Thursday sees speedway action return to the Andrew Younie Smallbrook Stadium with the ‘Slide In Ryde’ Best Pairs tournament, sponsored by Cobra’s Garage Mahal.
The Wightlink Warriors ran a similar event last July that produced some of the best racing of the season and there is no reason to think that this year will be any different.
Each of the 6 competing pairs have attracted team sponsorships with Team Coopes, this year represented by Kelsey Dugard and Connor Coles, out to defend the title that they won last year in spectacular style on the last bend of the last lap of the final. Their task will not be easy as the line up – drawn independently during last week’s meeting – has produced very evenly balanced pairs which bodes well for a really closely contested meeting.
Co-promoter Barry Bishop enthused:
“We are absolutely thrilled to stage this meeting again. It is one I have been looking forward to since the start of the season and to have Steve Luxton, one our main club sponsors, here from his base in the USA is the icing on the cake. Steve has been unfailing in his support of the Warriors, the Warrior Way and what we do to make race night fun, affordable and inclusive for everyone.
“When I spoke to the riders after last week’s super win, they all appreciated the significance of this meeting for the club and were truly ‘up for it’. In addition we have one or two surprises for the fans that will add to the show. It’s going to be a great night”.
As usual, gates open at 17:30, pit access will be from 18:15 to 18:45 and the rider parade will be at 18:45. Tapes up 19:00.
Pairs Line-up:
Team Coopes – Connor Coles (IOW) and Kelsey Dugard (Unattached)
County Crest Pallets – Ben Wilson (IOW) and Anders Rowe (Kent)
Reading Racers – James Cockle (IOW) and Jamie Sealey (IOW)
Team Warrior – Mattie Bates (Eastbourne) and Lewis Whitmore (Unattached)
Freelance Installations – Scott Campos (IOW) and Adam Portwood (IOW)
Speedway Widows – Josh Bailey (Scunthorpe) and Chris Widman (IOW)
