SMITH IS AN ISLANDER
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Wednesday 23rd February 2010
Wightlink Islanders have signed Rob Smith on a full transfer as part of the deal which took Ben Hopwood to Rye House. The Islanders promotion would like to express their thanks to Len Silver for his cooperation in this deal.

Team manager Kevin Shepherd commented; "Although in a lot of people's eyes Rob may be a gamble, the club has total faith in him. We can see Rob upping his average even after not racing our track on a regular basis. This now only leaves one place to fill in the Islanders 1-7, we know the rider we want and are just awaiting his existing promoters permission to sign him."

Dates for pre season practise sessions in early April together with the Islanders press and practice day will be released shortly once the National league fixture list has been confirmed.

On behalf of the Islanders directors and management, chairman Brian Ginders would like to express grateful thanks to Ken Burnett of T2TV who as well as filming at the Smallbrook stadium also took over as the clubs press officer for a large part of last season.

The Club make a change on the presentation front for the new season, local radio presenter Ian Mac takes over from Tim Helm in the announcers box. Helm returns for his second season although this year he will concentrate on rider interviews during the meeting as well as taking over new duties as the Islanders press officer.

Shepherd added; "We would like to place on record our thanks to Ben for his two years with us on the Island and wish him all the best for the future, but a new era is dawning and we are very excited about seeing Rob on the Island and are certain he will become a fans favourite."

The six riders signed so far, not in riding order; Nick Simmonds (c), Brendan Johnson, Rob Smith, Lee Smethills, Tom Hill, John Resch.
 

ISLANDERS ADD TWO MORE
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Friday 11th February 2011
The Isle of Wight Wightlink Islanders have named two more riders who will wear the Island race jackets in 2011. Lee Smethills returns for a second season and also returning is local lad Brendan Johnson.

Lee’s inclusion is no real surprise after his high point hitting performances at the end of the season in which he lead the Smallbrook men’s charge up the National League table, Chris Hunt said, "Lee made it perfectly clear he wanted to come back and we made it perfectly clear we wanted him back too, so the choice and negotiations were easy, he’s a great lad and a pleasure to work with both on and off the track. Lee will be expected to continue where he left off and has the ability and experience to become one of the top names at this level along with number one Nick Simmons."

Poole based Johnson's return will go down well with the fans, he’s like able guy and the Island fans love him, he’s bubbly and has time for them and they appreciate that, he only lost his place last season due to injury, an injury that happened just as he was beginning to get some good scores, if he can get back to that sort of form, he could be a real trump card for us. Of course there are riders who wanted to come back and who we wanted to come back, but the sport is set up with averages and you have to make decisions on who you can and cannot keep, sometimes it’s hard for us too, but hopefully they will get fixed up elsewhere.

So far the squad is Nick Simmons, Lee Smethill's, Tom Hill, Brendan Johnson and Jon Resch, with a surprise signing due to be announced next week before the final member can be announced to complete the super seven.
 

HILL BACK WITH ISLANDERS
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Tuesday 8th February 2011
Isle of Wight Islanders have announced that popular racer Tom Hill will be back wearing the Islanders race jacket once more in 2011. Hill from Sheffield in Yorkshire is a rider who has really been taken to heart by the Islanders fans and his never say die attitude was one of the reasons that the Island management were quick to re-sign him once they knew the new 2011 National League set up.

Tom said, "I always wanted to come back, it’s a great place to race and a great club to race for, I love it and the fans too, they really have made me so welcome, I hope I can repay their faith and add a point or two to my average. I know everyone wanted to come back, but the averages as they are were always going to prevent that, but we still have a good team lined up and I think we can surprise a few people."

Another rider returning to Smallbrook is local lad John Resch, the Youngster stepped in to help the Islanders during their hour of need at the tail end of the season and impressed enough to earn himself a contract for 2011.

Kevin Shepherd said, "Tom was always in our plans, I think we would have been crucified had we not brought him back, the fans love him and we are sure he has more to offer, if he can continue in the progress he has made over the last two seasons there is no reason why he can’t be pushing for a heat leader spot by the end of the campaign. In John we have a great little racer, we haven’t seen the best of him yet, he has a lot of talent and a good run in the team could see him become a big hitter for the team."

Other signings are due to be announced soon as the islanders prepare to try and bring home some silverware. Work meanwhile continues to bring the stadium up to scratch, with new toilet blocks being constructed by the pits and plans are also afoot to upgrade the Premier Bar and kitchen.

Meanwhile Chris Hunt and Kevin Shepherd are busy planning the fixtures for which the opening one will be on Tuesday 19th April.
 

ISLANDERS LAND STARKE
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Wednesday 30th March 2011
The Wightlink Islanders have finally netted their final team member for the 2011 National league speedway season, Paul Starke joins on a full transfer from Plymouth after a promising run in the side last year.

Starke was dropped by the Devils last season to help accommodate the return of Nicki Glanz, he quickly signed for Rye House in the Premier league replacing Lee Strudwick before taking on National league duties with the Islanders in August replacing Ben Hopwood following Hopwood's injury.

Starke said; "I can't wait to return to the Isle of Wight from Plymouth, it's good, it's a good team, there is a good atmosphere in the pits and it's run with good management by Chris and Kev. Unfortunately the transfer from Plymouth didn't go as fast as people had planned, things could of been a lot easier and smoother over the winter."

Starke helped the Devon outfit win the National Trophy in 2009 Starke is after more success and silverware, he added; "I don't have a problem with smaller tracks, I can adapt quite easily, but the bigger tracks were where I had a problem and going to the Island was always going to make me move forward in my career. A lot of good riders have ridden on the Island in the past and gone on to bigger things such as Chris Holder and that's what I need to do really, go to the big tracks and move forward."

The Premier league is next on Starke's agenda in the future; "Rye House was good with the Premier league experience, it helped me see what I needed to do to move on in my career. I'd like to be able to jump into it and be ready for it, I'd like people to notice my capability of being able to do well in the Premier league, I want to be confident and ready and able to do well when I get the chance."

The season can't start soon enough for Starke who finished off by saying; "It was a shame I broke my collarbone last season, I can't wait to get back on a bike at the practice sessions on the Island and get going again before our first meeting."

The Wightlink Islanders were due to entertain the American Under 21 team for their second fixture of the season on Tuesday 26th April this has unfortunately been cancelled by the Americans. Kevin Shepherd explained; " Unfortunately the American Under 21 team have cancelled their planned visit to the UK due to a lack of funding, their squad were meant to be stopping off for a few fixtures, the Island included prior to travelling to the Ukraine for the World Under 21's. Obviously we are disappointed that they are not able to come over this time and we now have to fill the date with a challenge."

Starke's Islanders team mate Brendan Johnson was in action at the weekend taking part in the Under 21 qualifying round at Stoke, Chris Hunt said; "We are all really pleased that Brendan qualified for the Under 21 Final at Lakeside in a couple of weeks after scoring 8 points which included a couple of heat wins at the weekend."

Pleased that they could finally reveal their team for the season Hunt added on behalf of the club; "We are also pleased to finally have Paul signed on a transfer from Plymouth to complete our 1-7, it's good to announce to our supporters something that we really wanted to release several weeks ago, unfortunately negotiations dragged on far longer than we originally thought they would."

The 2011 Islanders, not in riding order;
Nick Simmons (c), Brendan Johnson, Rob Smith, Lee Smethills, Tom Hill, John Resch, Paul Starke
 

SIMMONS AND HILL LOOK FORWARD
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Tuesday 22nd March 2011
Islanders skipper Nick Simmons and team mate Tom Hill both pick out Scunthorpe as the main rivals for honours this season. Simmons said; "I'm looking forward to the season, we struggled at reserve the last two years, this year with Brendan (Johnson) back after a bad year last year, we should reap the benefits with him on a low average which he should improve a lot and get back to where he was before. John (Resch) looked good last year and Tom (Hill) is coming on good now so I think we have a good well balanced team."

Visits to Belle Vue and Lakeside for the Islanders are old hunting grounds for skipper Simmons who added; "I'm looking forward to going to Belle Vue, I rode for them in the Elite league a few years ago and I like Lakeside, I signed for them back in 2000 and broke my leg in the second meeting and missed all year."

Hill has found new employment over the winter months and is working in a job which falls in line with his speedway commitments, he said; "I think we have a good chance this year, not too top heavy but well balanced throughout, I've been brought up on the bigger tracks like Sheffield and Scunthorpe, I've never been to Lakeside but I've ridden at Belle Vue which is small and wide, I take it as it comes. I've been lucky to bring a few local sponsors on board this year which I've never really had, I'm really grateful for any help I can get."

With the bad winter weather and numerous practice days being cancelled during the winter there hasn't been much track time opportunity for the Islanders riders, Simmons added; "I haven't been on a bike since the National league riders final, press day will be the first time back on a bike, that works for me but not everyone. It accidentally happened that way about four years ago, it was the best thing to happen not to ride during the winter, it gave me a complete break and able to come back fresh. Last year the first race of the year after having the operation on my shoulder was the first time on a bike and I had no problems."

Hill added; "I've had a couple of practice sessions, one at the end of November at Scunthorpe and one about a month ago but it was ridiculously deep and horrible and couldn't really ride it. Other than that I've been busy building up the bikes ready for the season and working. I'm looking forward to coming to the two practice sessions on the Island next month and getting back on the bike."

Meanwhile the Islanders opening meeting will be on Tuesday 19th April, a challenge fixture against a Sittingbourne Crusaders side before the USA Under 21's visit the Island the following week. Admission prices have been released by the club as follows; Adults - £11, Juniors (aged 10-15) - £5, Kids (aged under 10) - FREE.

Kevin Shepherd added; "I would like to congratulate our fellow Wightlink team the Raiders Ice Hockey team who were crowned champions of the English National League (ENL) and we are now determined to at least match their achievement and win speedway NL title, they have set the height of the bar but rest assured we are out to raise the bar even higher and reclaim the mantle of the most successful team on the Island."

Open practice sessions are Tuesday 5th and Tuesday 12th April. Places are limited to twenty riders at a cost of £25.00 per rider, bookings must be made a week prior to the dates by calling Chris 07715 734598 or Kevin 07729 291644.
 

STRONG LEAGUE FOR THE NEW SEASON
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Tuesday 15th March 2011
Islanders promoters Chris Hunt and Kevin Shepherd are looking forward to the new season, Hunt said; "The league looks good and strong this year with a few clubs in for a shout at the end of the season, there are some well balanced sides, although one or two look a little top heavy. Unfortunately we are still unable to release the name of our last rider for the 2011 side. Negotiations with the riders parent club are ongoing but painfully slow, we really need to make an announcement sooner rather than later."

Extensive track work at the stadium is making steady progress in readiness for the opening meeting on Tuesday 19th April which will be a challenge fixture with details due next week about the opponents.

Shepherd added; "It will be good going to Belle Vue as a team for the first time, Adam Shields won the Premier league riders championship there previously whilst an Islander, so we're hoping for a little of that past Islanders success, going to Lakeside to take on Hackney will be a tough one and the visit to Sheffield adds to the variety this year."

The open practice sessions are filling up fast for Tuesday 5th and Tuesday 12th April "Rob Smith is looking forward to getting back on his bike on the Island and showing us what he can do" added Shepherd. "We have a couple of well known riders attending these sessions, supporters are welcome to attend both evenings free of charge with several of the Islanders riders expected to be in attendance."
 

IT'S ALL ABOUT PRACTICE
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Tuesday 8th March 2010
Open practice date have been confirmed by the Isle of Wight promotion for sessions on Tuesday 5th and Tuesday 12th April with a 7.30pm start. Places are limited to twenty riders at a cost of £25.00 per rider, bookings must be made a week prior to the dates by calling Chris 07715 734598 or Kevin 07729 291644. Supporters are welcome to attend both evenings free of charge with several of the Islanders riders expected to be in attendance.

Press and practice has been confirmed as Saturday 16th with an afternoon on track session at 3.30pm and a meet the riders evening at 7.00pm, times and admission prices are to be confirmed shortly.

The Islanders still have their last signing to name, Islanders co-promoter Chris Hunt said; "Unfortunately at this time we are unable to release the name of the last rider for the 2011 side. We know the rider we want in the line up but currently we are still in negotiations with the riders parent club, hopefully we should be able to make a full announcement next week. Work is underway at the stadium with extensive track work and stadium improvements in progress."

On Sunday two of the Islanders squad took to the Sittingbourne track for an extensive practice session, Brendan Johnson and John Resch put their machines through their paces. Brendan said; " I felt really, good and quick, I'm happy to be returning to the Island this season. My first challenge is to score big points around my home track, but my main aim is to score consistently away from home. I'd like to win some silverware with the Islanders, we haven't been able to do it the last couple of seasons, I'm sure we can crack on and win some this year with the best squad we have had on the Island, we all know each other so we will have a good team atmosphere."

Looking ahead to the new season Johnson continued; "I've never felt this fit for the start of a season, I've been training really hard at the gym and am really looking forward to the start. There has been a forced break off the bike because of the weather since I returned from Australia, I think it has done me good to have a break away from the sport and come back ready for a fresh for the start."

Taking a look back Johnson confirmed that after two years he is completely over the injuries he sustained. "I had a season last year to get back into racing, it didn't go as well as I had planned team wise but my individual year was amazing. Under 21's final qualification winning the British under 18's, I couldn't off asked for more."

Finally Johnson who has been spending part of the winter in Australia the last two years stressed he would be concentrating hard and hoping for an injury free season. "The whole tour that Marcus Williams has set up is phenomenal I've not seen anything better, the way he runs it is just outstanding. It would be nice to go back but it depends on what plans Marcus has." In the UK Johnson added; "I would like to progress and pick up a Premier league team during the season, but the selection of the seeded spots for the British under 21 final has disappointed me, as the current under 18 champion I feel that I should of been seeded, I've qualified for the last two years and come in the top three each time, it is so disappointing."

The six riders signed so far, not in riding order;
Nick Simmons (c), Brendan Johnson, Rob Smith, Lee Smethills, Tom Hill, John Resch
 

BULLS STOP WIGHTLINK ISLANDERS (CH)
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Wednesday 27th April 2011
Wightlink Islanders were beaten at the Wave 105 Smallbrook Stadium on Tuesday evening against the Birmingham Bulls in a fixture where the teams were close throughout, skipper Nick Simmons with 13 points showed the way for the Islanders while for the Bulls reserve Jaimie Pickard from Stoke top scored with 14+1 to give a final result of 42-48.

Rob Smith flew from the tapes to take the first heat with partner Paul Starke pegged back in third while come back man Jack Hargreaves split the pair. Tom Hill suffered bike problems in heat 2 while in second place, John Resch could make no inroads on Bulls reserve pairing of Jaimie Pickard and Aaron Baseby who scorched off for maximum points. Two shared heats followed with Lee Smethills taking the honours in heat 3 for the Islanders while team mate Brendan Johnson lifted and fell on the first turn of the race, Pickard was again first to the flag in a re-run heat 4 following Daniel Halsey falling.

Maximum points for the Bulls in heat 5 gave them a 6 point advantage, Hargreaves and Luke Priest with Johnson picking up a point. A re-run heat 6 saw the Islander return the favour with Smith and Starke taking the points ahead of Aaron Baseby who fell on the third turn last lap but remounted to score the final point. Another shared heat 7 with Simmons off for first place, Tim Webster and Shane Hazelden for the Bulls taking the minor places and Hill had to push his bike back after not leaving the startline.

Pickard and Priest stuck in another 5-1 advantage in heat 8 to put the Bulls 6 points up but Smethills and Johnson hit back in the next heat keeping Baseby at the back in the re-run heat after Halsey again parted company with his machine. Starke was sandwiched between Webster and Hazelden in heat 10 then Simmons took heat 11 the hard way taking both Hargreaves and Priest to keep a 4 point gap between the sides.

Webster and Pickard combined for maximum points in heat 12 over Smethills for an 8 point advantage with only three heats remaining. A shared heat 13 with Simmons and Starke chasing Hargreaves all the way meant only a draw was possible for the Islanders at best. Another heat advantage hit the nail in the coffin for the Islanders hopes last night with Pickard taking his final win of the evening and Hazelden in third while Johnson battled away for second place. Simmons and Starke made the score line more respectable with a last heat 5-1 over Hargreaves and Webster way at the back.

Islanders promoter Chris Hunt said; "We knew that this was going to be a tough match for us and we chose this to know where we're at this stage of the season, the important stuff starts tomorrow at Belle Vue, just hope all the boys are getting their gremlins sorted out before we get there tomorrow."

Looking ahead to today's fixture in Manchester against a fancied Belle Vue Colts side Hunt continued; "The thought of Jason Garrity frightens me, they are a very good team and I think they will be one of the contenders for the league, I just want to go there tomorrow and put on a good show and maybe nick a point out of the match at worst, we've really got to do it this year and we're determined that we're going to."

Phil Morris praised his side; "The boys have done fantastic for me, Pickard with a paid maximum and he decided to stand down from heat 15 which I respect. We have a home fixture for the Bulls on Sunday and a few more towards the end of the season. I enjoy doing it, I'm not very good at watching speedway but doing this it keep me involved and you don't get frustrated and want to get on the bike."

Kevin Shepherd team manager and promoter said; "We were very envious of the strength of the Bulls when we saw their team, tonight shows us how far we still have to go. The boys realise that they can't afford to be complacent  in the matches round here, fair play to Phil and the Bulls we have been beaten by the better team on the night, no complaints about that, but the lads have got to get themselves together for tomorrow night, bounce back immediately and show what they are made of."

Next week at Smallbrook the team take a break and make way for the Holmwood Cup Best Pairs meeting, Hunt added; "We have several riders that we have asked to come but we're just waiting for a reply back, I'm sure it will be a good field next week and a very exciting meeting, all the Islanders are taking part and Dean Felton returns too."
 

WIGHTLINK ISLANDERS TACKLE THE BULLS PREVIEW
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Monday 25th April 2011
Wightlink Islanders second meeting of the season takes place at the Wave 105 Smallbrook Stadium on Tuesday evening against a Birmingham Bulls side managed by Great Britain Under-21 boss Phil Morris, Gates open at 6.00pm - Parade at 7.20pm first race at 7:30pm.

Following the Islanders success last Tuesday in their opening fixture against Sittingbourne with a solid team performance winning 57-39 expectations are high for more of the same before the Islanders first National league fixture away in Manchester the following day against Belle Vue Colts who have come into the National league this year.

The Bulls opened their season almost three weeks ago against the USA Touring Team coming out on top 60-35. Stoke Potters Tim Webster top scored that night with 13+1 while current Islanders Brendan Johnson 4+1 and Paul Starke 13 featured for the Bulls that night.

The rest of the Bulls side on Tuesday consist of Webster's Potters team mate Jamie Pickard, Aaron Baseby returns for the second week in a row after signing for Mildenhall Fen Tigers, joining him are two of his new teammates Daniel Halsey and Jack Hargreaves who makes a return to the sport after a break. From Hackney Hawks Morris brings in Shane Hazelden and completing the side is Luke Priest who comes in from last year's champions Buxton Hitmen.

Looking ahead to Wednesday, the Colts promotion have put together a strong team who ran out 60-31 winners in their opening home fixture against Sheffield Prowlers. Star of the show was teenager Jason Garrity who proved why he is one of the hottest properties in speedway after posting a 15 point maximum. The Colts have been inactive since that opening fixture a month ago, several of the Colts riders have been taking on guest bookings so the Islanders will face a tough fixture against the likes of Garrity, Byron Bekker, Adam McKinna, Scott Richardson, Kyle Howarth, Chris Widman and Karl Mason.

Meanwhile the Islanders take a break from team action the following week [Tuesday 3rd May] when Smallbrook hosts the 'New Holmwood Cup.' Promoter Chris Hunt said; "The New Holmwood Cup will be a best Pairs event, we are hopeful of a good field which we are putting together with good entertainment on track."

Promoter Kevin Shepherd added; "We'll be looking for more of the same from the lads, another couple of solid performances will help us see off the Bulls and get a good result in Manchester to get the Islanders some points on the board."

Hunt and Shepherd were particularly pleased with the returns from Lee Smethills who top scored with 13 points and reserve John Resch who weighed in with 9+5 with some very intelligent riding against Sittingbourne. Boding well for the season there were good solid points returns from Paul Starke 8, Rob Smith 7+2 and Brendan Johnson 7+3 with skipper Nick Simmons notching 11+1. The only downside was Tom Hill who was restricted to a second place in his first ride before blowing his engine and bending his forks and diamond in his second ride, he played no further part in the meeting.

Hunt added; "Tom [Hill] was unlucky, hopefully as he has ridden plenty of laps at Belle Vue his luck will change this week, Nick [Simmons] and Lee [Smethills] both have good track knowledge of the Kirkmanshulme Lane track and should be able to help out the rest of the team."


Tuesday Team line ups:

WIGHTLINK ISLANDERS
1 Paul Starke
2 Rob Smith
3 Lee Smethills
4 Brendan Johnson
5 Nick Simmons (C)
6 Tom Hill
7 John Resch
Team managers: Chris Hunt and Kevin Shepherd

BIRMINGHAM BULLS
1 Jack Hargreaves
2 Luke Priest
3 Tim Webster
4 Shane Hazelden
5 Daniel Halsey
6 Aaron Baseby
7 Jamie Pickard
Team manager: Phil Morris

REFEREE: Christina Turnbull

Wednesdays Team line ups: (The Islanders remain as above)

BELLE VUE COLTS
1 Byron Bekker (C)
2 Scott Richardson
3 Kyle Howarth
4 Karl Mason
5 Adam McKinna
6 Chris Widman
7 Jason Garrity
 

ISLANDERS WIN UNTROUBLED OPENER
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Wednesday 20th April 2011
Surprise packets of the night were Smethills making a mockery of his 5.70 starting average, he dropped just two points in five rides bagging a 13 point to top score for the Islanders with reserve John Resch weighing in with a paid 14 point tally.

Wightlink Islanders started off in fine style with Starke and Smith scorching away for an opening heat 5-1 with the visitors Tony Atkin pinned back in third being a constant threat for Smith. Rikki Mullins won the reserves race heat 2, his only points of the evening, while the Islanders pair tucked in for the minor places to maintain the four point lead. Smethills and Brendan Johnson took the spoils in heat 3 which was re-run following two falls by Crusaders James Clement. Aaron Baseby was in second place at the time of the stoppage but was unable to make any impression in the re-run.

Mark Baseby started his evening off with a strong ride to head home Islanders skipper Nick Simmons with John Resch slotted in third place in the first of four consecutive shared heats. Evergreen Atkin pulled well away at the front in heat 5, while Smethills and Johnson settled for the minor places. Mark Baseby took the flag in an uneventful tapes to flag heat 6 while again the Islanders pairing packed in to share the points to maintain their eight point advantage.

Simmons opened his race winning account in heat 7 which was re-run following team mate Hill coming to grief on the first turn second lap. Hill took no further part in the meeting due to blowing his engine and wrecking his forks and diamond. The Islanders extended their lead in heat 8 to twelve points, Smith taking his first win in Islanders colours was backed up by Resch.

Crusaders team manager Mike Corby brought out Mark Baseby in the black and white helmet colour to go for double points with the Crusaders now more than ten points in arrears. Baseby already having two heat wins in the bag flew from the tapes chased all the way by Smethills, Mullins retired at the back after losing his steel shoe while Johnson took the last point.

