riding for the team when the 2013 speedway season gets underway.
The 21 year old was voted ‘2012 Rider of the Year’ by those fans and also ‘2012 Riders’ Rider of the Year’ by his fellow team mates and the Wightlink Islanders management have moved quickly to ensure that he’ll be returning to Smallbrook in the new year despite travelling to and from each meeting on the Island from their home near Manchester!
“Ben wanted to be back here next year and we, and I’m sure our fans, very much wanted him to be back,” said co-manager Chris Hunt, “and our thanks go to Rye House Premier League promoter Len Silver for readily agreeing to extend his loan to us.
“Many people overlook the fact that he’s still only 21 years of age, a real bubbly character and most importantly I’m confident that he has the ability to add a couple of points to his 6.16 average next season and subsequently go on from there.”
Hopwood himself is very pleased to be returning to the Isle of Wight and confident that he can make the sort of rapid improvement that will see him get opportunities to ride in the Premier League as well.
“Despite the long journey to home meetings every week I love riding for the Islanders and everything about the club be it the management, the track itself, the fans who support us through thick and thin and yes I’m really pleased that I’ll be back in 2013.
“The season just ended was only the second time I’ve raced for a full season as in the past I’ve tended to pick up injuries that have sidelined me for lengthy spells and affected the amount of money I was able to invest in my bikes.
“I’ll be working flat out in a warehouse this winter and saving hard to hopefully get enough to improve my machinery but meanwhile can I just say a big thank you to various people who have helped in terms of providing sponsorship including Mike & Kay Richardson, Jamie at the Simeon Arms, Devotion Ink, The tea room girls, Brian Ginders, Kevin Chris & Peter and, of course, my mum and dad!”
So with Ben joining teenage sensation Adam Ellis who made such a positive impact after being introduced to the team late season, the 2013 Wightlink Islanders side is really beginning to take shape although there may not be any further news on that front until after the forthcoming league AGMs.
Get swotting
Not for exams you’ll be pleased to hear but instead for a PAIRS QUIZ NIGHT being organised by the Isle of Wight Speedway Supporters Club that takes place on TUESDAY NOVEMBER 13th in the Premier Lounge at Smallbrook Stadium, Ashey Road, Ryde at 8pm. Admission £2 per person.
