STAR STUDDIED LINE UP FOR 500CC BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP AT SMALLBROOK

It’s all systems go for the Island’s biggest  speedway show of the year, with 12 of the top stars of the shale due to go head to head at the Smallbrook stadium  on Thursday at 19:00. Leading the field will be Plymouth Gladiators Joe Thompson; the 20 year old from Nuneaton already has quite some record and picked up a 15 point maximum to win the NDL series at Leicester on Sunday Also in the field is the runner-up in that competition, 15 year old William Cairns. Cairns from Aylesbury has been mentored by no less than for 4 times World Champion Greg Hancock. William has already shown a liking to the Island track riding, unbeaten just 3 weeks ago. He also picked up 12 points for Cradley against Hastings last week, only being beaten in his last ride. He collected a bronze medal, finishing on the podium in 3rd place in the SGP3 Final at Gorzow last Friday. Cairns, who is eligible for the National Development League, was quickly snapped up by Belle Vue, scored 12 points in the sport’s 250cc under-16 championship to earn his bronze medal. Former Warrior Captain Ben Morley (30) is back to give the title a shot, and he will need his gating gloves on if he is to stop the first two named. Poole’s exciting youngster, Vinnie Ford is making a rare appearance on the Island. The youngster from Hailsham in East Sussex was recently signed by the Pirates and has found some good form since returning from injury: 3rd in Sundays NDL series, losing out to Cairns in a run off for 2nd spot, also recorded an excellent 8 points for Poole in their win over Glasgow in a championship match last week. Another spectacular racer in the field is Berwick’s Danyon Hume, (28). Danyon started his career at Rye House, his never say never attitude can certainly make his a danger, but he is also an out and out entertainer and the big Island circuit will suit his style, There is no doubt he’d like to add this title to his already impressive collection. Rhys Naylor (31) from Basildon Essex, , Mr Entertainment, just loves racing, lowered the colours of William Cairns whilst racing for Hastings recently after one of the most memorable races of the year, great favourite where ever he races. Australian 24-year-old Matt Marson from Perth, will love the big wide spaces on this track, especially after riding the Belle Vue circuit up there in Manchester, recorded 9 points in a recent match with just a bit of over exuberance preventing his of making double figures. Home favourite Arran Butcher (23) will also fancy his chances. Struggled a bit lately, the there is no doubt if he has his racing head, we could be a spoiler.

German Henning Loof (41) from Meldorf, Germany is another home rider; Henning can certainly mix things, but will have to produce something pretty special if his is to make the final rostrum. Nathan Hargrave, form Ashford in Kent, has not had the best of seasons and was very unlucky in his last match here. He started racing in 2010, had one match for Mildenhall in 2022 but as yet has failed to progress far away from the amateur field. Likeable racer who can certainly gate and could spoil things for others. Morgan Williams, the Islands very own, is back from injury after a horrific 1st bend spill 2 weeks ago. Morgan has just broken into the Warriors team after progressing from the My First Skin training school via the junior Wizards team. Completing the field is James Laker, another never say die out and out racer from Kent, not expected to win, but could certainly spoil the party. To add to the main event, there is also Flat Track racing, where up to 12 riders per race ride flat out, with nothing asked or given, you can be sure of some excitement. With junior racing from 18:15 and the main event at 19:00, there is something for everyone, and you just might want to bring someone to hold onto as well has your autograph books.