Great tussle between Aaron Baseby, Smith and Starke, Smith took the initiative from the tapes, with Baseby and Starke tussling for second. Starke passed on the home straight setting after teammate Smith who he overhauled with Baseby just grabbing second place from Smith on the line putting the Islanders 11 points clear, 37-26. Simmons flew from the gate chased hard by Atkin all the way who couldn't find a way past and Resch recovered well from a bad start to take the last point after replacing Hill.

Heat 12 was awarded after Resch piled the pressure onto Mullins who ran second until the last lap, Mullins slid off on the apex of the first and second turns while Smethills was away at the front. With another 5-1 for the Islanders they stretched their lead to 17 points. The 17 point difference once again brought out the black and white helmet colour for the Crusaders, this time Mike Corby elected for Atkin to challenge the Islanders top two Starke and Simmons with his team partner Mark Baseby. After a tight first corner Atkin forges to the front with Baseby turning inside Simmons on the third turn to reduce the Crusaders deficit down to 10 points.

Heat 14 was brought back after an unsatisfactory start with a spectator using a flash camera. Johnson took his first win of the season with Aaron Baseby going round the outside of Resch on the fourth bend. Resch was in for Hill and re-took Baseby on the second bend of the second lap. The race was awarded a 5-1 to the Islanders following two falls from Mullins within half a lap on the fourth and first bends. The nominated heat brought out a very impressive Smethills with his skipper Simmons taking on Crusaders Atkin and Mark Baseby. Smethills initially took the lead with Baseby battling hard from third into second past Simmons and Atkin before setting off after and challenging Smethills for first before his chain came off on the fourth bend third lap. Simmons never gave up and passed Atkin on the final corner to give a final result of a 57-39 home win for the Islanders.

A happy Islanders team manager Chris Hunt said; "I think it was a very good all round team performance, Lee Smethills rode excellent but my rider of the night would be John Resch, paid 14 and I thought he was absolutely excellent, he rode with his head with some very intelligent riding."

Birmingham Bulls managed by Great Britain Under-21 boss Phil Morris are the visitors next Tuesday [26th April], prior to the Islanders first National league fixture the following day in Manchester against the Belle Vue Colts.
 

WIGHTLINK ISLANDERS ON A CRUSADE
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Monday 18th April 2010
Wightlink Islanders season opener is the Pete Redfern Memorial Trophy  tomorrow (Tuesday  19th April) against Sittingbourne Crusaders at Smallbrook Stadium, gates open at 6.00pm - parade at 7.20pm first race at 7.30pm.

Mike Corby manages the Crusaders who include the Baseby brothers, Mark and Aaron who top scored for Mildenhall yesterday (Sunday) along with Dan Berwick, Ricky Mullins and James Clement. Completing the side are Tony Atkin from Stoke Potters and Matt Bates from Newport.

The Islanders took to the Smallbrook track on Saturday afternoon in the clubs press and practice session with all the riders gaining plenty of track time. In the press conference co-promoter Chris Hunt said: "I think these boys are going to be the best team we have had yet to be honest, they've already gelled as a team, they've got a couple of challenges to start with and to get them racing together. All these boys I've got all the confidence in the world in, everyone of these boys can up their averages and we know they're gonna do it this year."

Birmingham Bulls managed by Great Britain Under-21 boss Phil Morris are the visitors next Tuesday (26th April), prior to the Islanders first National league fixture the following day in Manchester against the Belle Vue Colts.

Team line ups:

WIGHTLINK ISLANDERS
1 Paul Starke, 2 Rob Smith, 3 Lee Smethills, 4 Brendan Johnson, 5 Nick Simmons, 6 Tom Hill, 7 John Resch, Team managers: Chris Hunt and Kevin Shepherd

SITTINGBOURNE CRUSADERS
1 Tony Atkin, 2 Matt Bates, 3 James Clement, 4 Aaron Baseby, 5 Mark Baseby, 6 Rikki Mullins, 7 Dan Berwick, Team manager: Mike Corby

REFEREE: Phil Griffen
 

WIGHTLINK ISLANDERS LAUNCH
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Wednesday 13th April 2011
Wightlink Islanders officially launch the start to their season at Saturday's press and practice day (16th April), the team and management will be presented to members of the media, sponsors and supporters at 3.00pm in the Premier Lounge at Smallbrook stadium followed by track practice from around 5.00pm.

Co-promoter Kevin Shepherd said; "Supporters are welcome to come along to press day free of charge, but the meet the riders evening in the Premier Lounge will have a small charge of £2.00 payable on arrival. The evening starts at 7.30pm and there will be plenty of opportunity for supporters to take photographs and talk to the riders during the day and the evening."

The promotion along with a couple of riders will be out promoting the Islanders this Saturday morning, co-promoter Chris Hunt said; "We will be at St Thomas Square in Newport from 10.00am giving out free tickets for kids while we also have several volunteers who will be visiting local shops armed with posters asking shop owners to displaying a poster. Every shop that displays a poster will receive six free adult tickets as a thank you from the club."

The last open practice session took place on Tuesday evening this week at the Ryde track, Islanders Paul Starke, Brendan Johnson and Rob Smith all took part while Coventry Bees Elite League and British International star Edward Kennett was again showing his liking for the circuit. Smith was back in the saddle after taking a year away from the sport is raring to go as the Islanders asset looks forward to a make or break season on the Island.

Smith explained why he took a year out from the sport; "I couldn't afford it at first and I thought that after trying so hard to get into the Premier league and finding that I couldn't get there I needed a break. I knew that I could save some money by taking a break, I could change a few things, do my bikes and get set up and then try again to go as far as I can."

Smith added; "If I don't make the step into Premier league this year then I'm going to pack it all in. It's hard work, I put everything into it, I don't go to work, it's real hard, costly and too expensive for me but I really want to ride, I've been riding for so long."

The Wightlink Islanders opening fixture is the Pete Redfern Memorial Trophy which takes place on Tuesday (19th April) against Sittingbourne Crusaders at Smallbrook. Mike Corby manages the Crusaders and so far can confirm the Baseby brothers, Mark and Aaron along with Dan Berwick and Ricky Mullins.

Hunt said; "The lads have been getting some practice in, Paul [Starke] did well riding for Birmingham Bulls while Brendan [Johnson] suffered mechanical problems, both are looking good around the Island and I'm impressed with Rob [Smith] and how he has been looking in our practice sessions."

Birmingham Bulls managed by Great Britain Under-21 boss Phil Morris are the visitors on Tuesday 26th April, prior to the Islanders first National league fixture the following day in Manchester against the Belle Vue Colts.

Hunt added; "We have several vacancies on our team of track staff this season, anyone who is interested and would like to be considered please call in to Saturday's press and practice session and see Kevin [Shepherd] or myself for further details."

The 2011 Islanders, not in riding order;
Nick Simmons (c), Brendan Johnson, Rob Smith, Lee Smethills, Tom Hill, John Resch, Paul Starke.

Sittingbourne Crusaders, not in riding order;
Mark Baseby, Aaron Baseby, Dan Berwick, Ricky Mullins with three riders to be confirmed.
 

ALL FOUR BACK FOR WIGHTLINK ISLANDERS
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Wednesday 6th April 2011
After finally announcing their full team last week the Wightlink Islanders are now pleased to announce following the Clubs AGM meeting on Monday evening this week it's a case of 'All Four Back', with Brian Ginders (Chairman), Martin Newnham, John Reynolds and Michael Bellman all being re-elected to the board of directors.

The Islanders are also pleased to announce a change to their Wightlink Flyer ticket details following a new tie up with Ryde Taxi's who operate from the stadium. Co-promoter Chris Hunt said; "Wightlink have been a long time supporter and sponsor of the Islanders, with Ryde Taxi's being based at the stadium supporters will enjoy a much improved service and not have to miss the final heat as had previously been the case on many occasions."

The 'Wightlink Flyer' foot passenger ticket is inclusive of return travel on the Wightlink Fastcat from Portsmouth Harbour at 6.15pm or 6.45pm to Ryde Pier which includes; Ferry, Ryde Taxi to Smallbrook Stadium, Stadium entrance to the Wightlink Islanders race meeting and a programme. Supporters are asked to produce their 'Wightlink Flyer ticket' at the 'Ryde Taxi' Pick-up point at Ryde Pier Head and the taxi will take them direct to the stadium. For the return journey 'Ryde Taxis are based at the stadium and will return you to Ryde Pier to catch either the 9.45pm or 10.45pm ferry. Ticket places remain the same as last season at £21.50.

Paul Starke and Islanders team mate Brendan Johnson are in action this week lining up for the Birmingham Bulls at the Perry Barr track against the USA Touring Team on Thursday. The Bulls team will be managed by Great Britain Under-21 boss Phil Morris, who will be bringing a Bulls team to the Island to replace the USA Under 21 fixture on Tuesday 26th April to take on the Islanders.

Tuesday evening saw several of the 2011 Wightlink Islanders blow away the winter cobwebs in the first of two pre season practice sessions at the Ryde track, the second session follows next Tuesday before the Islanders press and practice day on Saturday 16th April. Taking to the track were Paul Starke, Brendan Johnson, John Resch and Rob Smith all putting in a good many laps. Starke and Johnson both tried out the new silencers during the evening which have been brought in this year while Rob Smith returned to track action for the first time in a year. Supporters were treated to the sight of Elite League and British International Edward Kennett blasting around the circuit while several riders chasing team berths also took part in proceedings.

Starke took a last minute Premier League guest booking in South Wales last Sunday scoring one point from three starts for Newport against Somerset wearing the number six race jacket.

The team and management will be presented to members of the media, sponsors and supporters at the clubs press and practice day which starts at 3.00pm in the Premier Lounge at Smallbrook Stadium. The Islanders will then take to the track around 5.00pm and later in the evening there will also be a meet the riders function in the Premier Lounge at Smallbrook Stadium from 7.30pm.

Co-promoter Kevin Shepherd said; "Supporters are welcome to come along to both the practice and press day free of charge but the meet the riders evening will have a small charge of £2.00 payable on arrival. There will be plenty of opportunity for supporters to take photographs and talk to the riders during the day."

Hunt added; "We have several vacancies on our team of track staff this season, anyone who is interested and would like to be considered please call in to next Tuesday's practice session and see Kevin [Shepherd] or myself for further details between 6.00-6.30pm in the pits."
 

INJURY WOE FOR ISLANDER RESCH
Mildenhall Fen Tigers 61 Isle of Wight Islanders 33 (NL)
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Monday 30th May 2011
Wightlink Islanders suffered yet more injury woe on Sunday afternoon in Suffolk with reserve John Resch crashing out of his first ride in heat 2 in the National league fixture against Mildenhall Fen Tigers.

With the news that Chessell will be out of the saddle for a while with fractured coccyx and sternum and with Tom Hill also on the injured list Rikki Mullins was due to be drafted drafted into the number 6 slot for this weekend's fixture. Mullins failed to show after an early morning call informing the club he couldn't make it so Niall Strudwick was drafted in as cover at the last minute.

The Islanders were on a 5-1 in the 1st heat which turned into a 4-2 to the Fen Tigers after Paul Starke fell while lying 2nd on the 4th turn 2nd lap, a revitalised Rob Smith splitting the home pairing of James Brundle who fought his way from the back to take the win passing the Islanders exiting the 4th turn 1st lap in one pass with Aaron Baseby 3rd.

John Resch came off turn 4 in heat 2 picking up grip and was a passenger slamming into the unforgiving safety fence from 3rd place on the 2nd lap. After a lengthy delay with the paramedics treating the young Islander on the track he was transferred to the waiting ambulance and whisked off to Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge where it was revealed be had broken his thigh in two places.

In the re-run Joe Jacobs took the win on his way to a paid maximum from team mate Nick Laurence. A shared heat 3 with Lewis Blackbird winning from Brendan Johnson and Lee Smethills while Daniel Halsey fell while lying 3rd.

Jacobs again took the spoils in heat 4 with Islanders skipper Nick Simmons kept Jack Hargreaves pinned back in 3rd. Blackbird followed with his 2nd win in heat 5 putting the Fen Tigers 10 points up, Halsey was unable to do anything about Rob Smith in 2nd place. Simmons took a tactical ride for double points in the next heat splitting the Fen Tigers Brundle and Baseby keeping the margin to 10.

Hargreaves and Laurence combined for a 5-1 over Johnson and Smethills in heat 7 which prompted the Islanders 2nd tactical ride of the meeting, this time Smith battled hard for 2nd spot behind Jacobs battling through on the inside of the 1st turn 2nd lap which unsettled Baseby who slid off into the fence. The heat was re-run with again Jacobs out front, Smith 2nd from team mate Strudwick.

Halsey took his first win of the night with Simmons sandwiched between him and Blackbird in heat 9 before a series of 5-1's in 4 consecutive heats. 3 for the Fen Tigers and the Islanders managing one in heat 11. Brundle in immaculate form from Baseby sped off in heat 10 for the Fen Tigers with Johnson 3rd, followed by the Islanders Smith and Starke over Laurence after Hargreaves was disqualified for causing Smith to fall 2nd bend 1st lap.

The Fen Tigers hammered home some big points in the remaining 4 heats, Halsey and Jacobs 5-1 over Smethills in heat 12 followed by Brundle and Hargreaves 5-1 over Simmonds and Starke in the next. Johnson split Blackbird and Laurence in heat 14 but the Fen Tigers pair of Blackbird and Jacobs rubbed salt in the wounds in the final heat over Simmons and Smith after Smith hit the tapes and had to take a 15 metre handicap to give a final score of 61-33.

Islanders skipper Nick Simmons said; "When that happens it's horrendous really, John is going to be out for a long time now. To be fair to John he was in pretty good spirits, he knew exactly what he had done, I was sat with him for some time, it's important to have a familiar face to chat to, I wish John all the best. John was someone that we needed, a good reserve and was going really well, it's a big blow today but also for the rest of the season."

"I actually enjoyed riding here today, it's nice to ride with a bit of dirt on the track you can have a bit more of a race and run out wide and not go backwards. Sometimes places with a bit of dirt are tricky to start with but when the dirt has turned over they normally become good race tracks and that was proven the case today."

Islander co-promoter Chris Hunt said; "Saying that we're absolutely devastated is a mild word really, the way we feel at the moment this could be the turning point of our season and not for the good. We don't want to make any rash decisions we've got to look at our options and see who is available for us. John was going so well at reserve for us and I don't think that there is a replacement out there for him, thankfully we don't have any meetings for a couple of weeks."

Brendan Johnson has taken a booking to ride in France this week with Islanders team mates Rob Smith and Paul Starke said; "We all came to Mildenhall with high spirits but when you see your number one crash in heat 1 and your reserve unfortunately in heat 2 suffering a nasty injury, everybody's heads go down a little bit, after that it's kind of hard to build yourself back up again. I scored in each of my rides, scoring over my average, I've got nothing to worry about really, it wasn't a good meeting and wasn't a bad meeting. We're off to France for a few days on Tuesday, 6 man races which is going to be an experience, it's good to get opportunities like this."

Islanders other co-promoter Kevin Shepherd added; "I think the meeting after heat 2 took a secondary effect, obviously John suffered a very, very bad injury. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and what his family are going through at this moment in time. It's the end of his season but the way things are looking the boys put on a good performance considering the circumstances that hit them so early in the meeting."

Islanders injured reserve Tom Hill was helping Rob Smith during the meeting and gave an update on his injured hand; "It's going alright, I've been to hospital twice this week for new dressings, I'm back on Tuesday to have the cast off and another x-ray to see how it's healing. Hopefully it's healing pretty well to be honest, I just have to take it a day at a time and can't rush it but we'll get there eventually. I'd like to aim to be back for our next meeting but who knows."

Hunt added; "John has broken his thigh and is due to have it pinned and plated today, I must thank the boys for the way they all rallied round to help and a special mention for Nick who was superb with John today. Also a big thanks to the Mildenhall promotion for their help throughout and the track paramedics who did a fantastic job."

MEETING DETAILS:

MILDENHALL FEN TIGERS: 61
James Brundle (C) 3, 3, 3, 3, = 12
Aaron Baseby 1, 1, FX, 2', = 4+1
Daniel Halsey F, 1, 3, 3, = 7
Lewis Blackbird 3, 3, 1, 3, 3, = 13
Jack Hargreaves 1, 3, X, 2', = 6+1
Nick Laurence 2', 2', 1, 1, = 6+2
Joe Jacobs 3, 3, 3, 2', 2', = 13+2
Team manager: Robert Henry

ISLE OF WIGHT ISLANDERS: 33
Paul Starke F, 0, 2', 0 = 2+1
Rob Smith 2, 2, 4^, 3, 0 = 11
Lee Smethills 1', 0, 0, 1 = 2+1
Brendan Johnson 2, 1, 1, 2 = 6
Nick Simmons (C) 2, 4^, 2, 1, 1 = 10
Niall Strudwick (G)1, 0, 0, 1', R, F, 0 = 2+1
John Resch FX = 0 withdrawn injured
Team managers: Chris Hunt and Kevin Shepherd

REFEREE: Mick Bates
 

ISLANDERS TO TAME THE TIGERS [NL PREVIEW]
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Friday 27th May 2011
Wightlink Islanders travel to Suffolk this Sunday for their National league fixture against Mildenhall Fen Tigers without recent signing Luke Chessell who crashed out of the Islanders 53-39 win over Belle Vue Colts last Tuesday in heat 7.

With the news that Chessell will be out of the saddle for a while and with Tom Hill also on the injured list Rikki Mullins is drafted into the number 6 slot for this weekend's fixture. Chessell said; "I am gutted, my coccyx and my sternum are both fractured which means I will be out for a minimum of five to six weeks."

With the Fen Tigers back in the league after a disastrous 2010 season which was cut short early, it was feared the doors may not re-open at the Suffolk circuit, but at the eleventh hour a second rescue package was given the green light and a solid side has been assembled this season.

Islanders co-promoter Chris Hunt said; "Looking to Sunday against Mildenhall that is going to be another tough meeting, they are going quite well, it will be nice to go there and keep the meeting really close but I think it's going to be a bit of a tall order to be honest. Joe Jacobs has started to go well for them so it's going to be another tough away match but the boys are capable of coming away with a point from it really."

A solid performance on Tuesday from the Islanders, especially Nick Simmons maximum and a very strong return from Rob Smith against one of the favourites for the league title has certainly helped the mood on the Island following the second injury to an Islanders rider this season.

Islanders co-promoter Kevin Shepherd added; "It will be interesting to see how the lads go on a small tight circuit, if we're going to achieve anything this year then we have to get results or at least get a point on tricky tracks like Mildenhall so we're going there with the aim of coming away with something. We've got a bit more experience in the side now on smaller tracks so we envisage a good tough match against them."

"We've had some bad meetings there in the past, and have also suffered some injuries there. First and foremost we want to come away without any injuries and secondly we want to come away with at least a point for our efforts. Now is the time for the lads to really start coming to the front and showing us what they are capable of. Make no bones about it the boys all know that they have to perform away from home to win anything, we have to get some points on the road."

Sunday's teams line up as follows:

MILDENHALL FEN TIGERS
1. James Brundle ©
2. Aaron Baseby
3. Daniel Halsey
4. Lewis Blackbird
5. Jack Hargreaves
6. Nick Laurence
7. Joe Jacobs
Team manager: Robert Henry

ISLE OF WIGHT ISLANDERS
1. Paul Starke
2. Rob Smith
3. Lee Smethills
4. Brendan Johnson
5. Nick Simmons ©
6. Rikki Mullins (G)
7. John Resch
Team managers: Chris Hunt & Kevin Shepherd
 

SIMMONS SHINES FOR ISLANDERS
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Wednesday 25th May 2011
Wightlink Islanders skipper Nick Simmons sped away to a five ride maximum last night against title favourites Belle Vue Colts at Smallbrook . Maximum man Simmons said; "I enjoyed it tonight, I made some good starts but when I didn't, I also managed to make some good passes and good first turns."

Following the tragic news from Poland at the weekend that Slovenian former Grand Prix star Matej Ferjan was found dead in his van, an impeccable minutes silence was held to pay respect to the rider who lived in Gorzow, Poland and had been racing for Newcastle in the Premier league.

Racing got under way with Paul Starke and Rob Smith taking a heat advantage over Colts Byron Bekker who fought his way from 4th to 2nd place after two false starts for movement at the tapes by the Colts riders.

Young hotshot Jason Garrity make the first of seven appearances taking the win just ahead of John Resch and Luke Chessell sharing the heat. Heat 3 was also shared with Scott Richardson taking a rider replacement ride covering the the injured Kyle Howarth, Lee Smethills and Brendan Johnson took the minor places.

Islanders skipper Nick Simmons flew from the tapes recording the fastest time of the night 69.7 seconds with team mate Resch packing in for second place from the start to put the Islanders into an early 6 point lead with Adam McKinna back in 3rd place.

Smethills raced to the flag in heat 5 chased all the way by Bekker with Richardson 3rd for another shared heat. The Islanders crept ahead with a heat advantage in the next, McKinna splitting Smith and Starke on the line.

Luke Chessell took a heavy fall into the 3rd turn fence on the 2nd lap of heat 7. Meeting referee Mick Posselwhite had no option to disqualify him from the re-run which was again won by Simmons leaving Bekker and Mason trailing after a short delay while the medics attended to Chessell who was withdrawn from the meeting suffering from back pain.

Smith pulled out a cracking ride in heat 8 to head Garrity to the flag who battled hard through to 2nd with Resch 3rd putting the Islanders 10 points up, 29-19 at the halfway stage.

The Colts team managers wasted no time electing for McKinna to take a tactical ride for double points in heat 9. McKinna was out-gated and outfoxed around the first turns with Johnson and Smethills grabbing a welcome maximum heat advantage, Garrity was 3rd after swapping places with Smethills a couple of times while McKinna languished at the back with the Islanders ahead by 14 points.

Not to be outdone Smith and Starke banged in another maximum heat advantage in the following heat over Mason and Widman stretching the lead to 18 points, 39-21. Again tactical ride for Bekker was the order from the Colts managers who grabbed 2nd place behind race winner Simmons and 3rd place team mate Richardson to narrow the Islanders lead by 2 points.

Heat 12 saw Mason elected to take a rider replacement ride with Garrity coming in as a reserve change who held of Smethills to close down the Islanders to 12 points difference. Two shared heats followed, Simmons again taking the flag in heat 13 ahead of Bekker and McKinna after powering between the two Colts on the back straight. Garrity squeezed past on the back straight to head Resch and Johnson in the penultimate heat leaving a 12 point difference between the two sides, 49-37 going into the last heat.

Simmons completed a superb five ride maximum the hard way after Garrity took the lead. Simmons passed Bekker along the back straight on the first lap to move into 3rd and rounded team-mate Smith exiting turn 4 setting off after Garrity. Simmons and Garrity were neck and neck out of turn 4 on the 2nd lap but Simmons had to wait until the next lap to pass Garrity on the home straight to give him his 5th win of the night and a final scoreline of 53-30 to the Islanders in their opening National league fixture of the year.

"It was an awesome result, it will make a few teams take note that the Islanders are a team to be reckoned with. Rob Smith was superb tonight, it was a good all round solid team performance and I just feel sorry for Luke Chessell who is in agony. As for Nick Simmons, well that's the Nick we know."  said Chris Hunt Islanders co-promoter who added "We've got a winning team, we need the supporters to come out and support us, now we've beaten Belle Vue I can't see anyone else beating us, we just need to go and pick up some away points."

Kevin Shepherd Islanders co-promoter said; "They have produced some very good racing tonight, fair play to Belle Vue considering they are missing Kyle Howarth they have put up very tough opposition and it's good to see the boys get off to a good start.

