The Isle of Wight’s Smallbrook Stadium will host the first NORA Women’s British Speedway Championship during the Wightlink Warriors’ 2022 Shale Track Racing fixtures.
The brand new competition will see 8 of the UK’s top female speedway riders racing in a 3-round series on 14th July, 28th July and 2nd August. Cumulative scores will then be used to determine the top 4 riders who will then race-off at the end of round 3 in a dramatic ‘winner talks all’ grand final to decide the first Women’s Champion.
Being the first female British Championship in the sport, it’s sure to generate a lot of interest from riders, fans and sponsors alike.
Warriors co-owner Barry Bishop has said:
“We have always ensured that speedway is accessible to anyone here on the island and we are delighted to see the number of females participating at a competitive level. Female participation has grown significantly over the last 15 years or so, following on from the Two Fat Submariners Ladies Only Speedway School. That baton has now been taken up by Alan Critcher and we are delighted that he has agreed to be our meeting coordinator for the 2022 championship which I know will get a lot of interest throughout motorcycling and is another great result for the Isle of Wight.
“With two Island based racers in Steph Whitlock and Anastasia Sallee hoping for selection, who knows, maybe we will have a local favourite on the podium”.
In addition to the women’s championship, the NORA British Upright Speedway Championship will also be arriving at Smallbrook this year.
This brand new event that sees competitors use traditional upright engines will see 2, 8-rider qualifying rounds (30th June and 21st July) each featuring different riders with the top 6 from each qualifier competing in the grand final on 11th August. Depending on the riders’ scores on finals night, they will then race-off in C, B and A finals with a ‘winner takes all’ A final determining the outright champion.
Championship co-ordinator Lee Coleman has said:
“I am really pleased to be associated with the Wightlink Warriors and proud to help behind the scenes with the British Upright Speedway Championship.
“The Upright category is attracting more and more interest and this is an exciting opportunity for all the Upright riders to race for a National title on the Island. In fact I wish it was happening a few years ago as I’d have entered myself!”
Any lady riders wishing to take part should contact Alan Critcher via email [email protected].
Any upright speedway riders out there wishing to take part can also email [email protected].
