The future of speedway on the Isle of Wight is currently uncertain as the Wightlink Warriors continue negotiations with Wightlink Ferries in a bid to secure a support package for the 2025 season.
Club co-owners Barry Bishop and Martin Widman have issued an update to volunteers, fans, sponsors and riders, highlighting ongoing efforts to keep the sport alive at Smallbrook Stadium in Ryde.
Talks with long-time partner Wightlink are said to be taking ‘longer than usual’, with no fixtures confirmed and growing concern among supporters about the upcoming season. The team behind the Warriors acknowledge the frustration, especially for those who typically plan holidays around the speedway calendar.
Since the club’s revival in 2016, Wightlink has been a key supporter – and Wightlink was heavily involved in sponsorship of the club in the 1990s and 2000s too. However, organisers admit that circumstances have changed, prompting more complex discussions this year.
Plans to build speedway on the Island back up to its heyday have failed to materialise. In years gone by, the Wightlink Islanders – as they were known – had world-class riders and would often sit at the top of the Premier League, even featuring on Sky Sports.
In a statement, Barry and Martin have said:
“We are continuing to work with Wightlink Ferries to find a mutually agreeable support package that ensures we can operate this season as well as securing the future for the club going forward into next year and beyond.
“We recognise that we are well past the point where we normally have fixtures arranged, sponsors in place, teams announced; so frustration will be present amongst our valued volunteers, and those sponsors and supporters both on the Island and those on the mainland trying to book holidays to coincide with the speedway season.
Article continues below this advertisement “When the deal with Wightlink is finalised, we will have to make some rapid decisions and will need the support of everyone if the decision is made to progress.
“We sincerely hope that a positive outcome can be achieved and communicated to you all shortly.”
Speedway at Smallbrook is hosted on the longest track in the country and has become a staple part of the Isle of Wight’s Summer events calendar. Whether it returns in 2025 now depends on the outcome of these crucial talks.
The way numpty’s speed on the island
whether it’s motorcyles or ST numpty’s
surely it’s best to keep this venue open,
and they should open one for motorists
so they can take their little boys toys and
race like children.
“Rather than speed on our roads”
Smallbrook Stadium is a dispiriting experience. It feels like a1970s venue thats never been updated, trying to put on modern speedway. It needs serious investment.
It doesn’t make me want to go & watch speedway again, I expect it puts ff others and puts off minor sponsorship