Simmons added; "Belle Vue do have a good team but our place is different for them, I thought beforehand that we should be alright. It was a good solid performance, you need stuff like that and you definitely need good home wins, it gets everyone's confidence up and hopefully we can go and get a result at Mildenhall on Sunday."

Again there will be a break in racing at Smallbrook with challenge fixtures not viable to run at present. Quad racing fills the vacant Tuesday 7th June date. Next for the Wightlink Islanders is an away fixture at Mildenhall in the Suffolk countryside this Sunday 4.30pm start.

There is also a fixture change for the Islanders with their trip to Lakeside being brought forward from Friday 8th July to Friday 17th June against Hackney Hawks which means the two sides meet home and away the same week with the Islanders next home fixture now being Tuesday 14th June.


National League

ISLE OF WIGHT ISLANDERS - [53]
1. Paul Starke 3, 1, 2', 0, = 6+1
2. Rob Smith 1, 3, 3, 3, 1, = 11
3. Lee Smethills 2, 3, 2', 1, = 8+1
4. Brendan Johnson 1', 0, 3, 1', = 5+2
5. Nick Simmons © 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, = 15
6. Luke Chessell 1', FX, = 1+1 withdrawn
7. John Resch 2, 2', 1, 0, 0, 2, = 7+1
Team managers: Chris Hunt & Kevin Shepherd

BELLE VUE COLTS - [39]
1. Byron Bekker © 2, 2, 2, 4^, 2, 0, = 12
2. Scott Richardson R, 3, 1', 0, 1', = 5+2
3. Rider Replacement for Kyle Howarth
4. Karl Mason R, 1', 1, 3, R, = 5+1
5. Adam McKinna 1, 2, 0^, 1', = 4+1
6. Chris Widman 0, 0, 0, = 0
7. Jason Garrity 3, 0, 2, 1, 2', 3, 2, = 13+1
Team managers: Stephen Williams & Graham Goodwin

REFEREE: Mick Posselwhite
 

ISLANDERS TOUGH COLTS TEST
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Monday 23rd May 2011
Wightlink Islanders mouth watering opening league fixture against title favourites Belle Vue Colts takes place at Smallbrook tomorrow [Tuesday 24th]. The Manchester club are steeped in history and one of the most famous clubs in world speedway with such greats as Peter Craven, Chris Morton and Peter Collins wearing their famous race jacket over the years.

Chris Hunt Islanders co-promoter said; "We are in for a big tough match against Belle Vue we need to get three points even though they are without the injured Kyle Howarth with Jason Garrity on fire riding from reserve and able to take a full seven rides. They are one of the strongest teams around and it will be our biggest test of the season so far, our lads all need to click on the night."

After a stop start to the season Wightlink Islanders travel to Mildenhall in the Suffolk countryside this Sunday [4.30pm start] following tomorrows National league clash. Again there will be a break in racing at Smallbrook until the visit of Hackney Hawks on Tuesday 14th June. With challenge fixtures becoming unviable to run at present Quad racing fills the vacant Tuesday 7th June date.

Kevin Shepherd Islanders co-promoter said; "We've got to treat the meeting as anything but easier now that Belle Vue are without Kyle Howarth. It's a massive blow for them, we can't afford to be complacent about it."

There is a fixture change for the Islanders with their trip to Lakeside being brought forward from Friday 8th July to Friday 17th June against Hackney Hawks.

Hunt added; "Supporters have an extra special race before our fixture against King's Lynn, the Bronze helmet match race takes place between the Young Stars new title holder James Cockle against the Islanders Paul Starke on Tuesday 28th June."

National League

ISLE OF WIGHT ISLANDERS
1. Paul Starke
2. Rob Smith
3. Lee Smethills
4. Brendan Johnson
5. Nick Simmons ©
6. Luke Chessell
7. John Resch
Team managers: Chris Hunt & Kevin Shepherd

BELLE VUE COLTS
1. Byron Bekker ©
2. Scott Richardson
3. Rider replacement for Kyle Howarth
4. Karl Mason
5. Adam McKinna
6. Chris Widman
7. Jason Garrity
Team managers: Stephen Williams & Graham Goodwin

REFEREE: Mick Posselwhite
 

ISLANDERS KO CUP PROGRESS
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Tuesday 17th May 2011
Wightlink Islanders were fortunate to claw their way into the next round of the knock ou cup mostly thanks to a first leg 18 point winning margin. Last Saturday they lost the return leg at Queensway Meadows by 13 points which could of been more but for a tactical ride win in heat 7 by Lee Smethills which swung the meeting back in the Islanders favour.

The Welsh side were solid throughout on their own patch, scores were all level after the opening three heats but then the Hornets stepped up a gear with three consecutive 5-1 heat advantages to leave the Islanders trailing by 12 points.

Heat 7 Smethills on a tactical ride for double points outfoxed home favourite Todd Kurtz and with 3rd placed Brendan Johnson 5 points were clawed back. Hornets gained an advantage with Rob Smith splitting Richard Andrews and team mate Tony Young this was followed by three shared heats and a 9 point advantage to the Hornets with 4 heats remaining.

A 5-1 by the Welsh side in heat 12 with Smethills retiring from 2nd place in heat 12 and Andrews passing John Resch for 2nd spot. The Islanders returned the favour in heat 13 with Starke and Jay Herne swapping places for 2nd spot on the 3rd and 4th turns, Kurtz bike packed up on the 3rd lap giving the Islanders a bit of luck, Simmons was all over Herne and just pinched 2nd place on the line for a 5-1 to keep their 2nd round hopes alive.

Hornets 4-2's in the last two heats sealed victory on the day for the Welsh side 53-40 with the Islanders going through 99-90 on aggregate, team manager Chris Hunt said; "I thought we were going out, the lads made heavy work of the meeting at Newport, but at least we have done it on aggregate and we now have to wait and see who we get in the next round. It wasn't a very convincing performance, we were very fortunate, I think the boys thought they had the meeting won before the start and were too complacent, the main thing is we're in the next round but the boys need to up their game."

Co-promoter Kevin Shepherd said; "Lee's tactical ride was the turning point in the meeting, it turned the meeting back towards us. We were a bit complacent we had one or two riders who didn't ride to their potential, if we want to get somewhere then they have to realise that they need to stay focussed at all times." Shepherd added; "We're under no illusions it's going to be a tough night against Belle Vue at home next week, we need to be totally focussed for this one and display the determination that we showed at home against Newport."

After 14 years as a director of Island Speedway Martin Newnham one of the original founders of the club has this week resigned as a director of the club due to his increasing work load and personal commitments.

Chairman Brian Ginders said; "Martin has been involved with speedway and sidecars for most of his life, his knowledge, commitment and time he has devoted over the years has been invaluable to the club," Ginders added "On behalf of the shareholders of Island speedway I would like to thank Martin for everything he has done over the years for the club, his seat on the board will be hard to fill."

Supporters are urged to turn out in force next Tuesday 24th May for the Wightlink Islanders mouth watering opening league fixture against title favourites Belle Vue Colts at Smallbrook. Hunt added; "We are in for a big tough match against Belle Vue with Jason Garrity and Kyle Howarth on fire. They are one of the strongest teams around and it will be our biggest test of the season so far, our lads all need to click on the night."

National League KO Cup (First Round, 2nd Leg)

NEWPORT HORNETS 53 (90)
1. Jay Herne 2', 2', 3, 1, 1, = 9+2
2. Tom Young 3, 3, 1, Ret, = 7
3. James White-Williams F, 3, 1', 3, = 7+1
4. Matt Bates 2, 2', 2, 3, 3, = 12+1
5. Todd Kurtz 3, 2, 3, Ret, = 8
6. David Gough 0, 0, 1, = 1
7. Richard Andrews 2, 2', 0, 3, 2', = 9+2
Team manager: Kevin Brown

ISLE OF WIGHT ISLANDERS 40 (99)
1. Paul Starke 1, 0, 2, 3, 2, = 8
2. Rob Smith 0, 1, 2, 1', = 4+1
3. Lee Smethills 3, 6^, 1', Ret, = 10+1
4. Brendan Johnson 1, 1, 2, 2, = 6
5. Nick Simmons 1, 1, 3, 2', 0, = 7+1
6. Luke Chessell 3, 0, 0, 0, = 3
7. John Resch 1, 0, Ret, 1, = 2
Team manager: Chris Hunt
 

ISLANDERS SWAT HORNETS [NL KOC]
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Tuesday 10th May 2011
Wightlink Islanders won the first leg of the Knock Out Cup first round 56-38 against Newport Hornets last night at Smallbrook Stadium with Brendan Johnson top scoring a very solid performance from his Islanders team mates.

In the opening heat Jay Herne for the Hornets flew from the start to take what was to be his only win of the night pressured by an equally fast starting Paul Starke for the Islanders. Rob Smith retired at the back with bike problems while Tom Young took the last point to give the Hornets a slight advantage. John Resch pulled away at the front in heat 2 taking the flag easily with new signing Luke Chessell in 3rd scores were back level with David Gough in 2nd spot. Heat 3 was re-run, the Islanders make the start and space out after Matt Bates takes Lee Smethills on the inside of turn 4, Johnson was away at the front for his first win.

Todd Kurtz was the pick of the bunch for the visitors storming away very fast out front for the first of four wins in heat 4, scorching round in the fastest time of the night. Simmons and Resch packed in for the minor places to share the points. Johnson forced Herne wide on turn 1 and was never headed in heat 5, although Herne regained momentum to put the young Islander under increasing pressure, Smethills was in a safe 3rd spot putting the Islanders 4 point clear. Kurtz was back out front in heat 6 with another fast time with Starke and Smith tucked in the minor places maintaining the advantage.

The Islanders started off on a 5-1 with Chessell finding himself heading Simmons out of the 2nd turn, Simmons then cut inside his partner on the 3rd turn with Bates following through on the next lap to split the Islanders who moved 6 points ahead. Resch with partner Smith edged the Islanders 8 points ahead in heat 8 after Resch got the better of a fast starting Young cutting inside on the 4th turn. Kurtz again headed off into the distance with the Islanders pair of Johnson and Smethills sharing the points in heat 9 after Smethills had the drop but went too wide. The Islanders hit in with maximum points, Starke and Smith untroubled to take the Islanders 12 points clear in heat 10.

Hornets team manager Kevin Brown introduced Herne for double points in heat 11. Simmons headed Herne off clamping him on the inside while Chessell took 3rd to share the points. A second 5-1 from the Islanders Smethills and Resch in a re-run heat 12 put the Smallbrook team 16 points up. Hornets team manager reacted straight away to bring in Kurtz for double points in the next heat, heat 13. Stake makes a lightening gate to head off Kurtz to the line with Herne back in 3rd and Simmons sliding off on the 3rd turn last lap giving a heat advantage to the Hornets.

The third 5-1 for the Islanders thanks to Johnson and Resch who replaced Chessell in heat 14 gave them an 18 point lead, with Bates 3rd. A share of the points in the final heat with Kurtz signing off in style passing Starke round the outside on the 2nd turn and heading off after Johnson and taking 1st out of the 4th bend to give a meeting result 56-38 to the Islanders.

Hornets team manager Kevin Brown said; "I think the Isle of Wight deserved to win, they are a better allround team, their reserves did well, our reserves wern't good. I think we will get a bit of home advantage on Saturday, hopefully Richard [Andrews] and David [Gough] go better there, I don't think they like the Isle of Wight too much, I think they will go better at home."

Chris Hunt Islanders team manager added; "I think it has been satisfactory for us, this is the amount of points we aimed for at the beginning of the meeting. We needed as many points as we can to take to Newport, it's going to be a different meeting altogether there."

Johnson who was involved in a heavy track crash in Germany at the weekend top scored for the Islanders last night said, "If you let anything get you down you don't get anywhere really which is what I was doing last year, I was letting everything get on top of me, but this year I'm really enjoying my racing, it seems to be coming to me." Johnson added, "Newport are strong around their home track, but I feel we can win at Newport on Saturday, we are a strong team throughout. We got to watch out but if we are all gating and riding well then we can put in an away win and go through to the next stage."

The Islanders return to track action Saturday afternoon in the second leg of the KO Cup against Newport Hornets taking an 18 point lead to South Wales. Supporters are reminded that the start time has been revise with the fixture now starting at 4.00pm. There is no speedway next Tuesday at Smallbrook the next fixture for the Islanders at home is Tuesday 24th May with their first league fixture at home against Belle Vue Colts.

ISLE OF WIGHT ISLANDERS v NEWPORT HORNETS
National League KO Cup (First Round, First Leg) ~ Tuesday 10th May 2011

ISLE OF WIGHT ISLANDERS
1. Paul Starke 2, 2, 3, 3, 1'. = 11+1
2. Rob Smith R, 1', 1, 2', = 4+2
3. Lee Smethills 1, 1, 1', 3 = 6+1
4. Brendan Johnson 3, 3, 2, 3, 2, = 13
5. Nick Simmons 2, 3, 3, F, = 8
6. Luke Chessell 1, 1, 1, = 3
7. John Resch 3, 1', 3, 2', 2', = 11+3
Team manager: Chris Hunt

NEWPORT HORNETS
1. Jay Herne 3, 2, 4^, 1', 0, = 10+1
2. Tom Young 1, R, 2, R, = 3
3. Jamie White-Williams 0, F, R, FX, = 0
4. Matt Bates 2, 2, 1, 1, = 6
5. Todd Kurtz 3, 3, 3, 4^, 3, = 16
6. David Gough 2, 0, 0, 1, = 3
7. Richard Andrews 0, 0, 0, 0, = 0
Team manager: Kevin Brown

REFEREE: Dave Robinson
 

ISLANDERS TACKLE HORNETS [Preview]
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Tuesday 10th May 2011
Wightlink Islanders tackle the Newport Hornets in Knock Out Cup action tonight with Luke Chessell replacing the injured Tom Hill at reserve for the Islanders at Smallbrook Stadium.

Hunt said; "I would like to thank Rob Godfrey at Scunthorpe for his help allowing us to sign Luke Chessell as cover for Tom until he is fit to return to the saddle. All of us on the Island would like to wish Tom a speedy recovery."

Brendan Johnson took a last minute call up to ride in the European Under 19's last Saturday in Germany, he had two second places and two thirds and a nasty fall in his third outing. "I have a sore shoulder and took a big knock to my head again, it was a bit like the crash on the Isle of Wight! One of the Polish riders came underneath me, I was able to get back up the inside of the Polish rider, he picked up grip his bike hit the fence and rebounded back into mine wiping my front wheel out. I went head first onto the ground smashing all my safety gear, snapping my head brace, cracking my helmet, my kevlars were ripped and a lot of things on the bike were broken, but I'm ok."

Hunt added; "We need to push on and take every point we can to take with us to Newport on Saturday for the second leg, they have a good home advantage around Newport and have a strong line up with a very strong top two in Herne and Kurtz."

Johnson said. "We have a solid team and were unlucky not to get any points away from home at Belle Vue, the team spirit is definately there this year and we just need to get some points on the board. Newport are strong but not one of the league favourites, I feel we can get wins home and away against Newport to get into the next round.

Johnson added, "I'm feeling very confident and enjoying my racing again after last season coming back from my injury which I don't like to use as an excuse but I was struggling a bit with motivation but this year I've got my head screwed on, feeling more confident, enjoying my racing, learning a lot and even wanting to be out in the workshop 24/7 again and I've really got the bug back again."

The Islanders return to track action in two weeks on Tuesday 24th May with their first league fixture at home against Belle Vue Colts following the return of this evenings KO Cup fixture against Newport Hornets which has a revised start time of 4.00pm.

ISLE OF WIGHT ISLANDERS
1. Paul Starke
2. Rob Smith
3. Lee Smethills
4. Brendan Johnson
5. Nick Simmons
6. Luke Chessell
7. John Resch
Team managers: Chris Hunt

NEWPORT HORNETS
1. Jay Herne
2. Tom Young
3. James White Williams
4. Matt Bates
5. Todd Kurtz
6. David Gough
7. Richard Andrews
Team managers: Kevin Brown

REFEREE: Dave Robinson
 

NEW HOLMWOOD PAIRS CHAMPIONSHIP - HILL INJURED - REPORT
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Wednesday 4th May 2011
Tuesday evening at Smallbrook Stadium Wightlink Islanders skipper Nick Simmons and pairs partner John Resch clinched the New Holmwood Pairs Championship in the final heat of the evening from second placed pairing of Mark Baseby who was unbeaten in his five rides and his brother Aaron Baseby.

Lee Smethills took the win in heat 1, the first of three wins on the night for the Islander his partner Tom Hill took 3rd while Paul Starke split them. Mark Baseby remarkably still without a team spot won heat 2 in blistering form on his way to an unbeaten 5 rides. His brother and partner Aaron slotted in for 3rd with Rob Smith slotting in between them. Not to be outdone Islanders skipper Nick Simmons raced off for the the win in heat 3 from the second turn, Brendan Johnson grabbed a strong second place with Simmons partner John Resch 3rd.

Maximum points for the Baseby brothers pairing in heat 4 with Mark again showing everyone the fast way round Smallbrook. Aaron had a great tussle with Starke who had to settle for 3rd. The second maximum heat came for Resch and Simmons who battled hard to grab 2nd from Smith and Walter in heat 5.

There was bad news for the Islanders management as reserve Tom Hill lost control exiting the 4th turn and took an awkward fall in heat 6. After medical attention Hill was withdrawn from the meeting and returned to his northern base to visit his local hospital where in the early hours it was revealed that nothing was broken but he has suffered soft tissue damage and deep cuts. He also had a blood clot removed from a finger nail. Hill added; “I’m all bandaged up now but it’s a big relief that nothing is broken.”

In the re-run heat his partner Smethills raced off for the heat win but Johnson and one of last years Islanders Dean Felton took the minor places giving them a heat advantage with the 4,3,2,0 scoring system for the Pairs meeting.

Smith and Walter packed the minor places in heat 7 to take the advantage over race winner Starke in heat 7 while Simmons and Resch took a heat advantage in heat 8 and Smethills out on his own split the pair. Mark Baseby took the win in heat 9, Johnson split the brother pairing.

Starke headed home the Simmons/Resch pairing in heat 10 round the outside of turn 2 and 4, while Smith was unlucky in the next heat retiring from first position allowing Johnson and Felton to take maximum points in heat 11. Heat 12 was awarded by meeting referee Dave Watters following Aaron Baseby's fall 2nd turn 3rd lap, Mark took the win passing Smethills exiting the 4th turn 1st lap.

Heat 13 was re-run due to an unsatisfactory start but in bizzare circumstances after the tapes went up in the re-run riders thought the race was going to be stopped again with a flag marshall holding the red flag out riders looked all around but no red light came on! Johsnon took the initiative and raced away for 1st place with Stoneman 2nd and Felton 3rd but a very unhappy Starke retiring from the race.

Smith and Walter took 2nd and 3rd while Smethills was away at the front in heat 14. The two top pairs were all set to meet each other in the final heat with the Basebys on 23 points and Simmons and Resch one point ahead on 24.

Simmons and Resch just needed 2nd and 3rd places to take victory overall and they duly obliged with Mark Baseby away at the front after taking the lead early on. Simmons while in 2nd place slowed the race down enough for Resch to find a way round Aaron Baseby 4th turn 3rd lap to give the Islanders pair the spoils.

The European Under 19's takes place this Saturday in Germany and has received a late call up into the meeting. "A Polish rider pulled out of the meeting and they gave the place to a British rider to take his place, I was selected to represent my country so I've got to go out there and give it my best," said Johnson who added; "I'm using my normal Isle of Wight kit for this one, my bikes seem really fast at the moment, my confidence is high and I feel really good at the moment."

With receiving the late call up Johnson would like to hear from anyone who may be able to help with any sponsorship for this meeting or indeed the season, "I lost a lot of sponsorship during the winter, I have been struggling as I like to turn up with nice kit, we've struggled to get all the nice kit for the beginning of the season, that's the trouble with not having many sponsors, it would obviously be nice to get a few if that's possible, I've just got to keep plugging away and hope something will come my way," added Johnson.

Prior to Tuesday's meeting taking place the new clerk of the cours at Smallbrook Graham Arnold was presented with the Geoff Dalby Memorial Trophy for his services and contribution to the sport. This was voted for during the winter by the referees and is presented annually.

The Islanders return to track action next Tuesday in the KO Cup against south Wales side Newport Hornets featuring big hitters Todd Kurtz and Jay Herne, gates open 6.00pm, parade 7.20pm with first race at 7.30pm.

NEW HOLMWOOD PAIRS CHAMPIONSHIP
Isle of Wight Pairs ~ Tuesday 3rd May 2011

1. Paul Starke       3, 2, 4, 4, Ret, = 13
    Danny Stoneman    0, 0, 0, 0, 3, = 3      = 16   6th
2. Tom Hill          2, FX, NS, NS, NS, = 2
    Lee Smethills     4, 4, 3, 3, 4, = 18     = 20   4th
3. Mark Baseby       4, 4, 4, 4, 4, = 20
    Aaron Baseby      2, 3, 2, FX, 0, = 7     = 27   2nd
4. Rob Smith         3, 2, 3, Ret, 3, = 11
    Ross Walter       0, 0, 2, 2, 2, = 6      = 17   5th
5. Nick Simmons      4, 3, 4, 3, 3, = 17
    John Resch        2, 4, 2, 2, 2, = 12     = 29   1st
6. Brendan Johnson   3, 3, 3, 4, 4, = 17
    Dean Felton       0, 2, 0, 3, 2, = 7      = 24   3rd

REFEREE: Dave Watters
 

ISLE OF WIGHT ISLANDERS ROUND UP
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Monday 2nd May 2011
Last Wednesday the Wightlink Islanders were beaten in Manchester 50-37 by Belle Vue Colts after keeping within two points during the first half of an incident packed meeting. The Colts edged ahead in heat 9 and pulled further ahead in heat 12 before a heat 14 3-2 finally sealed victory for the Manchester club.

Heat 1 was a shared heat Byron Bekker winning the re-run heat from Islanders pair of Paul Starke and Rob Smith following Scott Richardson's disqualification after causing Starke to fall. Heat two was the start of some bizarre events Jason Garrity running away out from in the re-run and becoming the only finisher with partner Chris Widman retiring on the 3rd lap and John Resch being lapped just before the start line at the end of the third lap, Tom Hill was a faller in the first running colliding with Widman and disqualified from the re-run.

Heat 3 was a shared heat with Kyle Howarth taking his first win of the evening on the way to a paid maximum with Lee Smethills and Brendan Johnson in the minor places and Karl Mason a faller while challenging the Islanders on the 2nd lap. A bizarre heat 4 saw Nick Simmons and John Resch taking a 0-5 after Adam McKinna was left at the tapes after dropping a chain, Garrity retired on the last bend of the 3rd lap. The Colts hit back with Howarth backed up by Mason for a 5-1 over Starke while Smith found the 4th turn a problem and fell on the 3rd lap.

The scores were levelled by the Islanders gaining a heat 6 advantage with Simmons and Hill being split by Bekker. Two races in one with both Hill and Richardson falling on the difficult 2nd turn first lap and remounting with Hill getting the advantage. Garrity was brought in to replace Widman and duly obliged with another win in heat 7, Johnson plugged away for 2nd spot while McKinna fell on the 4th turn 2nd lap from first place and remounted with Smethills grounding to a halt on the 2nd lap. Garrity again took the flag in heat 8 with Smith and Resch packing in the minor places to keep the score within 2 points, 23-21. Howarth and Mason combined again in heat 9 for maximum points for the Colts with Simmons unable to make any headway.

Two shared heats followed; heat 10 was re-run after Bekker fell on the 2nd turn of the first lap causing Smethills to lay his bike down, Garrity won the re-run with Johnson and Smethills taking the minor places. Starke won the following heat keeping McKinna and Widman at bay and a 6 point deficit for the Islanders who were now trailing 34-28. Another 5-1 for the Colts in heat 12 thanks to Howarth and Garrity with Smethills in 3rd put the Colts 10 points up. Simmons came out as a tactical ride in heat 13 which came to an abrupt halt after McKinna fell on the first lap 2nd bend causing Simmons to lay his machine down. Bekker took the flag in the re-run with Simmons charging hard followed by Starke for a 3-5 heat advantage for the Islanders.

Another bizarre heat 14 had two finishers only, the race was awarded to Mason from Resch who fell and remounted first lap first bend. Widman also fell 4th lap 3rd bend and Johnson fell from 2nd place also on the 4th lap on the 4th bend and was duly disqualified as the cause of the stoppage. A final heat 5-1 from Garrity and Howarth with Simmons 3rd gave a final result of 50-37 and 3 league points to the Colts.

Promoter Chris Hunt said; "I thought Nick Simmons was superb and did a great captains job in the pits and helped John Resch really well. Being level on points after six races it was disappointing to come away from the meeting without a point, I think there was a point there for the taking to be honest, but it just wasn't to be at the end of the day."

With the track not in an ideal state for racing following a stock car meeting on Bank holiday Monday both sets of riders found the going tough, Hunt added; "A little bit of a lack of respect of the track, is what I think that caused a lot of the fallers, thankfully everyone is ok and both sets of riders deserve a special mention for getting on with the meeting in difficult conditions."

THIS TUESDAY;
The Wightlink Islanders take a break from team action with The New Holmwood Cup, a Best Pairs meeting taking centre stage. The meeting will be run over 15 heats with gates open 6.00pm, parade 7.20pm with first race at 7.30pm.

LINE UP;
Mark and Aaron Baseby
Nick Simmons and John Resch
Paul Starke and Danny Stoneman
Brendan Johnson and Dean Felton
Tom Hill and Lee Smethills
Rob Smith and Rikki Mullins

REFEREE: Dave Watters
 

ISLANDERS RELEASE SMETHILLS & JOHNSON
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Thursday 30th June 2011
Wightlink Islanders riders Lee Smethills and Brendan Johnson were released earlier today. Johnson was quickly snapped up by Dudley Heathens who ironically visit Smallbrook next Tuesday.

Co-promoter Chris Hunt said; "We would like to wish Lee and Brendan all the best for the future and thank them both for their efforts while riding for the Islanders. Brendan has gone out on load to Dudley to cover for Richard Franklin while he recovers from injury and makes a quick return to us on Tuesday when the Heathens visit us."

Hunt added; "We will be announcing our two new signings hopefully within the next 24 hours once our new declaration has been confirmed by the BSPA."
 

SIMMONS SIZZLES FOR ISLANDERS
ISLE OF WIGHT ISLANDERS - 46 KING'S LYNN YOUNG STARS - 44 (National League)
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Wednesday 29th June 2011
Wightlink Islanders skipper Nick Simmonds again tore through the race card with a 15 point unbeaten haul last night at Smallbrook stadium to pick up meeting sponsors SES Autoparts man of the match award. Simmons in sizzling form around the Smallbrook track made it three maximums in a row much to the joy of an improved attendance for the National league meeting against King's Lynn Young Stars.

The meeting began with a minutes silence to pay respect to Eileen Shepherd, co-promoter Kevin's mother who passed away last April and to Stoke co-promoter John Woolridge who sadly passed away on Monday this week.

The Bronze helmet match race was the first heat on the agenda between holder James Cockle and Islanders challenger Paul Starke. Neck and neck into the first turn, Cockle grabbed the advantage just ahead of Starke who was unable to find a way past the King's Lynn skipper. Cockle said; "It felt good, it's always weary going out in the first race, but Darren Mallet originally had this and I said that I would do my best to keep it for him and so far we have." Talking about his season so far Cockle continued; "I lost my team place at Plymouth through no fault of my own, I upped my average from the start, it's up to them what they do but now I've just got to concentrate for King's Lynn, keep riding and trying to score and keep myself fit."

The young Stars set off in an early lead with heat advantages in the first 3 heats to put them 6 points clear. Kyle Hughes took heat 1 from Starke, Oliver Rayson grabbed heat 2 on the line coming from 4th to 1st, Luke Chessell returning injury just missed out having to settle for 2nd. Jake Knight looked comfortable ahead of Lee Smethills in the 3rd heat.

Up steps Islanders skipper Nick Simmons starting off from where he left off two weeks ago with a storming win over bronze helmet holder Cockle, with Gary Cottham 3rd. Cottham made the gate to be passed by Cockle out of turn 2, Simmons battled his way through the field to challenge Cockle on the last lap forcing his way past Cockle out of turn 4 for the win.

Hughes looking very impressive took the next heat over Smethills. A shared heat 6 with Starke getting revenge over Cockle to keep the difference to 6 points. Simmons bagged his 2nd win of the evening in heat 7 with Chessell 3rd for an Islander heat advantage with Scott Campos splitting the Islanders pair out of the last bend in the re-run heat after an unsatisfactory start.

Lewis Kerr looking a good prospect took heat 8 from Rob Smith while Chessell came in to replace swollen knee victim Cottham who was withdrawn from the meeting. Cockle won heat 9 from Islander pair of Smethills and Brendan Johnson keeping that 6 point advantage for the Young Stars.

Starke and Smith popped in a 5-1 for the Islanders with huge cheers from the crowd bringing them to a 2 point deficit. Simmons again took the flag in heat 11, a shared heat with Hughes and Kerr packing in for the Young Stars. Smethills could only manage to split the visitors in heat 12 with Campos the winner with the visitors again going ahead by 4 points.

Big gun time heat 13 and a cracking race with Simmons banging his 4th win of the night , a battling Hughes was 2nd for the visitors with Starke pegged back in 3rd narrowing the deficit for the Islanders back to 2 points.

Heat 14 saw Johnson make the gate and pick up his only win of the night over the visiting pair to set up a last heat decider. Simmons in sizzling form stormed off to take a five ride superb maximum, Starke packed in for 2nd after a great battle swapping places with Cockle to give the Islanders their second 5-1 of the meeting and to win the meeting by the narrowest of margins 46-44 the only part where the Young Stars were headed all night.

Eileen Shepherd Memorial Trophy winner as selected by members of Eileen's family was Lee Smethills, "I started the season well and each week I've gradually gone down and it started to get into my head is it me, is it this or that? I've spent money on the bike trying to get it back and last resort I had my engine stripped at the weekend and had a major problem with it and I was hoping that was the answer to my problems, tonight I know it definitely was and I feel better and I just want to get my confidence back up. I'm really gutted that I did struggle in important matches, I really want to do well for the Isle of Wight, I love the track and everything, I just felt I'd let the team down, I just want to get my head back up and the team scoring well as a team."

SES Autoparts rider of the night Nick Simmons said; "It feels cool that's 3 in a row now, 15 races without being beaten round here, I kept thinking 10 laps, that's another one and then someone's going to beat me soon but when me and Starky made the start and we were miles ahead it was really hard to concentrate to be honest as I just kept thinking let's just get to the finish line and I've done it!'

With the Islanders generally finding it a very tough season with results and scores very up and down Simmons added; "We're all trying, that's the thing, it's not through lack of effort but when people go through stages, you know I've been through them and you've just got to keep on plugging away and do your best. I can guarantee everybody is trying their hardest, we'll get there."

Co-promoter Chris Hunt said; "It was a very mixed performance again, we've had riders that have been on form and tonight didn't hit form, it seems to be happening to us all the time. It's very, very frustrating for us and makes it very difficult to be able to make changes to strengthen the team, we've just got to look at the figures and see if we can improve anything."

"We're under no illusions that if we perform as we did last night, then against Dudley next week we won't be getting any points so we know we have to do better. Lee plugged away scoring 8 points, Nick was fantastic again tonight, he is just a true captain and on fire at the moment. Paul again is putting in some really good scores at home and it seems that heat 13 and 15 we need Nick and Starky all the time, it's getting a little bit unfair that it's coming down to those two guys all the time, we will just have to see what we can do."

"From a neutral point of view the meeting was really, really good with superb racing King's Lynn put in some really good passing manoeuvres on us as we did to them, but from a promoters point of view it was very hard work tonight."

ISLE OF WIGHT ISLANDERS - 46
1. Paul Starke 2, 3, 3, 1, 2', = 11+1
2. Rob Smith 0, 0, 2, 2', = 4+1
3. Lee Smethills 2, 2, 2, 2, = 8
4. Brendan Johnson 0, 0, 1', 3, = 4+1
5. Nick Simmons © 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, = 15
6. Luke Chessell 2, 1, R, 0, 0, F, = 3
7. Gary Cottham 0, 1, = 1 Withdrawn
Team managers: Chris Hunt & Kevin Shepherd

KING'S LYNN YOUNG STARS - 44
1. Kyle Hughes 3, 3, 2, 2, 1, = 11
2. Lewis Kerr 1, 1, 3, 1', = 6+1
3. Scott Campos 1, 2, 1, 3, = 7
4. Jake Knight 3, R, 0, 1', = 4+1
5. James Cockle © 2, 2, 3, 0, R, = 7
6. Tom Stokes 1, 1', F, 1, = 3+1
7. Oliver Rayson 3, 0, 1, 2, = 6
Team manager: Wayne Dunworth

REFEREE: Christina Turnbull

BRONZE HELMET MATCH RACE: Cockle beats Starke 70.8
 

ISLANDERS IMPROVEMENT DEMANDED AS STARKE GOES FOR BRONZE
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Tuesday 28th June 2011
Wightlink Islanders have been given a stark warning to improve their form rapidly in tonight's National league fixture at Smallbrook against King's Lynn Young Stars. After this meeting new averages will take effect for the Island club which means team places are under pressure. Before the main meeting gets underway supporters will see the current bronze helmet holder King's Lynn's James Cockle tackled by Islanders number one Paul Starke in a one off match race.

Co-promoter Kevin Shepherd said; "We need the lads to have a confidence building meeting tonight against King's Lynn before next Tuesday when we face Dudley. After tonight's meeting we will be sitting down to see if there is enough movement in the averages to strengthen the side."

With Luke Chessell returning from injury tonight at reserve the Islanders promotion have reluctantly decided to release Tom Hill and make him available to go out on loan. Shepherd added; "If any clubs are interested in Tom they can touch base with Chris Hunt or myself. After seven weeks out we are keen for him to get some track time somewhere to regain his racing fitness, we would all like to thank him for his efforts and the door will always remain open for a return should the averages fit at a later date but if he is offered the rest of the season then we wouldn't stand in his way."

Shepherd added; "We want to see a vast improvement from all the riders not only in their home form but their away form as if we are to be able to challenge for anything this year we have to start running teams close on their own patch and not losing meeting by 30 points."

"Lee has assured us over the weekend that he has found the cause of the problems that have been causing him to struggle recently, his engine and piston was very worn and is now raring to go again. He knows himself that he hasn't been scoring or riding well and if things don't resolve then we will look at changing rider to stay competitive as we can't afford to get far behind the top group at the moment because as it is they are all starting to take points on their travels, where as we haven't got anything as yet and we need to start making ground up rapidly."

Meanwhile former Islander favourite Davey Watt holds his Testimonial meeting at Poole Speedway on 31st August. There will be a supporters coach leaving the Island at 8.30am going to Poole for a whole day out and to take in Davey's meeting in the evening. The coach leaves after the meeting to catch the 1.30am ferry back to the Island.  The provisional price is £15.00 for non-supporter's club members and £12.50 for members on production of their card. 

Kay Richardson from the supporters club said; "If people know of old supporters who they think may like to join us then please contact them and they can ring me on 07729 127620 to book."

Tonight's teams line up as follows;

ISLE OF WIGHT ISLANDERS
1. Paul Starke
2. Rob Smith
3. Lee Smethills
4. Brendan Johnson
5. Nick Simmons ©
6. Luke Chessell
7. Gary Cottham
Team managers: Chris Hunt & Kevin Shepherd

KING'S LYNN YOUNG STARS
1. Kyle Hughes
2. Lewis Kerr
3. Scott Campos
4. Jake Knight
5. James Cockle
6. Tom Stokes
7. Oliver Rayson
Captain: Darren Mallett (non riding)
Team manager: Wayne Dunworth

REFEREE: Christina Turnbull
 

HEATHENS HAMMER ISLANDERS
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Wednesday 22nd June 2011
Wightlink Islanders co-promoter Chris Hunt's warning to his side this week that team changes could be made if performances didn't pick up failed to inspire the side who were well and truly beaten by 25 points last night by Dudley Heathens at Monmore Green Stadium Wolverhampton.

Heathens boasting an impressive side scored solidly throughout with the Islanders unable to match them producing only three heat winners on the night around the tight Midlands circuit.

Heat 1 started off badly for the Islanders with Paul Starke falling at the first attempt on turn 1 being excluded from the re-run which team mate Rob Smith headed home favourite Jon Armstrong inflicting his only defeat of the evening.

Latest signing for the Islanders Gary Cottham split the home pair in heat 2 while Brendan Johnson had no answer to Heathens Tom Perry and Ashley Morris in heat 3 with Lee Smethills falling 2nd turn 4th lap causing the heat to be awarded by referee Dave Watters giving the Heathens an early 6 point lead.

Kyle Newman headed home Islanders pair of Nick Simmons and Cottham in heat 4 before three successive 5-1's for the home side were pounded in which included Simmons on a tactical ride in heat 6 unable to get on terms with the Heathens.

With the Islanders now 18 points down after 7 heats Hunt brought in Smith for a tactical ride which produced his second win of the evening pegging back Franklin and Stoneman. Another heat advantage with Simmons splitting the home pair in heat 9 before Armstrong and Franklin hammered in another 5-1 in heat 10 putting the Heathens into a 21 point lead and winning the meeting!

Smith was a faller in heat 11 while team mate Starke managed to split the Heathens. Cottham came in as a reserve change in heat 12 taking the win from team mate Smethills while early leader Perry suffered mechanical failure while initially leading the heat.

Big gun time heat 13 produced another 5-1 for the home side, Armstrong and maximum man Newman keeping the Islanders at bay. A shared heat 14 in the penultimate heat set the Heathens up for their biggest home win with Simmons splitting Armstrong and Franklin in heat 15 to give a final result of a win to the Heathens 59-34.

Co-promoter Kevin Shepherd said; "The boys obviously tried hard, not wishing to pick people out for special mentions but, I thought that Gary Cottham was excellent value for money tonight considering that it's only his second meeting and also Rob Smith to be honest, went out in his black and white and scored well. There a tough old cookie on their home track, I think to be honest we did quite well to come away with what we did."

Co-promoter Chris Hunt said; "We always knew it was going to be tough against Dudley, they are a very good side, some of our lads were very, very disappointing tonight, it's not good enough really. We will have to look at our options and see what's available to us, it wasn't a very good night for the Islanders tonight."

Shepherd added; "We started off the meeting very close, but the middle of the match which has been the thorn in our side recently we lost it and they went away from us. Fair play to the Dudley riders they rode well, it was most our teams first attempt on their track. We have obviously got problems in the engine room of the team at the moment, it's not performing as it should do, and we will take whatever actions we need to take to resolve that problem."

Wightlink Islanders return to action at home to King's Lynn Young Stars next Tuesday (28th June) in National league action at Smallbrook with the Bronze Helmet match race starting proceedings off with Islander Paul Starke taking on current holder James Cockle before heat 1 at 7.30pm.


DUDLEY HEATHENS - 59
1. Jon Armstrong 1', 3, 3, 3, 3, = 13+1
2. Richard Franklin 2, 2', 2, 2', 1, = 9+2
3. Tom Perry 3, 2', 3, R, = 8+1
4. Ashley Morris 2', 3, 1, 3, = 9+1
5. Kyle Newman 3, 3, 3, 2', = 11+1
6. Darryl Ritchings 3, 2', 1, 0, = 6+1
7. Danny Stoneman 1, 0, 1', 1, = 3+1
Team manager: Will Pottinger

ISLE OF WIGHT ISLANDERS - 34
1. Paul Starke FX, 0, 2, 1, = 3
2. Rob Smith 3, 1, 6^, FX, 0, = 10
3. Lee Smethills FX, 0, 0, 2', = 2+1
4. Brendan Johnson 1, 1, 1, 1', = 4+1
5. Nick Simmons 2, 1^, 2, 0, 2, = 7
6. Ross Walter (G) 0, 0, F, = 0
7. Gary Cottham 2, 1', 0, 3, 2, = 8+1
Team manager: Chris Hunt & Kevin Shepherd

REFEREE: Dave Watters
 

ISLANDERS WARNING!
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Tuesday 21st June 2011
Wightlink Islanders co-promoter Chris Hunt has fired a warning to his side this week that team changes could be made if performances don't pick up and bring results. Track success is essential to the Island team out on a limb from the rest of the league, Hunt said; "The season really starts for us now, we're coming up to our busy spell, July and August. The team has really got to start performing, we've not all clicked together so far, they really have to look to doing that or we may have to look into team changes. Next Tuesday will be our third home meeting and our third away is Tonight at Wolverhampton against Dudley, another tough meeting, so if the averages are right and riders are not performing then we have to look to changes to salvage something for the season."

Dudley have been very strong at home and are always good value away from their adopted home at Monmore Green, Islanders skipper Nick Simmons said; "The Dudley meeting tonight at Wolverhampton will be particularly hard, they have a good team, but then again you never know, you look on paper and see every meeting looks difficult but I'll help out as much as I can and try and do my job. It's about all of us doing something, I can't win meetings on my own, I can only win four or five races. We'll give it our best shot and hope we can get something."

After an on-off start to the season, the busy summer spell kicks in next week with holiday makers a big target as well as trying to bring local people away from their armchairs and other activities which is proving to be a hard task this year, Hunt added; "We need to have a successful team on the Island, you can't just go through the motions of also ran's, it's a hard sport and we have to try and keep the public happy. On a positive note two of our injured reserves Tom and Luke had a run out at Sheffield both are making progress with recovery and should be ready for selection shortly."

Following the National league Pairs at Newport last Saturday where the Island pair failed to progress co-promoter Kevin Shepherd said; "It was very disappointing, to be honest we were on the back foot when Rob went through the tapes in opening heat and of course Nick came off and was excluded in the second heat. We were expecting a lot better, fair play to Stoke they proved on the day they were the best pair."

"It was good to see Nick get up and walk away after not moving on the track for a few minutes, it looked like his head jerked or maybe even caught the air fence and bounced back onto the track. The medics checked him over and were happy for him to carry on."

"It was imperative to get out of the gate, although there seemed plenty of dirt on the track there wasn't much overtaking, unfortunately were not a renowned team of gaters apart from when Rob decided to go for first before everyone else and before the tapes moved."

With a lack of fixtures this year in the National league the Island promotion have been suffering through the turnstiles especially in challenge fixtures with worryingly low turnouts. Hunt added; "I hope that there will be more stand alone clubs in the league next year, it's hard to run this league to put on a consistent show with meaningful fixtures for the public week in week out with limited track availability for the track sharing clubs."

Next Tuesday King's Lynn Young Stars are the visitors to Smallbrook in another tough league fixture. To get the meeting underway Young Stars James Cockle defends his Bronze helmet match race title against the Islanders challenger Paul Starke. Hunt finished off by adding; "They will be no easy turnover, Kyle Hughes and James Cockle are both specialists around the Island, add in Scott Campos and Jake Knight and it's going to be tough. We mustn't think it's going to be an easy match, we need all three points, it's time to kick start the season for the Islanders."

Tonight's line up's:

DUDLEY HEATHENS: Jon Armstrong, Richard Franklin, Tom Perry, Ashley Morris, Kyle Newman, Darryl Ritchings, Danny Stoneman.

ISLE OF WIGHT ISLANDERS: Paul Starke, Rob Smith, Lee Smethills, Brendan Johnson, Nick Simmons, Ross Walter, Gary Cotham.


Meanwhile former Islander favourite Davey Watt holds his Testimonial meeting at Poole Speedway on 31st August. There will be a supporters coach leaving the Island at 8.30am going to Poole for a whole day out and to take in Davey's meeting in the evening. The coach leaves after the meeting to catch the 1.30am ferry back to the Island.  The provisional price is £15.00 for non-supporter's club members and £12.50 for members on production of their card. 

Kay Richardson from the supporters club said; "If people know of old supporters who they think may like to join us then please contact them and they can ring me on 07729 127620 to book."
 

HACKNEY MEETING CANCELLED
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Thursday 16th June 2011
Wightlink Islanders away fixture against Hackney Hawks tomorrow evening at the Arena Essex Raceway at Lakeside has been cancelled by the Lakeside promotion due to the track being flooded and a poor forecast for Friday. A restage date has been set for Friday 8th July.

The National League Pairs takes place on Saturday evening with Nick Simmons and Rob Smith representing the Islanders. Adam McKinna comes in as a late replacement for the injured Kyle Howarth for Belle Vue.

Paul Starke Islanders number one was overlooked for the Pairs meeting and said; "I can't blame anybody for the decisions that have been made, you put people in it by performance, basically my performance hasn't been so good due to problems with the electrics on the bikes. All I can do is go and show my potential and talent which is what I did against Hackney to be honest and what I am going to do."

Co-promoter Kevin Shepherd said; "We chose our pair on merit, we could chose two out of our top three, we actually went for our two currently highest in our averages which we felt was the fairest way. We're in a tough group, but anything can happen on the day, but it's a pairs championship so if they get 2nd and 3rd rather than 1st and last you can't possibly lose it."

Islanders skipper a former Newport rider added; "On the day we're in the stronger group, all we can keep doing is obviously try and win first and second in every race but we must avoid running last. We need to be consistent, 1st and 2nd or 1st and 3rd and keep plugging away. Me and Rob have just got to do that, we were lucky enough to be at Newport a few weeks ago, I would imagine the track will be along those lines and if it's not, I've ridden there enough in the past hopefully for me to be able to do something and to help Rob, it might be that Rob needs to help me out, I don't know, all I can guarantee is that me and Rob will do our absolute best, if we do that and win brilliant but if we don't it won't be through lack of effort."
 

ISLANDERS PINCH THE WIN AGAINST HARD FIGHTING HAWKS
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Wednesday 15th June 2011
After a hard fought battle the Wightlink Islanders just squeezed the win over National league rivals Hackney Hawks last night at Smallbrook Stadium 47-43. Going through the card unbeaten by an opponent was the Islanders skipper Nick Simmons with Paul Starke dropping only one point to the opposition.

After an immaculate minutes silence for Jean Resch, John's father who sadly passed away earlier this month heat 1 was underway with a 5-1 from Starke and Rob Smith with former Islander Ben Hopwood retiring from the heat. Hawks young reserve Ben Morley was in impressive form taking heat 2 from Islanders new boy Gary Cottham who had a baptism of fire in his first meeting of the season in a re-run heat due to movement at the start.

Hawks skipper vastly experienced David Mason split the home pairing in heat 3 while Lee Smethills romped away for the win and an uncomfortable looking Brendan Johnson 3rd. Simmons sped away in the fastest time of the night passing Barrie Evans on the back straight just before entering into the 3rd turn. Cottham picked up a 3rd place after a fast start to see the Islanders move into a 6 point lead, 15-9.

Hawks pair of Hopwood and Shane Hazelden both flew from the tapes, Johnson putt Hazelden under increasing pressure while Smethills struggled at the back. Johnson bumped into Hazelden exiting the 4th turn on the 3rd lap which straightened him up and sent him speeding onto the centre green and out of the race.

Two shared heats with Evans taking the flag from Starke and Smith in heat 6. Smith initially lead the heat until Evans produced a cracking pass round the outside, Starke then reeled in Smith to pinch 2nd spot. Next up Simmons left Owen and Mason in his wake in heat 7 with the Islanders now just 2 points ahead, 22-20.

Two heat advantages on the bounce for saw the Hawks take the lead by 2 points for one heat only. Hopwood charged off for a heat 8 win with Smith splitting the Hawks pair to level the scores with Morley 3rd. After an unsatisfactory start where Evans had a flier, referee Ronnie Allan called all four riders back but Evans was away again, Johnson held off Freemantle without a problem while Smethills ground to a halt on the 2nd lap.

Starke and Smith teamed up for a 5-1 to put the Islanders back into the lead after the Hawks brief moment of glory. The heat was re-run after a tapes malfunction.

Simmons headed home Hopwood and Hazelden in a straight forward heat 11. Morley is brought into heat 12 and repay his team managers faith with a win over Smethills while Mason was pegged back in 3rd to put the score back level 36-36.

The Islanders riders were gathered for a team talk while track grading took place, Starke and Simmons shot the Islanders back into the lead fending off the challenge of Evans in heat 13. Hawks quick reply was to again level the score with Owen and Morley showing no Mercy over lone Islander Cottham following Johnson's disqualification after being adjudged to cause Morley to tumble into the 3rd turn on the 1st lap.

The Islanders pair of Starke and Simmons were pumped up for the last heat decider and duly showed their rear tyres to Evans and Hopwood to record a 5-1 last heat win giving a meeting victory by 4 points, 47-43.

Simmons said; "It was hugely disappointing to drop a point tonight but that's speedway, when Belle Vue came down everyone thought that was going to be a tough one but it wasn't, because the tracks are so different you don't know whether their riders will go well or not. The same tonight, I don't really know what has gone wrong for us to be in that situation for it to of become so close. Luckily we got the win and 2 points but unfortunately looking at Friday  to go and get a point as a bonus we're trying to make a point back up for what we have lost tonight."

Co-promoter Shepherd said; "Luke and Tom were hoping to get out last weekend but unfortunately but because of the weather they couldn't manage it, they are both due to go for a spin on Thursday at Sheffield. Once they have done that they will know really themselves as the where they are. John went for his first physiotherapy yesterday, they are very, very pleased with his progress so far."

Simmons added; " We're struggling at reserve and have to keep on digging deep. Gary obviously hasn't had any meetings this year so it's going to take him a bit of time, hopefully he will get better. I'm feeling good, obviously the aim is not to drop any points, the last meeting I got 15 points which was perfect the same again tonight I managed to get the job done. I just feel like I have lots of speed at the moment and that I can ride wherever I want to and that's good."

Meanwhile former Islander favourite Davey Watt holds his Testimonial meeting at Poole Speedway on 30th August. There will be a supporters coach leaving the Island at 8.30am going to Poole for a whole day out and to take in Davey's meeting in the evening. The coach leaves after the meeting to catch the 1.30am ferry back to the Island.  The provisional price is £15.00 for non-supporter's club members and £12.50 for members on production of their card. 

Kay Richardson from the supporters club said; "If people know of old supporters who they think may like to join us then please contact them and they can ring me on 07729 127620 to book."

ISLE OF WIGHT ISLANDERS
1. Paul Starke 2', 2, 3, 3, 3, = 13+1
2. Rob Smith 3, 1', 2, 2', = 8+2
3. Lee Smethills 3, 1, R, 2, = 6
4. Brendan Johnson 1, X, 2, X, = 3
5. Nick Simmons © 3, 3, 3, 2', 2', = 13+2
6. Ross Walter (G) 0, 0, F, = 0
7. Gary Cottham 2, 1, R, 0, 1, = 4
Team managers: Chris Hunt & Kevin Shepherd

HACKNEY HAWKS
1. Shane Hazelden 1, 2', 1', 0, = 4+2
2. Ben Hopwood R, 3, 3, 2, 0, = 8
3. David Mason  © 2, 1', 0, 1, = 4+1
4. Marc Owen 0, 2, 1, 3, = 6
5. Barrie Evans 2, 3, 3, 1, 1, = 10
6. Brandon Freemantle 1, 0, 1, = 2
7. Ben Morley 3, 0, 1, 3, 2', = 9+1
Team manager: John Sampford & Neil Vatcher

REFEREE: Ronnie Allan

LEAGUE POINTS: Islanders 2 Hawks 1
 

ISLANDERS BACK ON TRACK
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Monday 13th June 2011
The Wightlink Islanders return to National league track action Tuesday evening at Smallbrook Stadium against the newly reformed Hackney Hawks in the first of two fixtures between the two sides this week. The return leg take place Friday evening at the Arena Essex Raceway home of Elite league Lakeside Hammers.

Chris Hunt said; "Barrie Evans will be one to watch for in the Hackney side, although they have several riders capable of making our life difficult and scoring well around the Island."

Injury problems suffered by the Islanders reserves in recent weeks left Chris Hunt and Kevin Shepherd scouring the country for two replacement riders. Hunt added; " We have secured the services of Gary Cottham on loan from Rye House as a replacement for John Resch with thanks to Len Silver. The second reserve berth goes to Ross Walter for this week's fixtures. With Tom Hill and Luke Chessell getting ever closer to making their track returns and we will consider our options after Fridays fixture."

Cottham has spent the majority of his career at Rye House and last year he was part of the Weymouth Wildcats set up finishing the season with a 4.24 average. Shepherd said; "Hackney won't be an easy meeting, the boys will be performing for John, Tom and Luke. It's going to be Gary's first meeting this year so he will be a little rusty we are confident that he can do a job."

Meanwhile with the National league Best Pairs taking place at Newport on Saturday 18th June the Islanders pair have been submitted on current form. Hunt added; "We have gone with our current two top averaged riders for the Pairs at Newport on Saturday with Nick Simmons and Rob Smith which we feel this is the fairest way to pick the riders."

Hunt added; "We're looking to take three points at home and look at getting something away from home this week before we face a tough meeting next Tuesday against Dudley Heathens at Wolverhampton, they are a very strong side and this could be our toughest meeting of the year away from home."
The National league semi-final draw of the Knockout Cup will see the Islanders pitched against Mildenhall who demolished Hackney winning both legs convincingly. Sunday 17th July the Fen Tigers host their semi-final leg with the second leg on Tuesday 19th on the Island.

Get well and condolence cards for John Resch can be handed over at the track to Kay Richardson who will send them all off together to the unfortunate Islanders reserve. Hunt added; "Our thoughts are with John Resch and his family following his father's passing, the funeral takes place on Friday which we will be attending before setting off for Lakeside."
Meanwhile former Islander favourite Davey Watt holds his Testimonial meeting at Poole Speedway on 30th August. There will be a supporters coach leaving the Island at 8.30am going to Poole for a whole day out and to take in Davey's meeting in the evening. The coach leaves after the meeting to catch the 1.30am ferry back to the Island.  The provisional price is £15.00 for non-supporter's club members and £12.50 for members on production of their card. 

Kay Richardson from the supporters club said; "If people know of old supporters who they think may like to join us then please contact them and they can ring me on 07729 127620 to book."

ISLE OF WIGHT ISLANDERS
1. Paul Starke
2. Rob Smith
3. Lee Smethills
4. Brendan Johnson
5. Nick Simmons ©
6. Ross Walter (G)
7. Gary Cottham
Team managers: Chris Hunt & Kevin Shepherd

HACKNEY HAWKS
1. Shane Hazelden
2. Ben Hopwood
3. David Mason  ©
4. Marc Owen
5. Barrie Evans
6. Brandon Freemantle
7. Ben Morley
Team manager: John Sampford & Neil Vatcher


NATIONAL LEAGUE KNOCKOUT CUP – SEMI-FINAL DRAW
Stoke v Dudley
Isle of Wight v Mildenhall

ADDITIONAL FIXTURES
17th July Mildenhall 'Fen Tigers' A NLKOC            
19th July Mildenhall 'Fen Tigers' H NLKOC
 

ISLANDERS ROUND UP
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Tuesday 7th June 2011
Following the horrific crash at Mildenhall John Resch was successfully operated on with a titanium rod being inserted the length of his thigh which was broken in two places, it is now a matter of time for recuperation for the young Islander who is back at home recovering.

More tragic news for the young Islander came on 2nd of June, following a short battle with cancer Jean Resch devoted father of John Resch and loving husband of Vivienne, passed away at home. Jean had dedicated the last 6 years to enabling John to be a speedway rider. Mechanicing, supplying his equipment and teaching him how to care for his bikes. Jean was a perfectionist and always wanted to make sure John was turned out immaculately. He was very skilled and talented man and will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.

Everyone from Isle of Wight speedway send their condolences to John and Vivienne at this very difficult time.

With a two week enforced break for the Islanders in-between fixtures last Wednesday saw the trio of Brendan Johnson, Paul Starke and Rob Smith ride in an International open meeting in France. The Islanders didn't disappoint with Starke winning the meeting, Johnson second and Smith in eighth place. "It was a meeting where all the stresses of British league speedway are taken away and it becomes a good hard fun meeting, it's good to get the experience of going over there and having six riders on the start line in one race, it's a great feeling and the track was immaculately done with the meeting well run and a big crowd. The track was on a bit of hill so some parts you go downhill like the home straight and the back straight your going uphill so that was a bit weird, it was bigger and wider than British tracks, it was a good learning curve for British riders to go and ride something big and fast," said Johnson who continued, "I normally try and get in two or three practices a week like as and when like at Rye House for example and I try to get around to Stoke and stuff and stay on a bike."

With the injury problems suffered by the Islanders reserves in recent weeks which has left Hunt and Shepherd scouring the country for two replacement riders. With home and away fixtures against the reformed Hackney Hawks next week Hunt said; "There are not many riders left out there, it's very difficult finding someone let alone two reserves. We have secured the services thanks to Len Silver of Gary Cottham on loan from Rye House. We're looking to take three points at home and look at getting something away from home."

Cottham has spent the majority of his career at Rye House and last year he was part of the Weymouth Wildcats set up finishing the season with a 4.25 average. Cottham comes into the side to replace the injured Resch which leaves the Islanders management a little over three points for the remaining rider.

Shepherd said; "We are struggling to find a second rider, the frightening thing is where are the reserves going to come from next season if we are already struggling to find them part way through this season. We feel for Tom and are relieved that the injuries weren't quite as bad as first thought for John, fortunately the pelvis and the back didn't transpire as injuries on top of his broken thigh, we are relieved for his sake. After the three week break we realise that Hackney won't be an easy meeting, the boys will no doubt be looking forward to getting back on their bikes and that they will be up to performing well for John, Tom and Luke. It's going to be Gary's first meeting this year so he will be a little rusty, although he has ridden on the Island he hasn't ridden regularly over here so it will take him a few rides to get used to it and we are confident that he can do a job."

Johnson added; "I feel we can beat them at home barring any crashes that we seem to be having a lot of recently, if we can steer clear of those then we can get a big home win. I can't see why we can't get an away win if we all ride to our capabilities, Dudley although a strong side beat them last week so hopefully we can win both and boost us up the table a little bit."

Meanwhile with the National league Best Pairs taking place at Newport on Saturday 18th June the Islanders pair have been submitted on current form. Hunt added; "We have gone with our current two top averaged riders for the Pairs at Newport next Saturday with Nick Simmons and Rob Smith which we feel this is the fairest way to pick the riders."

Islanders chairman Brian Ginders is pleased to announce a new addition to the board of directors, Colin Whitlock has been welcomed into the position after supporting, sponsoring and helping riders for a number of years.

The National league semi-final draw of the Knockout Cup will see the Islanders facing the winners of Hackney or Mildenhall, Mildenhall look set to be favourites after winning their home leg 60-32.

HACKNEY HAWKS (from);
Barrie Evans
Ben Morley
David Mason
Ben Hopwood
Marc Owen
Brandon Freemantle
Shane Hazelden
Team manager: John Sampford & Neil Vatcher

ISLE OF WIGHT ISLANDERS
1. Paul Starke
2. Rob Smith
3. Lee Smethills
4. Brendan Johnson
5. Nick Simmons ©
6. Gary Cottham
7. (G) TBC
Team managers: Chris Hunt & Kevin Shepherd

NATIONAL LEAGUE KNOCKOUT CUP – SEMI-FINAL DRAW
Stoke v Dudley
Isle of Wight v Hackney or Mildenhall

NATIONAL LEAGUE PAIRS @ Newport, Saturday 18th June

GROUP A
BELLE VUE (Jason Garrity and Kyle Howarth)
HACKNEY (Barrie Evans and Shane Hazelden)
KING’S LYNN (Jake Knight and Scott Campos)
NEWPORT (Jay Herne and Todd Kurtz)
SCUNTHORPE/SHEFFIELD (Richie Worrall and Steve Worrall)

GROUP B
BUXTON (Adam Allott and Robert Branford)
DUDLEY (Jon Armstrong and Kyle Newman)
ISLE OF WIGHT (Nick Simmons and Rob Smith)
MILDENHALL (Jack Hargreaves and Lewis Blackbird)
STOKE (Simon Lambert and Tim Webster)

BRONZE HELMET
Will be contested by James Cockle (holder) and Paul Starke at the Isle of Wight on Tuesday 28th June.
 

ISLANDERS FOURS MISERY AT LOOMER ROAD
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Sunday 31st July 2011
Wightlink Islanders went out at the first hurdle in last night's National league Four-Team Championship. They were drawn in group A against Hackney, Mildenhall and Dudley where group winners Mildenhall were beaten in the final by Dudley winning their first silverware.

Heat 1 saw Danny Warwick suffer mechanical problems while lying 3rd, he faced similar problems in heat 11 where he gated but pulled up on the final bend of the first lap. Skipper Nick Simmons took a fall while trying to round Mildenhall's Lewis Blackbird ending up disqualified from the re-run heat and was only able to manage a 3rd place in his other ride behind Jon Armstrong and Jack Hargreaves.

Rob Smith was another faller for the Islanders in heat 5 after locking up on the 4th bend of the 2nd lap. Hargreaves was forced to lay his bike down and again the unlucky Islander was disqualified from the re-run heat. His remaining ride brought a 3rd place behind Blackbird and Ben Morley in heat 15.

The rider to put a smile on the faces of team managers Chris Hunt and Kevin Shepherd was Paul Starke who won both his outings. Heat 3 being the first after going under Cameron Heeps out of the 4th turn first lap and his second win came in heat 13 from Richard Franklin, Joe Jacobs and Ben Hopwood.

Meanwhile in group B, Belle Vue ran out winners just piping host club Stoke by 2 points. In the final Dudley ran out winners with 15 points from Belle Vue 12 and third placed Stoke 12 after all riders had completed 2 rides each. The meeting result was called after a short delay due to electrical problems taking the meeting past curfew time.

Islanders co-promoter Shepherd said, "It was good to see Paul back on form after Tuesday, if the two exclusions had gone our way rather than Mildenhall's way then potentially we could of been in the final, the decisions were very dubious. It was a very disappointing night, Danny was in scoring positions when he hit problems which again cost us points."

Sunday afternoon sees a return to South Wales to tackle Newport who beat the Islanders in their KO Cup fixture 53-40 that afternoon but it wasn't enough to see the Hornets through to the next round. The meeting gets underway at 2.30pm with the Islanders unchanged from the side that lost at home against Stoke on Tuesday.

"I'm full of optimism for today at Newport, if Paul carries on the way he started today and Danny can sort out his bike problems then there is no reason why we can't put in a good show and come away with a point at least," concluded Shepherd.


NATIONAL LEAGUE FOUR-TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
Saturday 30th July 2011 @ Stoke Speedway

1st: Dudley Heathens
2nd: Belle Vue Colts
3rd: Stoke Potters
 

WPA OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Saturday 30th July 2011
WPA Health Insurance are sponsoring the first open competition for five years at Smallbrook, the WPA Open Championship is being held on Tuesday 2nd August. WPA are the fourth largest medical specialist insurance company in the UK who have been established for over 100 years.

Along with the Islanders regulars of Warwick, Simmons, Starke, Smith and Saunders King's Lynn Young Stars Lewis Kerr has been booked together with Hackney Hawks duo of revitalised David Mason and promising youngster Marc Owen. Former Islander Dean Felton makes a welcome return with Newport Hornets duo of Jay Herne and Matt Bates joining Stoke Potters Tim Webster to complete the line up.

As a not for profit company they cover, company, self employed, franchises, NHS cash benefits schemes and dental insurance. Supporting the Wightlink Islanders since the clubs foundation WPA appointed representative for over ten years, David Churchill will be trackside with his guests presenting the prize money at the end of the meeting said, "A good competitive field has been booked for a great night of speedway, the heat sponsorship will be donated to the Islands Earl Mountbatten Hospice and matched by WPA."

The riders will be racing for £500 prize money for the top four places after 12 heats, two semi's then the all important final. The prize money from WPA Health Insurance will be £225 for first, £150 for second, £75 for third and £50 for the fourth placed rider.

As part of his UK tour legendary Kiwi, holder of 15 world titles Ivan Mauger visits Smallbrook on Tuesday 16th August. Mauger has published his autobiography, ‘The Will To Win’, this will be on sale ahead of the Islander’s National League match against Sheffield 'Prowlers' that evening. Mauger will also be available to sign his autobiography as well as posing for photographs.

Swede Tony Rickardsson is the only rider in recent times able to equal Mauger's 6 World Championships during the 1960's and 1970's. New Zealander Mauger was also a three-time winner of the World Longtrack Championship and by adding Mauger's FIM Gold medals for victories in World Team and Pairs Championships and it makes Mauger one of the most decorated speedway riders in the sport’s history.


Line up (not in riding order);
Danny Warwick, David Mason, Nick Simmons, Tim Webster, Paul Starke, Rob Smith, Lewis Kerr, Jay Herne, Matt Bates, Marc Owen, Charlie Saunders, Dean Felton and meeting reserve Ross Walter.


Several fixture changes have been forced on the Islanders promotion following the bad weather the last few weeks wrecking havoc all around the sport. The list below confirms the remainder of the season bar the away league fixture at Buxton with that date still to be confirmed.

FIXTURE UPDATES
7th August - Buxton 'Hitmen' - A - NL (CANCELLED)
11th August - Sheffield 'Prowlers' - A - NL (CANCELLED)
16th August - Sheffield 'Prowlers' - H - NL (CANCELLED)
16th August - Mildenhall 'Fen Tigers' - H - NL (INSERT)
18th August - Sheffield 'Prowlers' - A - NL (INSERT)
28th August - Mildenhall 'Fen Tigers' - A - NLKOC (INSERT)
6th September - Mildenhall 'Fen Tigers' - H - NL (CANCELLED)
6th September - Sheffield 'Prowlers' - H - NL (INSERT)
13th September - Mildenhall 'Fen Tigers' - H - NLKOC (INSERT)
 

ISLANDERS FOURS AND HORNETS TASK
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Saturday 30th July 2011
Wightlink Islanders head off to Stoke for tonight's National league Four-Team Championship. They have been drawn in group A against Hackney, Mildenhall and Dudley while group B consists of hosts Stoke, Buxton, Belle Vue and Newport.

It's sure to be a tough meeting at the Loomer Road circuit for the Islanders who are keen to put on a good show after a below par season so far. The meeting gets underway at 7.00pm following the parade of riders at 6.45pm.

Sunday afternoon sees a return to South Wales to tackle Newport who beat the Islanders in their KO Cup fixture 53-40 that afternoon but it wasn't enough to see the Hornets through to the next round. The meeting gets underway at 2.30pm with the Islanders unchanged from the side that lost at home against Stoke on Tuesday.

The Hornets however parade new signings Steve Jones who returns to the sport after a three year break and Brendan Johnson who started the year out as an Islander before moving to Dudley. Johnson was released by Dudley following Richard Franklins return from injury and linked up quickly with the Hornets who are resting Tom Young and David Gough is on the injured list.

Sunday's Teams from;

Newport Hornets: Richard Andrews: Matt Bates, Jay Herne (capt), Brendan Johnson, Steve Jones, Todd Kurtz, James White-Williams.

Isle of Wight Islanders: Luke Chessell, Gary Cotham, Charlie Saunders, Nick Simmons, Rob Smith, Paul Starke, Danny Warwick. Tapes up 2.30pm.


Team and rider line-ups for the Corbettsports.com National League Fours Championship at Stoke;

Group A
Hackney: David Mason, Ben Morley, Ben Hopwood, Marc Owen
Isle of Wight: Nick Simmons, Danny Warwick, Paul Starke, Rob Smith
Mildenhall: Jack Hargreaves, Lewis Blackbird, Daniel Halsey, Cameron Heeps
Dudley: Richard Franklin, Ashley Morris, Adam Roynon, Jon Armstrong

Group B
Stoke: Simon Lambert, Tim Webster, Tony Atkin, Jaimie Pickard
Buxton: Luke Priest, Adam Allott, Ben Taylor, Robert Branford
Belle Vue: Byron Bekker, Adam McKinna, Jason Garrity, Karl Mason
Newport: Jay Herne, Steven Jones, Brendan Johnson, Matt Bates
 

ISLANDERS TOPPLED BY POTTERS
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Saturday 30th July 2011
Wightlink Islanders suffered a home defeat at the hands of Stoke Potters on Tuesday evening putting a serious dent into any chance of a play off place for the league with the Potters winning by 6 points, 42-48.

Again Islanders skipper Nick Simmons was in excellent form with a 13 point return and Danny Warwick back on the pace with a 9 point haul after his late start to the season. For the Potters Simon Lambert became the National leagues fasters man around Smallbrook by taking the National league track record to 66.6 seconds from previous holder Simmons time of 67.7 set two years ago, although Lambert was still a way off Jason Bunyan's all time track record of 66.3 set while the Islanders were in the Premier league.

Lambert also had solid support from Tim Webster and Tony Atkin and solid scores throughout bar Ben Reade at reserve who failed to score.

It was a very disappointing night at the races for the Islanders with Paul Starke being forced out of the meeting after bending the frame of his only bike. Starke is possibly facing up to pulling out of the sport for a while to regroup due to lack of finance to invest into replacement machinery. He recently wrecked a complete machine bar the engine in an horrific crash at King's Lynn and now after damaging his bike on Tuesday faces an uphill struggle to keep going for the Islanders.

Starke said, "My engines are fast but it's all the other equipment that is the problem for me at the moment. I have 4 frames that have all been bent, 3 pairs of forks that are no good although I have 2 other sets of forks but they won't last much longer. Financially I just can't afford to go on, another £1500 worth of damage to the bike has really hit me hard. I can't ask people to give me large amounts of money but any small offers would be really appreciated, every little bit really does add up and help."

Any offers of help can be forwarded to the Islanders press officer who will be pleased to put them in contact with Starke, his details can be found on the Islanders official website www.iowislanders.co

Starke concluded, "Any kind of help even so much per point scored, or for oil or fuel, maybe even a tyre all helps, I put everything I earn back into my bikes and engine bills as it's not cheap to run in this sport. Even a number one in the National league isn't making much once all the bills have been covered, I keep dipping into my dad's pocket all the time and he just can't afford to keep helping me to the extent he is at present."

Steady scores from Rob Smith, Luke Chessell and Gary Cottham and a little bit of over enthusiasm from Charlie Saunders making his proper home debut were just not quite enough for the Islanders in front of a packed Smallbrook stadium.

Islanders co-promoter Hunt said, "We knew it was going to be tough, it was just another frustrating evening for us. The boys ended up with 4 bikes between them, I'm a little bit lost for words but we have just got to bounce back from this and not be on too much of a downer really."

With Saunders making his proper debut, after not riding a speedway bike for a couple of years while concentrating on Grasstrack, Hunt added, "I think Charlie is going to be really good, he's very brave and after a few meeting he will be scoring lots of points for us."

Warwick looked much more comfortable back at Smallbrook boosting his confidence with a couple of race wins after a tough start to his season with everyone else getting a few months head start. "We knew it would take Danny a few weeks to get going so we are pleased that he is back doing what we know he can do," concluded Hunt.

Tuesdays Details:

ISLE OF WIGHT 'ISLANDERS' 42
1. Nick Simmons © 2, 3, 2, 3, 3, = 13
2. Gary Cottham 1', 2', 2, R, = 5+2
3. Danny Warwick 3, 1, 2, 3, 0, = 9
4. Rob Smith 0, 3, 1', 3, = 7+1
5. Paul Starke FX, R, = 0 Withdrawn
6. Charlie Saunders 2, 1, FX, F, = 3
7. Luke Chessell 1', 2, 0, 1, 1, = 5+1
Team managers: Chris Hunt and Kevin Shepherd

STOKE 'POTTERS' 48
1. Simon Lambert 3, 2, 2', 1', 2, = 10+2
2. James Sarjeant 0, F, 3, 3, = 6
3. Tony Atkin © 1', 3, 3, 2, = 9+1
4. Jaimie Pickard 2, 2', 1, 1', = 6+2
5. Tim Webster 3, 1, 3, 2, 1', = 10+1
6. Ben Reade 0, 0, 0, 0, = 0
7. Gareth Isherwood 3, 1, 1, 2, = 7
Team manager: Malcolm Vasey

REFEREE: Barbara Horley
 

ISLANDERS TACKLE POTTERS
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Sunday 24th July 2011
Wightlink Islanders take to the track hoping for better weather than has greeted them for their last two Smallbrook fixtures. Stoke Potters are the visitors on Tuesday this week to the Ryde circuit at 7.30pm in National League action.

The Potters are just above the Islanders in the league table with 13 points and two fixtures in hand to the Islanders 7 points. Another must win fixture for the Islanders who will be glad to welcome Paul Starke back following the horrific accident in the recent league fixture against King's Lynn Young Stars in Norfolk which left Starke only able to run one bike after writing off all bar the engine in the crash. Starke also aggravated his shoulder in last week's wash out but turned out in the first round of the World Under 21 Championship on Sunday at Poole as a reserve. Starke was given four rides scoring 3 points back on the pace.

Following Tuesday evenings fixture the Islanders take their place in the National League Fours competition on Saturday at Stoke and on Sunday the team visit South Wales to tackle Newport in league action.

Back in May the Islanders went down 53-40 in KO Cup action so will be hoping for a better performance. The Hornets have made a couple of team changes with former Islander Brendan Johnson and Steven Jones replacing David Gough and Tom Young this week.

Islanders co-promoter Chris Hunt said, "The fixtures against Stoke and Newport are going to be tough hopefully the boys will be fit so we can give both teams a run for their money."

Tuesdays Team news:

ISLE OF WIGHT 'ISLANDERS'
1. Nick Simmons ©
2. Gary Cottham
3. Danny Warwick
4. Rob Smith
5. Paul Starke
6. Charlie Saunders
7. Luke Chessell
Team managers: Chris Hunt and Kevin Shepherd

STOKE 'POTTERS'
1. Simon Lambert
2. James Sarjeant
3. Tony Atkin ©
4. Jaimie Pickard
5. Tim Webster
6. Ben Reade
7. Gareth Isherwood
Team manager: Malcolm Vasey

REFEREE: Barbara Horley
 

WPA OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Sunday 24th July 2011
WPA Health Insurance are sponsoring the first open competition for five years at Smallbrook, the WPA Open Championship is being held on Tuesday 2nd August. WPA are the fourth largest medical specialist insurance company in the UK who have been established for over 100 years.

Along with the Islanders regulars of Warwick, Simmons, Starke, Smith and Saunders King's Lynn Young Stars Lewis Kerr has been booked together with Hackney Hawks duo of revitalised David Mason and promising youngster Marc Owen. Former Islander Dean Felton makes a welcome return with Newport Hornets duo of Jay Herne and Matt Bates joining Stoke Potters Tim Webster to complete the line up.

As a not for profit company they cover, company, self employed, franchises, NHS cash benefits schemes and dental insurance. Supporting the Wightlink Islanders since the clubs foundation WPA appointed representative for over ten years, David Churchill will be trackside with his guests presenting the prize money at the end of the meeting said, "A good competitive field has been booked for a great night of speedway, the heat sponsorship will be donated to the Islands Earl Mountbatten Hospice and matched by WPA."

The riders will be racing for £500 prize money for the top four places after 12 heats, two semi's then the all important final. The prize money from WPA Health Insurance will be £225 for first, £150 for second, £75 for third and £50 for the fourth placed rider.

Line up (not in riding order);
Danny Warwick, David Mason, Nick Simmons, Tim Webster, Paul Starke, Rob Smith, Lewis Kerr, Jay Herne, Matt Bates, Marc Owen, Charlie Saunders, Dean Felton and meeting reserve Ross Walter.
 

ISLE OF WIGHT 'ISLANDERS' 9 MILDENHALL 'FEN TIGERS' 21
National League KO Cup Semi-Final 1st Leg ~ Tuesday 19th July 2011
MEETING ABANDONED - RESULT DOES NOT STAND
The rain was again the winner at Smallbrook on Tuesday with the track becoming more dangerous as the rain continued. With no real racing after the first two turns due to visibility referee Tony Steele consulted both sets of team managers and skippers and called the meeting off after heat 5 with the Fen Tigers in a healthy lead 9-21.

Gary Cottham back in the side after a workshop accident gated in heat 1 but Lewis Blackbird passed him out of the 2nd bend and Simmons passed up the inside out of turn 4 while at the back Mark Baseby forced his way past Cottham to share the heat.

Fen Tigers new boy Cameron Heeps 16 in October led from the start from Islanders new reserve Charlie Saunders with Aaron Baseby getting the better of Luke Chessell to give the Fen Tigers the edge.

Heat 3 was re-run following Rob Smith sliding off and Daniel Halsey laying down to avoid a collision, Smith was excluded from the re-run which Halsey won from his partner Jacobs with Warwick at the back filled in trying to clear his goggles along the home straight!

Jack Hargreaves gates into the lead, Islanders in the minor places until Paul Starke is passed by Heeps exiting the 4th turn 2nd lap with the rain returning. Chessell held onto 2nd for the Islanders with Heeps no far behind.

The final heat of the evening before meeting referee Tony Steele called a halt to proceedings was won by Blackbird taking the lead from Smith round the outside of the 2nd turn, Mark Baseby then passes Smith round the outside of turn 4 on the second lap while Warwick retired.

Hunt added, "The track was wet to start with, the last shower just finished it off with the water too far into the track and there was no way it was going to dry out, it just wasn't safe, the riders couldn't see where they were going. The referee made the right decision, some riders were happy to carry on but it wasn't the right thing to do for safety reasons." Hunt continued, "On a positive note Charlie looked really promising after not being on a speedway bike for two years, he was on the pace and did well in his only ride."


ISLE OF WIGHT 'ISLANDERS' 9
1. Nick Simmons 3,
2. Gary Cottham 0,
3. Danny Warwick 1, R,
4. Rob Smith FX, 1,
5. Paul Starke R, Withdrawn
6. Charlie Saunders 2,
7. Luke Chessell 0, 2,
Team Managers: Chris Hunt & Kevin Shepherd

MILDENHALL 'FEN TIGERS' 21
1. Lewis Blackbird 2, 3,
2. Mark Baseby 1', 2',
3. Daniel Halsey 3,
4. Joe Jacobs 2',
5. Jack Hargreaves 3
6. Aaron Baseby 1,
7. Cameron Heeps 3, 1,
Team Manager: Robert Henry

REFEREE: Tony Steele

GATE POSITIONS: Islanders won the coin toss and took gates 2 & 4 in Heat 1

HEAT DETAILS:
Heat 1: Simmons, Blackbird, M Baseby, Cottham, 69.6 (3-3) 3-3
Heat 2: Heeps, Saunders, A Baseby, Chessell, 71.8 (2-4) 5-7
Heat 3: (re-run); Halsey, Jacobs, Warwick, Smith (FX), 72.5 (1-5) 6-12
Heat 4: Hargreaves, Chessell, Heeps, Starke (Ret), 72.9 (2-4) 8-16
Heat 5: Blackbird, Baseby, Smith, Warwick (Ret), 73.5 (1-5) 9-21


As part of his UK tour legendary Kiwi, holder of 15 world titles Ivan Mauger visits Smallbrook on Tuesday 16th August. Mauger has published his autobiography, ‘The Will To Win’, this will be on sale ahead of the Islander’s National League match against Sheffield 'Prowlers' that evening. Mauger will also be available to sign his autobiography as well as posing for photographs.

Swede Tony Rickardsson is the only rider in recent times able to equal Mauger's 6 World Championships during the 1960's and 1970's. New Zealander Mauger was also a three-time winner of the World Longtrack Championship and by adding Mauger's FIM Gold medals for victories in World Team and Pairs Championships and it makes Mauger one of the most decorated speedway riders in the sport’s history.

Following the atrocious weather sweeping the country this summer Dudley Heathens will be making a return to the Island on Thursday 1st September for the re-arranged National league fixture, a new date for Mildenhall Fen Tigers home and away has still to be agreed.
 

ISLANDERS TARGET KO CUP SEMI-FINAL LEAD
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Monday 18th July 2011
Wightlink Islanders take to the track at Smallbrook at 7.30pm in the National League KO Cup Semi-Final against Mildenhall 'Fen Tigers' tomorrow (Tuesday) evening. This becomes the first leg after Sunday's original first leg at West Row was washed out due to the rain affecting the country this weekend. A new date has yet to be agreed between the two clubs.

Both sides have made team changes since the Islanders were beaten 61-33 a few weeks ago at West Row. The visitors now include track specialist Mark Baseby and hot prospect from Australia Cameron Heeps just 15 years of age who has already knocked in some fine points returns from the reserve berth.

The Islanders are aiming for a good home win against one of the fancied sides in this year's National league with the winners over two legs meeting Stoke 'Potters' in the final. They will be back to full strength with Paul Starke returning after injury at King's Lynn last Wednesday and Gary Cottham after a workshop injury to his hand. Also there will be the debut of new reserve Charlie Saunders for the Islanders supporters to look forward to before the Islanders take a break after Tuesdays meeting until the following week when Stoke are the visitors.

As part of his UK tour holder of 15 world titles Ivan Mauger visits Smallbrook on Tuesday 16th August where supporters will be able to purchase his autobiography and have it signed by the man himself. There will also be photo opportunities during the evening with Ivan as well.

Meanwhile skipper Nick Simmons who came away from Norfolk last week as the new holder of the Bronze Helmet after beating Young Stars James Cockle will make his first defence of the match race title on Tuesday 9th August against Adam Allott from Buxton 'Hitmen' before that evenings National league meeting.

The line-up for the WPA Open Championship on Tuesday 2nd August is starting to take shape with some top names invited, more will be revealed in due course.


Tuesdays Team news:

ISLE OF WIGHT 'ISLANDERS'
1. Nick Simmons ©
2. Gary Cottham
3. Danny Warwick
4. Rob Smith
5. Paul Starke
6. Charlie Saunders
7. Luke Chessell
Team managers: Chris Hunt and Kevin Shepherd

MILDENHALL 'FEN TIGERS'
1. Lewis Blackbird
2. Mark Baseby
3. Daniel Halsey
4. Joe Jacobs
5. Jack Hargreaves ©
6. Aaron Baseby
7. Cameron Heeps
Team manager: Robert Henry

REFEREE: Tony Steele
 

ISLANDERS KO CUP SEMI-FINAL WASHED OUT
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Sunday 17th July 2011
Wightlink Islanders National League Semi-Final KO Cup meeting due to take place against Mildenhall 'Fen Tigers' this afternoon has been postponed due to a waterlogged track at West Row. A restaging date will be advised in due course.

The Islanders are now due to host what will now become the first leg this Tuesday evening at Smallbrook at 7.30pm.
 

STARKE LATEST INJURY WORRY FOR ISLANDERS AS SIMMONS WINS BRONZE
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Thursday 14th July 2011
Wightlink Islanders travelled to Norfolk with high hopes which were again shattered by a frightening crash in heat 4 and a heavy defeat Wednesday evening going down 61-31 to the King’s Lynn Young Stars at Saddlebow Road. Islanders skipper Nick Simmons started the evening off with a stunning ride to become the new Bronze Helmet Match Race Champion at his first attempt by defeating holder James Cockle.

Simmons then came out in heat 1 and carrying on from where he left off with a win over Tom Stokes and Oliver Rayson. Stokes came in to replace Kyle Hughes who was excluded under the two minute allowance rule, while Islanders reserves took it in turns to touch the starting tapes. Chessell started from the 15 metre handicap after another tapes infringement in heat 2 and fought his way back to 2nd spot behind race winner Stokes. Laurence picked up 3rd after Nielsen took a fall on the last turn from 1st place.

Such was the Young Stars dominance over the meeting with 5-1's in 7 heats which started off in heat 3, Jake Knight and Scott Campos combining over Danny Warwick who lead the race early on. Then came a frightening crash in heat 4 where Paul Starke didn’t even manage to complete a lap. After picking up grip exiting the 4th turn 1st lap he lost control and careered into race leader Cockle. Both riders took very heavy falls while Starkes bike somersaulted along the track leaving Young Stars reserve Stefan Nielsen nowhere to go. Three riders down in a matter of seconds resulted in a lengthy delay.

Cockle and Nielsen were able to take their place in the re-run heat while Starke received medical attention before withdrawing from the meeting with suspected rib and shoulder injuries. Nielsen and Cockle kept Chessell well back in the re-run heat.

Simmons was again in terrific form for a share of the points in heat 5 but Rayson and Hughes were well away for another 5-1 in heat 6. With the Islanders now 12 points down Kevin Shepherd brought in Warwick as a tactical ride for double points. Warwick suffered bike problems after an encouraging start which allowed the Young Stars pair of Stokes and Cockle to pound in another 5-1.

Smith was out in heat 8 taking a rider replacement ride managing to split an impressive Rayson and Nielsen with the Young Stars ahead 33-15 at the half way stage. The Islanders went with one rider only in heat 9 with the inevitable 5-1 from Knight and Campos being followed by a Hughes and Rayson 5-1 over Warwick in the 10th who again started off well but couldn't hold off Rayson as they crossed the line, 43-17.

Simmons came out in the black and white going for double points in the 11th splitting Cockle and Stokes to share the points but Laurence hit the tapes again in heat 12 and took the handicap. Campos and Nielsen took the honours from Laurence after Warwick pulled up from an early 2nd place with bike problems on the last lap.

The last three races were all shared heats with the Islanders due of Simmons taking heat 13 from the start from Hughes and Cockle. Smith took the lead from the off winning heat 14 from Knight and Stokes. Simmons completed a good nights work in heat 15 taking the flag from Rayson and Cockle who battled past Smith for the minor places.

Simmons said, "It felt brilliant out there tonight, I always enjoy it here but I normally enjoy it at the end of the meeting and wish I could start the meeting again. The Bronze helmet was cool, right from the first lap I really felt in the mood and that the track was going to give me something to race on. Now I'm disappointed that I dropped a point by half a bike but that's how it goes. If you had said before the meeting that I would get 14 or 16 with the double points and the Bronze helmet I'd of took it."

"Being a rider short using rider replacement and no number 8 we were in a difficult position again, changes are made to improve it then it kind of falls apart around us barley before we've done anything with it. It's disappointing to lose Paul, we have Mildenhall on Sunday and if you go there with half a team you don't have much of a chance," added Simmons.

Co-promoter Kevin Shepherd said, "After losing Paul in his first ride and operating rider replacement, the skipper lead by example, we came away with a reasonable score given the circumstance and had it not been for Danny's bike problems we could of had a very respectable score. We realised it wasn't going to be our night right from heat 1 when our two reserves trying to match each other getting excluded for tapes offences. Many congratulations to Nick for winning the Bronze helmet from everyone at the club, he is riding superb and showing the rest of the boys how it should be done."

After visiting his local hospital Starkes diagnosis is a couple of cracked ribs which rule him out of Friday night's guest booking for Hackney and the Islanders fixture on Sunday at Mildenhall although he is hopeful of making a return next Tuesday at Smallbrook. In between times he has a great deal of work to do rebuilding a complete bike after totalling his machine apart from the engine so again another Islanders rider face a hefty repair bill.


KING'S LYNN 'YOUNG STARS' 61 ISLE OF WIGHT ISLANDERS 31
National League ~ Wednesday 13th July 2011

KING'S LYNN 'YOUNG STARS' 61
1. Kyle Hughes XM, 2', 3, 2, = 7+1
2. Oliver Rayson 1', 3, 3, 2', 2, = 11+2
3. Scott Campos 2', 1', 2', 3, = 8+3
4. Jake Knight 3, 2, 3, 2, = 10
5. James Cockle 2', 2', 3, 1', 1', = 9+4
6. Tom Stokes 2, 3, 3, 1, 1', = 10+1
7. Stefan Nielsen F, 3, 1, 2', = 6+1
Team manager: Dale Allitt

ISLE OF WIGHT 'ISLANDERS' 31
1. Nick Simmons 3, 3, 4^, 3, 3, = 16
2. Gary Cottham R/R
3. Danny Warwick 1, 0^, 1, R, = 2
4. Rob Smith 0, 1, 2, 0, 3, 0, = 6
5. Paul Starke FX, Withdrawn = 0
6. Nick Laurence (G) XT, 1', 0, 0, 1, 1, 0, = 3+1
7. Luke Chessell XT, 2, 1, 1, F, 0, R, = 4
Team managers: Chris Hunt & Kevin Shepherd

REFEREE: Mick Bates

BRONZE HELMET MATCH RACE:
Simmons, Cockle, 62.67


Islanders head for Suffolk in National League knock-out cup semi-final action Sunday afternoon 4.30pm where the rider replacement option will be used to cover for Starke. Former Fen Tiger Gary Cottham makes his return to the Islanders side while Nick Laurence continues covering at reserve.

T2TV will be covering Sunday afternoon's fixture against Mildenhall with footage and interviews available on DVD from the T2TV website, meanwhile local TV will be showing a report from the meeting on Monday evening around 6.15pm supplied by T2TV.


Sundays teams:

MILDENHALL 'FEN TIGERS'
1. Lewis Blackbird
2. Mark Baseby
3. Daniel Halsey
4. Joe Jacobs
5. Jack Hargreaves
6. Aaron Baseby
7. Cameron Heeps
Team manager: Robert Henry

ISLE OF WIGHT 'ISLANDERS'
1. Nick Simmons
2. Gary Cottham
3. Danny Warwick
4. Rob Smith
5. Paul Starke R/R
6. Nick Laurence (G)
7. Luke Chessell
Team managers: Chris Hunt & Kevin Shepherd
 

BIG DEFEAT FOR WIGHTLINK ISLANDERS IN NORFOLK
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Thursday 14th July 2011
Wightlink Islanders suffered a National league heavy defeat in Norfolk last night going down 61-31 to the King’s Lynn Young Stars at Saddlebow Road. Islanders skipper Nick Simmons started the evening off with a stunning ride to become the new Bronze Helmet Match Race Champion at his first attempt by defeating holder James Cockle.

Islanders night at the races was a night to forget, Gary Cottham was unavailable while still recovering from a workshop injury, Nick Laurence was drafted into the reserve berth alongside Luke Chessell and both these reserves took 7 rides each!

Danny Warwick suffered bike problems in his 2nd meeting of the season while the unluckiest of all was Paul Starke who didn’t even manage to complete a lap. After picking up grip exiting the 4th turn 1st lap he lost control and careered into race leader Cockle. Both riders took very heavy falls while Starkes bike somersaulted along the track leaving Young Stars reserve Stefan Nielsen no where to go. Three riders down in a matter of seconds resulted in a lengthy delay. Cockle and Nielsen were able to take their place in the re-run heat while Starke received medical attention before withdrawing from the meeting with suspected rib and shoulder injuries.
 

ISLANDERS SUFFER HAWKS ONSLAUGHT ONTO THE YOUNG STARS
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Tuesday 12th July 2011
Following the disappointment last Tuesday with the persistent rain winning on the day, the Wightlink Islanders travelled to the Arena-Essex Raceway last Friday and were soundly beaten 58-35. Tomorrow (Wednesday) the Islanders are once again on their travels this time to the Norfolk Arena to take on the King's Lynn Young Stars who were beaten recently at Smallbrook in a thrilling 46-44 encounter.

After a successful defence of his Bronze helmet match race championship Young Stars James Cockle takes on the challenge of Islanders skipper Nick Simmons before the main meeting starts.

Islanders co-promoter Chris Hunt said, "I think we are in with a shout in Norfolk, it's another big track which should suit the lads better. I expect the lads to really push for a result tomorrow."

With Hackney Hawks pounding in a 58-35 score line against the Islanders last Friday co-promoter Kevin Shepherd Said, "It was a meeting of two half's, I think the first half of the meeting was very encouraging, I felt that we were in with the shout of getting a point. The second half, I don't know why but was all Hackney's, at the end it was a quite disappointing result to be honest. They know that were not afraid to make team changes after the recent changes, we were really hoping to get something out of that meeting but to come away with nothing again was very, very disappointing."

"There were encouraging signs again with Rob moving to number 4, we were also battling with rider replacement for Gary and only Rob and the two reserves could take the rides of which we had to borrow a reserve at the last minute, with Nick suffering a couple of falls later on in the meeting. We really need to start sharpening ourselves away from home if we are to get into those play offs." Shepherd added.

"We missed Gary on Friday and everything that could go wrong went wrong really and it was one of those meetings where nothing was going to go right. It was Danny's first time on a bike for months and months so he was always going to be up against it. Although I think he was a bit unfortunate on the decision to exclude him and I didn't think he looked that bad after the long layoff, it was just a lack of racing really. Too many stupid things were going wrong which cost us. On a plus side Rob was looking very quick and if he had gated I don't think they would of caught him. Rikki was drafted in at reserve but failed to show on time due to traffic conditions which saw the meeting referee also delayed. To take his place we brought in Rhys Naylor who had been at a training session during the afternoon and with rider replacement for Gary we struggled at the bottom end," added Hunt.

Meanwhile Islanders chairman Brian Ginders would like to welcome Jan Hunt on board at the Island as a Director. Ginders said, "Jan is the wife of one of our promoters Chris Hunt, it's time the Company was run as a Business and not as a club."

Ginders returned to the Island track last year working hard behind the scenes trying to secure the future of the Islanders, "Since I have been Chairman I have always felt that Directors should have a role to play if not then why be a Director? Jan’s role will be Commercial Director, she will be responsible for bringing more functions to Smallbrook Stadium. Colin Whitlock recently joined us and is our Site and maintenance Director, responsible for all repairs at Smallbrook. Personally my role is Finance Director. John Reynolds will step down once the club has paid back his directors loan," added Ginders.

A full side is expected for the Islanders fixtures with Gary Cottham due to return following a recent workshop injury which resulted in thirty stitches in one finger. The Norfolk Arena against King's Lynn Young Stars is followed this Sunday at 4.30pm with a second visit to Mildenhall where the Islanders tackle the Fen Tigers in KO Cup action before the return just 48 hours later at Smallbrook (Tuesday 19th at 7.30pm).

Tomorrows Teams;

KING'S LYNN 'YOUNG STARS'
1. Kyle Hughes
2. Oliver Rayson
3. Scott Campos
4. Jake Knight
5. James Cockle
6. Tom Stokes
7. Stefan Nielsen

Non riding Captain Lewis Kerr

Team manager: Dale Allit

ISLE OF WIGHT 'ISLANDERS'
1. Nick Simmons ©
2. Garry Cottham
3. Danny Warwick
4. Rob Smith
5. Paul Starke
6. Nick Laurence
7. Luke Chessell
Team managers: Chris Hunt & Kevin Shepherd

Bronze Helmet match race
James Cockle (Holder) vs Nick Simmons
 

HACKNEY 'HAWKS' 58 ISLE OF WIGHT 'ISLANDERS' 35
National League ~ Friday 8th July 2011
With a late team change at reserve for the Islander Rhys Naylor being brought in to replace Rikki Mullins who was stuck in horrendous traffic jams on the M25 the Islanders were up against early on. Simmons won a re-run heat 1 after Hazelden for the Hawks fell on the 2nd turn 2nd lap and was duly excluded from the re-run. The Hawks responded with two 5-1 heat advantages, Freemantle and former Islander Hopwood in heat 2 and Mason with Owen in the 3rd heat to give the Hawks a 6 point lead after Warwick took a tumble 2nd bend 1st lap.

Hopwood split the Islanders pairing in heat 4 with a pass on Chessell on the back straight 1st lap, but Starke was away at the front with Chessell packing in for 3rd place. Simmons was the Islanders heat winner in heat 5 holding off back to form Mason and Owen. Hopwood was a man on a mission for the Hawks again taking the flag in heat 6 backed up by Morley holding off Starke to stretch the Hawks lead to 8 points.

Heat 7 saw Evan back onto his own machinery after an early mechanical problem taking the flag from the Islanders pair of Smith and Warwick. Smith had two rides on the bounce but could do nothing about Morley and Hopwood banging in another 5-1 again stretching the Hawks lead to 12 after Chessell jumped onto his second bike with 30 seconds to go only for no dirt deflector to be fitted. Chessell was excluded with Naylor taking his place.

Hunt brought out Starke as a tactical ride in heat 9 against Mason and Owen. Starke responded with a cracking win for the Islanders with Chessell starting from the 15 meter handicap after missing the two minute time allowance could make no impact on the Hawks. Smith was a winner again in heat 10 over Morley and Hopwood.

Simmons spun round 2nd bend 2nd lap, he remounted but was unable to make any impact while Chessell split the Hawks pair of Evans and Freemantle, Islanders how 11 down 40-29. Two 5-1 advantages put the nail in the coffin, first up Mason and Hopwood in heat 12, Warwick took a fall 2nd bend 1st lap causing the race to be re-run with all 4 riders only to take a tumble in the same spot in the re-run and suffer an exclusion.

Evans and Freemantle did the honours for the Hawks in heat 13, Simmons took a tactical ride and came in an uncharacteristic 3rd after locking up 1st turn 2nd lap. Two more heat advantages followed for the Hawks, Smith split Freemantle and Owen in heat 14 re-run after Chessell fell 2nd bend 2nd lap while Starke split Mason and Morley after a great tussle in heat 15, Simmons had a second fall 3rd bend 4th lap but remounted to finish to give a disappointing result for the Islanders of a 58-35 defeat.


HACKNEY 'HAWKS' 58
1. Shane Hazelden FX, = 0 withdrawn
2. Ben Morley 2, 2', 3, 2, 1, = 10+1
3. David Mason 3, 2, 2, 3, 3, = 13
4. Marc Owen 2', 1', 1', 1, = 5+3
5. Barrie Evans 0, 3, 3, 3, = 9
6. Brandon Freemantle 3, 0, 1, 2', 3, = 9+1
7. Ben Hopwood 2', 2, 3, 2', 1', 2', = 12+4
Team managers: John Sampford & Neil Vatcher

ISLE OF WIGHT 'ISLANDERS' 35
1. Nick Simmons 3, 3, 0, 1^, 0, = 7
2. Gary Cottham R/R
3. Danny Warwick 0, 1', 0, FX, = 1+1
4. Rob Smith 1, 2, 1, 3, 2, = 9
5. Paul Starke 3, 1, 6^, 0, 2, = 12
6. Rhys Naylor (g) 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, = 1
7. Luke Chessell 1, 1, 1, XM, 2, FX, = 5
Team managers: Chris Hunt & Kevin Shepherd

REFEREE: Christina Turnbull
 

STARKE GUEST FOR HAWKS
By MAD Racing ~ Sunday 10th July 2011
Paul Starke is a guest at No.1 for the Hawks @ Buxton today covering for Shane Hazelden who suffered a dislocated and fractured finger against the Islanders on Friday.
 

ISLANDERS AIM TO CLIP HAWKS WINGS
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Thursday 7th July 2011
Following Tuesday's disappointment of losing the National league meeting against Dudley due to the persistent rain, the Wightlink Islanders travel to the Arena-Essex Raceway this tomorrow (Friday 8th July) for an 8.00pm start in National league action against Hackney Hawks.

Chris Hunt said, "It was a big, big disappointment on Tuesday night, the same happened last year with the Dudley fixture, it's just one of those things. It's one of those awkward days where if it had been raining first thing in the morning up until lunchtime then we could of called the meeting off but as it was dry all the way up we had to try and get the meeting on. The track was in good shape but unfortunately when the rain came it didn't want to stop so there was nothing we could do. I feel sorry for the Dudley fans who yet again have travelled to support their team and they have big travelling support, we now have to talk to Dudley to arrange a new date."

Islanders skipper Nick Simmons in the form of his life around Smallbrook said, "It was wet but not wet enough to warrant calling the meeting off initially, but it rained again and your then in a no win situation. It's just a shame that everyone was there ready for the meeting. It's a shame that Lee and Brendan have gone, I enjoyed having them as team mates, but something unfortunately had to be done, Chris and Kev have made that change so all we can do is see if it works out."

Normally the home of Elite league Lakeside, the Hackney Hawks share their home meetings at the Arena-Essex Raceway and at Rye House Speedway. Rob Smith said, "I'm looking forward to Lakeside, everyone has said it's a bit like Wolverhampton where you have to turn hard. I rode for Boston at King's Lynn in the number 2 position and was scoring and going well round there and again I'm really looking forward to going there, it's big like the Isle of Wight and it will have a bit of dirt. My season so far has been better than I thought it would be but I would like to be scoring maximums and get some bookings to ride Premier league. We've had injuries and bad luck at reserve this year but Luke is back and we have Gary now, he's getting back into it. I feel a lot more confident now that I'm at number four because I don't have to go out in the first race, the other lads tell us what it's like and then you know what to expect and just ride through it. If we are all on form we can beat anyone we all have to be performing on the same day, we've all just got to score points and then we will win."

After an inconsistent start to the year Paul Starke explained; "Speedway is a tough game, consistency is one of the hardest parts of speedway, my own problems have been some mechanical and sometimes me, a lot of it is in your head, you need to get on and do your own game. As a team if every rider just does it for their self then you will end up doing it as a team anyway. Not being concerned about other people, possibly some people are more concerned about the team rather than getting on with their own game and scoring their own points. Things will start to click for people and I hope that things will start to click for me. A lot of our boys have experience of the Lakeside track, it will be a good match, we should go there and possibly take a point away, it will be tough but I think we can do it."

Co-promoter Chris Hunt added; "It's good to be able to fit Danny back into the side and welcome him back to the Island. We had no choice in making changes, it was a very hard decision to make but it had to be done now that new averages have been issued to allow the changes to take place. Nobody wants' to drop anybody but we just have to get on with it. We go to Lakeside now and try and get some points, I'm sure Danny would of liked to get his first match back on Tuesday but sometimes having your first match back away from home is a lot less pressure so we just have to see how it goes. I expect the team to push to get a result and pick up some points away at Lakeside."

Supporters wishing to claim a refund after Tuesdays disappointing evening can do so by contacting Kerry Jackson, Marketing Manager, Wightlink Ltd, Gunwharf Road, Portsmouth, PO1 2LA. Co-promoter Kevin Shepherd said, "I would like to thank Wightlink for their help and assistance is quickly arranging refunds, all supporters need to send all tickets/receipts in order for a refund to be processed. Please also enclose contact details in case there is a query with the booking."


Teams from;
HACKNEY HAWKS:
Shane Hazelden, Ben Morley, David Mason, Marc Owen, Barrie Evans, Ben Hopwood, Brandon Freemantle, Team managers: John Sampford & Neil Vatcher

ISLE OF WIGHT ISLANDERS:
Nick Simmons, Rider Replacement or Gary Cottham, Danny Warwick, Rob Smith, Paul Starke, TBC, Luke Chessell, Team managers: Chris Hunt & Kevin Shepherd
 

ALL CHANGE FOR THE ISLANDERS
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Tuesday 5th July 2011
Wightlink Islanders parade their two new signings tonight in the mouth-watering National league fixture against Dudley Heathens at Smallbrook Stadium at 7.30pm, although Gary Cottham will be missing after being injured in a workshop accident.

Co-promoter Chris Hunt added; "It's good to be able to fit Danny back into the side and welcome him back to the Island. We had no choice in making changes, it was a very hard decision to make but it had to be done now that new averages have been issued to allow the changes to take place. Nobody wants' to drop anybody but we just have to get on with it."

Relishing the chance to get back on a bike after being ignored at the start of the year, last season's Islanders rider of the year Warwick is raring to go for his first home meeting tonight before two important away meetings, Friday at Lakeside against Hackney and next Wednesday at King's Lynn, Warwick said; "I'll be working hard to get back to where I was a couple of years ago before I left the Premier league. I was a bit shocked to get the call from Chris, with a 40 point limit it was always going to be difficult to fit me back in."

"Lakeside will be a challenge, the Elite league track will be well prepared although it's tight and a bit of a strange shape I'm looking forward to going to the different tracks as well as Sheffield, but first we have tonight against Dudley," concluded Warwick.

The Islanders have also made a change at reserve bringing in Swindon based Charlie Saunders on a 3 point average. Saunders is an accomplished grasstrack rider and wants to give the shale another try after a few outings for Swindon Sprockets in 2007.

Heathens boast a very strong side with the scoring power of the experienced Jon Armstrong leading the way, Weymouth based Kyle Newman who also rides Premier league for Newcastle as well as Elite league for Poole, is one of the most exciting youngsters to watch at this level. Two riders with big futures on the Heathens books are Tom Perry and Ashley Morris who have both impressed. The Heathens have also made team changes following injury problems and include Adam Portwood at reserve who is partnered by Brendan Johnson snapped up quickly last week after being released by the Islanders.

With the Islanders on their travels during the next week and no home meeting next Tuesday Hunt concluded, "I expect the team to push to get a result and pick up some points away from home in these two meetings, these are probably the best chances we have so far this season away from Smallbrook, this is a must do situation for the team in both of these meetings. Tonight is by far our toughest test of the season but with both ourselves and Dudley making changes anything can happen on the night."

"We are also sweating on the fitness of Gary Cottham following a workshop accident whilst working on his bike, he needed 30 stitches in one finger so it will be touch and go if he will be able to line up at Lakeside against Hackney but we are more hopeful that he will be ok for the King's Lynn trip next Wednesday rather than have to use rider replacement to cover for him as we have to tonight."


Teams for Tuesday;

ISLE OF WIGHT ISLANDERS:
1. Nick Simmons
2. Rider Replacement for Gary Cottham
3. Danny Warwick
4. Rob Smith
5. Paul Starke
6. Charlie Saunders
7. Luke Chessell
 Team managers: Chris Hunt & Kevin Shepherd

DUDLEY HEATHENS:
1. Jon Armstrong
2. Darryl Ritchings
3. Tom Perry
4. Ashley Morris
5. Kyle Newman
6. Adam Portwood
7. Brendan Johnson
Team manager: Will Pottinger

REFEREE: Graham Reeve
 

WARWICK RETURNS TO ISLANDERS
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Saturday 2nd July 2011
Wightlink Islanders rider of the year last year who was sensationally left without a team at the start of the campaign this year has been snapped back up by the Island club and makes his first appearance this year at Smallbrook on Tuesday against Dudley Heathens (first race 7.30pm).

Warwick said; "Being without a team place at the start of the year I was a bit upset, you don't let life get you down and just keep working hard. I've been working this year for Renat Gafurov who rides for Poole and I'll continue to mechanic for him as well as ride for the Islanders."

"Last year I wasn't up to where I think I should be average wise, I'll be working hard to get back to where I was a couple of years ago before I left the Premier league. I was a bit shocked to get the call, I know the Islanders haven't been going too well and with a 40 point limit it was always going to be difficult to fit me back in, I'm pleased I'm back" concluded Warwick.

After release Lee Smethills and Brendan Johnson who signed for Dudley this week co-promoter Chris Hunt said; "We have now re-declared our side, it's good to be able to fit Danny back into the side and welcome him back to the Island. We had no choice in making changes, it was a very hard decision to make but it had to be done now that new averages have been issued which allowed the changes to take place. Nobody wants' to drop anybody but we just have to get on with it, we all wish Lee and Brendan all the best for the future."

Hunt added; "We have also secured the services of accomplished grasstrack rider Charlie Saunders on a 3 point average, he makes his debut for the Islanders on Tuesday at reserve."

Teams for Tuesday from;

ISLE OF WIGHT ISLANDERS: Paul Starke, Rob Smith, Danny Warwick, Nick Simmons, Luke Chessell, Charlie Saunders, Gary Cotham - Team managers: Chris Hunt & Kevin Shepherd

DUDLEY HEATHENS: Jon Armstrong, Brendan Johnson, Tom Perry, Ashley Morris, Kyle Newman, Darryl Ritchings, Adam Portwood - Team manager: Will Pottinger

REFEREE: Graham Reeve
 

ISLANDERS RE-GROUP FOR HEATHENS AFTER DEFEAT AT FEN TIGERS
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Tuesday 30th August 2011
Wightlink Islanders change their race night this week to tackle Dudley Heathens on Thursday with a 7.30pm start at Smallbrook. The original fixture was washed out in early July and now becomes the last but one National league fixture at Smallbrook this season.

The Heathens started the season out in fine form with good results home and away but of late they have somewhat struggled due to injuries to key riders which has hampered their progress. Nevertheless Thursday should be a close hard fought battle with Islanders promoters keen to take 3 league points away from the midland club.

With Danny Warwick surging back to form after his late start to the season, the ever dependable Nick Simmons and Rob Smith scoring well recently Chris Hunt and Kevin Shepherd are looking for solid return from the rest of the side who should be bolstered with the return of Paul Starke from injury. One change to the Islanders line up will see David Gough recently released by Newport take over the number 6 race jacket due to the unavailability of Rikki Mullins.

Wightlink Islanders face a big task to overcome Mildenhall Fen Tigers in the second leg of the National league KO Cup Semi-final following Sundays 20 point deficit at West Row. The Islanders are in a must win situation to extend their season, failure to overcome the 20 point deficit will bring an end to their 2011 home season on the Island on Tuesday 13th September.

On Sunday afternoon at West Row the Islanders were left using rider replacement for Rob Smith who had a prior engagement booked before the fixture was agreed coupled with a late withdrawal by Paul Starke who is recovering from recent injury. Niall Strudwick was drafted in as a late replacement, but the Islanders although with Danny Warwick back on top form with 12 points and skipper Nick Simmons with 11+2 lacked the solid support apart from Gary Cottham 6+1.

Co-promoter Chris Hunt said, "I think we could of been within a few points of Mildenhall if we had a full team on Sunday, Nick and Danny were superb."

Co-promoter Kevin Shepherd added, "The team that we were able to put out did themselves and the club proud, they didn't disgrace us and sets us up for the second leg which we are full of optimism for and see no reason why we can't win by 21 points."

The club will be holding a Christmas Dinner in the Premier Lounge on Saturday 3rd December, there are limited tickets available priced at £25.00 per ticket which can be purchased from Ness behind the bar. Deposits or full payment secure tickets for the 5-course meal which starts at 7.00pm.

THURSDAY'S TEAM NEWS:

ISLE OF WIGHT ISLANDERS
1. Nick Simmons
2. Gary Cottham
3. Rob Smith
4. Paul Starke
5. Danny Warwick
6. David Gough
7. Luke Chessell
Team managers: Chris Hunt and Kevin Shepherd

DUDLEY HEATHENS (from); Jon Armstrong, R/R for Richard Franklin, Jamie Courtney, Ashley Morris, Tom Perry, Daryl Ritchings, Danny Stoneman. Team manager: Will Pottinger.

REFEREE: Dale Entwhistle


MILDENHALL FEN TIGERS v ISLE OF WIGHT ISLANDERS
National League KO Cup Semi-Final 1st leg ~ Sunday 28th August 2011

MILDENHALL FEN TIGERS 57
1. Jamie Pickard (G) 1, 1, 3, 0, = 5
2. Mark Baseby 0, 3, 2', 2', = 7+2
3. Joe Jacobs 3, 1', 3, 2', = 9+2
4. Lewis Blackbird 2', 2, 2', 3, 3, = 12+2
5. Jack Hargreaves 3, F, R, 3, 2', = 8+1
6. Daniel Halsey 3, 3, 3, FX, = 9
7. Aaron Baseby FX, 1, 3, 3, = 7
Team manager: Robert Henry

ISLE OF WIGHT ISLANDERS 37
1. Nick Simmons 2', 3, 4^, 1', 1, = 11+2
2. Rob Smith R/R
3. Niall Strudwick (G) 0, 1', 0, 1, = 2+1
4. Gary Cottham 1, 2, 1, 1, 1', = 6+1
5. Danny Warwick 3, 2, 2, 1, 4^, 0, = 12
6. Rikki Mullins 1', F, 0, 0, 0, = 1+1
7. Luke Chessell 2, 0, 0, 0, 1', 2, = 5+1
Team managers: Chris Hunt and Kevin Shepherd

REFEREE: Mick Bates

LEAGUE POINTS: Mildenhall 3 points, Islanders 0 points
 

ISLANDERS WIN LAST HEAT DECIDER OVER HORNETS
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Wednesday 24th August 2011
Wightlink Islanders found the going tough early on last night at Smallbrook against Newport but mid meeting pulled out a slight advantage until the determined Hornets forced a last heat decider. A final result an exact mirror of the corresponding fixture in late July in south Wales saw a tight tussle for vital league points.

Todd Kurtz flew from the tapes in the opening heat which was a sign of things to come from the young Australian dropping just 1 point all evening. He left Islanders pair of Nick Simmons and Gary Cottham to fill the minor spots. Luke Chessell and Richard Andrews were not happy about their start positions in heat 2, but James White-Williams stormed off into the lead followed by Rikki Mullins who only just missed out on the run in.

Islander pair of Rob Smith and Paul Starke bang in an early 5-1 after Starke clamped former Islander Brendan Johnson on the inside, Matt Bates moved into 3rd but slid off on the 3rd turn while Johnson laid his bike down. In the re-run it was Smith again to the front followed by Starke.

Three shared heats followed with Danny Warwick taking heat 4 for the Islanders, Kurtz again fast from the start in heat 5 and Simmons taking heat 6 after firstly rounding White-Williams before powering past Herne on the back straight while Cottham pushed hard at the back just missing out on the line by a bike length for 3rd spot.

Johnson powered into an early lead in heat 7 which lasted until the 4th turn when Warwick finds grip and speed to blast around the outside of the former Islander. Although speedway races are raced over 4 laps our start marshal decided to flag heat 7 as a 5 lap race thus living up to his nickname of 5-laps-Les much to the amusement of the crowd.

Another shared heat followed in heat 8 with Cottham fast starting and holding on for the win to see the Islanders 4 points up at the halfway stage, 26-22. Two heat advantages for the Islanders looked like they were on course for a victory and maximum league points thanks to Smith and Starke in heat 9 split by Herne and Simmons and Cottham in heat 10 split by Johnson who again took an early lead only for Simmons to sail past on the back straight giving an 8 point lead, 34-26.

A clash of two unbeaten riders Warwick and Kurtz in heat 11, Kurtz takes the flag, Warwick 2nd while Young rounds Mullins 4th turn 3rd lap to give the Hornets a heat advantage. Two more shared heats followed with Smith taking heat 12 from Johnson and Andrews while Kurtz continued his unbeaten run from Simmons and Warwick in heat 13.

There were 6 points separating the sides 42-36, White-Williams flew into the lead in heat 14 with the Islanders tucked in the minor places looking for a shared heat until Starke ran wide in the 2nd turn after a loss of power caused by clutch problems caused him to retire from the race. Bates finds a way past Mullins 4th turn 3rd lap to give the Hornets a 5-1 and set up a last heat decider, 43-41.

Three attempts to run heat 15 firstly Herne grabs a flier from the tapes with referee Paul Carrington calling all 4 riders back. Second attempt Smith and Kurtz elbows are everywhere and again the race is pulled back setting up the tension even more. Third time of asking, more elbows but Simmons manages to take the outside line to lead the race while Smith drops back to 3rd with Kurtz charging in 2nd to give the Wightlink Islanders a 47-43 victory over the Hornets and 2 league points with the Hornets picking up a single point for their troubles.

Co-promoter Chris Hunt said, "We should have taken 3 league points, again some of the riders are letting the side down, it was there for the asking for us last night. It was an ok result but I am disappointed to lose that extra league point. No doubt the crowd enjoyed the closeness of the meeting right down to the last heat decider."

Blind stunt-fundraiser Colin McArthur rode a motorcycle around the Isle of Wight’s speedway track to complete his latest challenge, 60-year-old Colin will took the controls of his friend Dave Richmond’s classic 1979 Suzuki GS 850 raising funds and awareness for a worthy cause. All money donated will go to the research fund, which sponsors scientists to find a cure or treatment for the eye condition caused by defective genes, which switch off the cells in the retina and can lead to total blindness. Donations can also be made online at the Justgiving page for last night's event is www.justgiving.com/blindmotorcycling

Club chairman Brian Ginders took to the sidecar after £107 was raised in addition to see Brian join the challenge. Colin and his band of helpers would like to pass on their grateful thanks for all donations received.

Scott May's Daredevil Stuntshow takes centre stage at Smallbrook Stadium Bank Holiday Monday (Monday 29th August). Gates open at 6.00pm with a 7.00pm start, admission prices are Adults £12.00 Child £6.00 (under 14) Children under 3 FREE. More information can be found on their website www.scottmaydaredevil.co.uk

The Wightlink Islanders travel to Suffolk this Sunday for the first leg of the National league KO Cup semi-final against Mildenhall Fen Tigers, there is no meeting this Thursday or next Tuesday at Smallbrook. Speedway action returns with the visit of Dudley Heathens on Thursday 1st September in the re-arranged fixture that was rained off in early July.

The club will be holding a Christmas Dinner in the Premier Lounge on Saturday 3rd December, there are limited tickets available priced at £25.00 per ticket which can be purchased from Ness behind the bar. Deposits or full payment secure tickets for the 5-course meal which starts at 7.00pm.


ISLE OF WIGHT 'ISLANDERS' v NEWPORT 'HORNETS'
National League ~ Tuesday 23rd August 2011

ISLE OF WIGHT 'ISLANDERS' 47
1. Nick Simmons 2, 3, 3, 2, 3, = 13
2. Gary Cottham 1', 0, 3, 1, = 5+1
3. Rob Smith 3, 2, 3, 3, 1, = 12
4. Paul Starke 2', 1', 1, R, = 4+2
5. Danny Warwick 3, 3, 2, 1', = 9+1
6. Rikki Mullins (G) 2, 1, 0, 1, = 4
7. Luke Chessell 0, R, 0, FX, = 0
Team manager: Chris Hunt

NEWPORT 'HORNETS' 43
1. Todd Kurtz 3, 3, 3, 3, 2, = 14
2. Tom Young R, R, 2, 1, = 3
3. Brendan Johnson 1, 2, 2, 2, = 7
4. Matt Bates FX, F, FX, 2', = 2+1
5. Jay Herne 2, 2, 2, 0, FX, = 6
6. Richard Andrews 1, 0, 1', = 2+1
7. James White-Williams 3, 1', 1', 1', 3, = 9+3
Team manager: Kevin Brown

REFEREE: Paul Carrington

Islanders 2 league points, Hornets 1 league point
 

ISLANDERS HORNETS TEST AND A BLIND STUNT
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Monday 22nd August 2011
Wightlink Islanders return to Smallbrook tomorrow evening following a heavy defeat against the Sheffield/Scunthorpe combined team at Sheffield last Thursday 61-32. Newport Hornets are the visitors in National league action and after coming out 56-38 winners in May's KO Cup tie the fixture has the makings of a tight tussle for vital league points.

The Islanders recently ran the Hornets close at home 47-43 in one of their better away performances. After only providing a single heat race winner all evening in Sheffield last week which came down to a tactical ride by skipper Nick Simmons in heat 11 a much improved performance is expected from the Islanders.

Co-promoter Chris Hunt said, "Newport tomorrow is again another tough meeting, in fact all meetings are tough for us and I think the team should be riding with an eye for a place with the Islanders next year. It's not going to be easy but they have to show us what they can do, with Jay Herne and Todd Kurtz flying for Newport, add in Brendan Johnson if he's on song as well it's going to be a tight meeting."

Blind stunt-fundraiser Colin McArthur is to ride a motorcycle around the Isle of Wight’s speedway track for his latest challenge during the interval tomorrow, 60-year-old Colin will take the controls of his friend Dave Richmond’s classic 1979 Suzuki GS 850.

Dave will be on the bike giving instructions but there is space in the Watsonian Squire sidecar for anyone wanting to join in the challenge. Wightlink Islanders chairman Brian Ginders has agreed that he will take a seat in the sidecar providing that £100.00 is donated in addition to the collection that will take place during the meeting. If anyone would like to see the club chairman take to the sidecar seat they are asked to make their donation via the referees box before the meeting starts tomorrow evening.

Colin said: "I have never ridden a motorbike before so I have been practising at the track. I’ll be raising more funds for retinitis pigmentosa and if anyone fancies adding to the total by riding with me I can be called on 07935 747 332."

Colin has already successfully driven a passenger hovercraft, a £3 million passenger catamaran, a Britten-Norman plane, as well as riding a horse. He said: "I am really grateful to the people at Island Speedway for their assistance is arranging this event and we hope for a large crowd to swell the coffers for RP Fighting Blindness."

All money donated will go to the research fund, which sponsors scientists to find a cure or treatment for the eye condition caused by defective genes, which switch off the cells in the retina and can lead to total blindness.
The Justgiving page for this event is www.justgiving.com/blindmotorcycling

The club will be holding a Christmas Dinner in the Premier Lounge on Saturday 3rd December, there are limited tickets available priced at £25.00 per ticket which can be purchased from Ness behind the bar. Deposits or full payment secure tickets for the 5-course meal which starts at 7.00pm.


ISLE OF WIGHT 'ISLANDERS' v NEWPORT 'HORNETS'
National League ~ Tuesday 23rd August 2011

ISLE OF WIGHT 'ISLANDERS'
1. Nick Simmons (C) 8.90
2. Gary Cotham 4.24
3. Rob Smith 6.00
4. Paul Starke 6.18
5. Danny Warwick 7.41
6. Rickki Mullins (G) 3.00
7. Luke Chessell 3.00
Team manager: Chris Hunt

NEWPORT 'HORNETS'
1. Todd Kurtz 9.28
2. Tom Young 3.83
3. Brendan Johnson 4.32
4. Matthew Bates 5.10
5. Jay Herne (C) 8.23
6. Richard Andrews 3.37
7. James White-Williams 3.71
Team manager: Kevin Brown

REFEREE: Paul Carrington
 

WILDCATS ROBBED BY TACTICAL RIDE BUT FINISH 2ND
By Tim Allan ~ Monday 22nd August 2011
The Wildcats track return was a bitter sweet affair on Friday evening at Plymouth speedway. The Tony Sandford Memorial meeting  was one of the closest four team tournaments that riders and supporters could remember with the result undecided right until the last heat. Trelawny and the Wildcats jointly finished on 25 points with the Wildcats losing the meeting on a count back on heat wins, although a tactical ride producing 2 points was used by Trelawny whereas the Wildcats were never more than 2 points behind, in fact the Wildcats led the majority of the meeting much to the delight of the small band of loyal travelling supporters. A late team change due to the unavailable Ashley Birks saw Karl Mason switch from the Wildcats to the Plymouth side with Danny Stoneman replacing him in the Wildcats line up.

Brendan Johnson grabbed 2nd in heat one behind a fast starting Tom Young for Trelawny while Paul Starke clipped the home straight fence as he lifted crossing the line and withdrew from the meeting with a painful hand and feeling very sore. Johnsons' Newport teammate Jay Herne notched his first win of the evening pegging back event organiser Matt Bates to put the Wildcats into a 2 point lead in heat 2. Richard Andrews battled hard all the way with Jason Prynne representing Exeter but couldn't pass the experienced Cornishman while Tim Webster was away at the front, putting Trelawny and the Wildcats level on 6 each with Exeter just 1 point shy in the 3rd heat.

Wildcats went behind for the first time in the meeting in heat 4, Seemond Stephens probably making his final appearance won comfortably from Dean Felton with Wildcat Stoneman 3rd while Tom Brown slid off on the final turn. Stoneman had 2 rides on the bounce and with some frantic pit work from the rest of the team he popped out to win heat 5 from David Gough and Tim Webster. The heat was re-run following Rhys Hooper's fall to put the Wildcats 1 up over Trelawny with Webster also taking a fall in the re-run allowing Stoneman through for the win.

Mason took heat 6 from Bates and Andrews leaving the Wildcats still leading by 1 point but Exeter had moved into 2nd from their Cornish rivals. Andrews battled his way past Felton on the 2nd lap for the important point. Former Wildcat Brown making a rare appearance since retiring from the sport at the end of last year headed home Herne and Prynne in heat 7 taking points off the Wildcats closest rivals seeing a 2 point gap open up. Stephens was in devastating form taking heat 8 from Isle of Wight Islander Rob Smith representing Plymouth, with Johnson 3rd it was neck and neck between Exeter and the Wildcats on 14 points. Herne again showed everyone the fastest way around the tiny circuit propelling the Wildcats to a 3 point advantage with Exeter not scoring in heat 9.

Trelawny now 6 points down introduced Webster for a tactical ride to close the gap, he managed 2nd spot behind Brown and Bates. Johnson failed to score allowing Wildcats opponents to close in after feeling the effects of a track crash the previous week at Newport. The scores couldn't off been any closer at the end of heat 11 with another former Wildcat James White-Williams taking the flag from Mason and Prynne after a great tussle for 2nd spot while Stoneman was a very close last putting Mason under pressure, Trelawny were last on 16 points while Exeter, Plymouth and the Wildcats battled it out on 17 each. Exeter gained the advantage with Stephens taking the win from Andrews in heat 12 putting Exeter into the lead by 1 point. Young fell and was disqualified from the re-run. Smith put Plymouth back in the hunt and 2nd place with a heat 13 win with the Wildcats now 2 down.

Trelawny dug deep winning each of the final 3 races. White-Williams was first up taking heat 14 pegging back Andrews who in turn was battling hard keeping a charging Brown at Bay resulting in 22 points for Exeter, Plymouth and the Wildcats. Next up Felton took the spoils from Prynne in heat 15 to set up a last heat decider after a brilliant fight between Johnson and Prynne. Exeter lead on 24, the Wildcats on 23 with Plymouth and Trelawny on 22 each.

A tense final heat won by Webster for Trelawny from Herne and Mason gave a final result of 25 each for the Wildcats and Trelawny, Exeter 24 and Plymouth 23. Initially the Wildcats were announced as the winners as Trelawny had used a tactical ride and with the Wildcats team about to be presented with their winners medals it was then announced that Trelawny were the winners on a count back of superior race wins, 6 to the Wildcats 3.

The Wildcats team manager Tim Allan requested a race off he said, "The riders were ready for a race off and there was plenty of time before curfew at the South West venue, it would of been a fitting end to the evening for supporters and riders alike but the referee and clerk of the course dismissed the request."

There is a chance that a second meeting for the Wildcats will take place in October please check the Wildcats official website for further details www.weymouthwildcats.co.uk


TONY SANDFORD MEMORIAL WEST COUNTRY FOUR TEAM TOURNAMENT
Plymouth Speedway ~ Friday 19th August 2011

EXETER FALCONS 24
Seemond Stephens 3, 3, 3, 0, = 9
Jason Prynne 2, 1, 1, 2, = 6
Matt Bates 2, 2, 2, 2, = 8
Paul Starke 1, = 1 Withdrawn
Rhys Hooper 0, 0, 0, = 0
Team manager: Rob Doran

PLYMOUTH DEVILS 23
Karl Mason F, 3, 2, 1, = 6
David Gough 1, 2, 1, 0, = 4
Tom Brown X, 3, 3, 1, = 7
Rob Smith R, 2, 1, 3, = 6
Team manager: Mike Tamblin

TRELAWNY TIGERS 25
Tim Webster 3, 1, 2^, 3, = 9
Dean Felton 2, 0, 2, 3, = 7
James White-Williams 0, X, 3, 3, = 6
Tom Young 3, 0, X, = 3 Withdrawn
Rhys Hooper 0, = 0
Team manager: Mark Simmonds

WEYMOUTH WILDCATS 25
Jay Herne 3, 2, 3, 2, = 10
Brendan Johnson 2, 1, 0, 1, = 4
Richard Andrews 1, 1, 2, 2, = 6
Danny Stoneman 1, 3, 0, 1, = 5
Team manager: Tim Allan

REFEREE: Jim McGregor
 

ISLANDERS BEATEN BY POWERHOUSE SHEFFIELD
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Friday 19th August 2011
Wightlink Islanders slumped to another heavy defeat on the road last night against the Sheffield/Scunthorpe combined team at Owlerton Stadium, Sheffield 61-32. The Islanders only provided a single heat race winner all evening which came down to a tactical ride by skipper Nick Simmons in heat 11.

Co-promoter Chris Hunt said, "The boys all tried hard against a very strong side which have no weakness and again it will be a very tough home fixture next month against them."

The Sheffield/Scunthorpe combined side were always going to be the toughest away fixture of the season as predicted as early as the Islanders press day with very solid scoring throughout their side headed by an impressive Richie Worrall 15+1 and Ashley Birks 14.

The Islanders return to Smallbrook next Tuesday with Newport Hornets the visitors that evening with the normal 7.30pm start time. After beating them in May 56-38 the Islanders management will be looking for a much improved performance.


SHEFFIELD/SCUNTHORPE 'SAINTS' 61 ISLE OF WIGHT 'ISLANDERS' 32
National League ~ Thursday 18th August 2011

SHEFFIELD/SCUNTHORPE 'SAINTS' 61
1. Gary Irving 1, 2', 3, 2', = 8+3
2. Steve Worrall R/R
3. Richie Worrall 3, 2', 3, 3, 1, 3, = 15+1
4. Lee Smethills 1, 3, 3, 2', 0, = 9+1
5. Ashley Birks 3, 3, 3, 2, 3, = 14
6. Adam Wrathall 3, 2', 1', 3, 1, = 10+2
7. Stefan Nielsen 1, 1, F, 3, = 5
8. Jordan Tyrer 0, = 0

ISLE OF WIGHT 'ISLANDERS' 32
1. Nick Simmons 2, 1, 6^, 1, 2, = 12
2. Gary Cottham 0, 0, 2, 0, = 2
3. Danny Warwick 2, 1, 2, 2, 0, = 7
4. Rob Smith 0, R, 1', 1', = 2+2
5. Paul Starke 2, 1^, 1, 0, = 4
6. Rikki Mullins (G) 0, 0, 0, = 0
7. Luke Chessell 2, 0, 1', X, 2, = 5+1

REFEREE: Dave Robinson

GATE POSITIONS: Saints won the coin toss and took gates 1 and 3 in heat 1

HEAT DETAILS:
Heat 1: Birks, Simmons, Irving, Cottham, 62.8 (4-2) 4-2
Heat 2: Wrathall, Chessell, Nielsen, Mullins, 65.1 (4-2) 8-4
Heat 3: Worrall, Warwick, Smethills, Smith, 63.9 (4-2) 12-6
Heat 4: (re-run); Birks, Starke, Nielsen, Chessell, 63.4 (4-2) 16-8
Heat 5: Smethills, Worrall, Simmons, Cottham, 64.5 (5-1) 21-9
Heat 6: Worrall, Irving, Starke (TR), Mullins, 64.2 (5-1) 26-10
Heat 7: Birks, Wrathall, Warwick, Smith (R), 63.7 (5-1) 31-11
Heat 8: Smethills, Cottham, Chessell, Nielsen (F), 65.6 (3-3) 34-14
Heat 9: Worrall, Smethills, Starke, Mullins, 63.9 (5-1) 39-15
Heat 10: Irving, Warwick, Smith, Tyrer (RR), 64.0 (3-3) 42-18
Heat 11: Simmons (TR), Birks, Wrathall, Cottham, 64.9 (3-6) 45-24
Heat 12: (re-run); Nielsen, Warwick, Worrall, Chessell (X), 65.5 (4-2) 49-26
Heat 13: Birks, Irving, Simmons, Starke, 64.2 (5-1) 54-27
Heat 14: Wrathall, Chessell, Smith, Smethills, 66.5 (3-3) 57.30
Heat 15: Worrall, Simmons, Wrathall, Warwick, 65.4 (4-2) 61-32

League points: Scunthorpe/Sheffield 3, Isle of Wight 0
 

ISLANDERS FACE A TOUGH STEEL CITY TEST
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Thursday 18th August 2011
Wightlink Islanders face the Sheffield/Scunthorpe combined team tonight at Owlerton Stadium, Sheffield. So far this year the Islanders haven't travelled to well, they have put up some good showings but some woeful ones as well. The team has never really all clicked as a unit together to show what they are really capable of away from home and a change of luck is really needed with a dwindling fixture list.

Chris Hunt said, "This is going to be the toughest away fixture of the year for us, we seem to be on a constant uphill struggle. The hardest thing has been trying to strengthen up where other sides seem to be able change their teams when riders are injured fairly easily."

The Islanders have Rikki Mullins at reserve replacing Charlie Saunders but otherwise remain unchanged with Nick Simmons, Gary Cottham, Danny Warwick, Rob Smith, Paul Starke and Luke Chessell.

Meanwhile the Under 16 British Championship takes centre stage at Smallbrook tonight with a 7.30pm start time. Phil Morris and Neil Vatcher bring round 4 of the British Youth Championship to the Island following on from the previous rounds held at Newport, Buxton, and Plymouth.

Adam Kirby and Adam Portwood are leading the 500's with 46 points while Islanders ex mascot Nathan Stoneman is currently 3rd on 36 points. Nathan Grieves leads the 250's with Reece Downs in 2nd spot. 32 races are in store for supporters who may be watching emerging stars of the future.


ISLE OF WIGHT 'ISLANDERS'
1. Nick Simmons
2. Gary Cottham
3. Danny Warwick
4. Rob Smith
5. Paul Starke
6. Rikki Mullins (G)
7. Luke Chessell
Team managers: Chris Hunt & Kevin Shepherd
 

ISLANDERS SKIPPER MAX SEALS A DRAW AGAINST LEAGUE LEADERS
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Wednesday 17th August 2011
Wightlink Islanders were held to a 45-45 draw at Smallbrook last night in front a big crowd by the new leaders of the National league Mildenhall. Nick Simmons Islanders skipper was in scintillating form going through the card unbeaten to record a 5 ride maximum with solid back up from back to form Danny Warwick.

Simmons brought the crowd to their feet as early as heat 1 after team mate Gary Cottham made the gate initially, Jack Hargreaves passed both Islanders along the back straight only for Simmons to first pass his teammate and set after Hargreaves who he passed exiting the 4th turn 2nd lap.

Cameron Heeps made his light of his first heat storming away for the win with his teammate Aaron Baseby tucked in for 2nd spot to put the Fen Tigers 2 points up. Warwick and Rob Smith hit straight back with a 5-1 in a re-run heat 3 over Daniel Halsey with Joe Jacobs a faller on the 3rd turn. Heeps made the gate in heat 4 with Starke charging hard behind and Lewis Blackbird 3rd giving a heat advantage to the visitors to level the scores 12-12. Smith and Warwick combined for their second 5-1 heat advantage to ease out a 4 point lead.

Two 4-2 advantages followed for the Islanders, first heat 6 Simmons went under Cottham along the back straight while Baseby went round the outside at the same time. Heat 7 saw Paul Starke survive another horror crash which saw the visitors rider Daniel Halsey lock up on the 4th turn leaving Starke nowhere to go but straight into the Fen Tiger. Halsey was sent sprawling into the fence while his machine ended up a quarter of the way along the home straight. Starke flew through the air almost clearing the fence. After medical treatment both riders somehow walked back to the pits and continued riding for the rest of the meeting! The heat was awarded in Starke's favour with Jacobs 2nd and Nick Laurence 3rd, the Islanders now 8 points up, 25-17.

Heeps led the charge for the Fen Tigers bouncing back with a 5-1 in heat 8, partnering Hargreaves with Cottham back in 3rd spot. Warwick was looking much more on the pace with a second convincing win over Blackbird and Baseby to share the points in heat 9. Following an unsatisfactory start Simmons took the outside line to lead from Jacobs while Cottham forced his way past Jacobs round turns 3 and 4 for an Islanders 5-1 to put the home side back to 8 points up, 34-26.

The Fen Tigers management brought in Heeps as a replacement in heat 11, he stormed around the outside and into the lead while Starke held off Hargreaves to split the visitors. Heeps had two rides on the bounce, again he stormed around the outside and into the lead with Warwick splitting the visitors, the Islanders advantage now halved to 4 points.

Heat 13 was called back after a first turn tumble for Starke, Hargreaves made the gate on the inside but Simmons cut back to put the challenge on, while Blackbird moved into 3rd past Starke. Simmons bode his time to cut back under Hargreaves exiting the 4th turn keeping the Islanders lead to 4 points 41-37. Heat 14 Heeps was out for his 6th ride of the night, he didn't disappoint even after missing the gate he blasted around the outside into the lead while Baseby tucked in for 2nd spot to level the scores and force a last heat decider.

Hargreaves was a fast starter on the inside with Heeps in the middle of Warwick and Simmons into the 1st turn. Heeps fell and after a delay was taken off by ambulance to get his wrist checked out by the medical team. Blackbird replaced Heeps in the re-run which Simmons blasted into the lead past Hargreaves while Warwick was boxed in around the first turn by the Fen Tigers. Simmons completed his maximum to ensure a draw and a single league point while the visitors went back to Suffolk with 2 league points.

After being in the wars again Starke said, "Tonight wasn't my night personally, the team did reasonable well but the bottom of the team is where we are struggling which has been a problem all year. It was a good test for us today before the KO Cup against Mildenhall shortly, we need to win by a lot in the fixture. They had Cameron Heeps tonight at reserve taking 6 rides, he's going to number one and will only get 4 or maybe 5 rides which will keep it a bit closer."

"Rob's got broken ribs and is a bit sore at the moment, I had a nasty crash and am a bit sore, I think we did ok but just need to get the bottom end of the team going. We should of had a win tonight, and we just need to score a few more points, but with the bad luck we had it was a reasonably fair result," concluded Starke.

Guest of honour Ivan Mauger had his autobiography on sale which he was signing and posing for photographs. After a lifetime in the sport he was asked what still motivated him to travel the world, "I like to travel, I've been travelling since I was 17 years old I won't stop travelling. I enjoy seeing the young guys coming through the sport and run my training schools."

The Fen Tigers star of the night was undoubtedly Cameron Heeps, Mauger added, "Cameron Heeps is a bit like Michael Lee when he was young and hopes he continues on and becomes a world champion."

After being so consistent during his riding career in the days of one off world finals Mauger was asked how the grand prix series compared to the one off world finals, "I would of liked to ride in the grand prix series, you've only got to be consistent. For 10 or 12 years I was the most consistent rider in the world so I would of loved to ride in the series."

Wightlink Islanders face the Sheffield/Scunthorpe combined team tomorrow (Thursday 18th August) at Owlerton Stadium, Sheffield, meanwhile the Under 16 British Championship also takes centre stage at Smallbrook tomorrow. Hunt added, "This is going to be the toughest away fixture of the year for us, we seem to be on a constant uphill struggle."

The final outstanding National league fixture away at Buxton has now been confirmed for Sunday 18th September which is due to finish the Wightlink Islanders season off.

The club will be holding a Christmas Dinner in the Premier Lounge on Saturday 3rd December, there are limited tickets available priced at £25.00 per ticket which can be purchased from Ness behind the bar. Deposits or full payment secure tickets for the 5-course meal which starts at 7.00pm.


MEETING DETAILS:

ISLE OF WIGHT 'ISLANDERS' v MILDENHALL 'FEN TIGERS'
National League ~ Tuesday 16th August 2011

ISLE OF WIGHT 'ISLANDERS'  45
1. Nick Simmons 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, = 15
2. Gary Cottham 1, 1, 1, 2', = 5+1
3. Danny Warwick 3, 2', 3, 2, 0, = 10+1
4. Rob Smith 2', 3, 0, 1, = 6+1
5. Paul Starke 2, 3, 2, 0, = 7
6. Nick Laurence (G) 0, 1, 0, 0, = 1
7. Luke Chessell 1, 0, 0, R, = 1
Team managers: Chris Hunt & Kevin Shepherd

MILDENHALL 'FEN TIGERS' 45
1. Jack Hargreaves 2, 0, 2', 1, 2, 2, = 9+1
2. Mark Baseby R/R
3. Daniel Halsey 1, FX, R, = 1
4. Joe Jacobs FX, 1, 2, 1, = 4
5. Lewis Blackbird 1, 0, 2, 1', 1', = 5+2
6. Aaron Baseby 0, 2', 2, 1', 1, 2', = 8+3
7. Cameron Heeps 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, FN, = 18
Team managers: Michael Lee & Chris Louis

REFEREE: Mick Posselwhite

GATE POSITIONS: Fen Tigers won the coin toss and took gates 2 & 4 in Heat 1.
Islanders took gates 2 & 4 in heat 15.

HEAT DETAILS;
Heat 1: Simmons, Hargreaves, Cottham, Baseby (RR), 69.4 (4-2) 4-2
Heat 2: Heeps, Baseby, Chessell, Laurence, 69.8 (1-5) 5-7
Heat 3: (re-run); Warwick, Smith, Halsey. Jacobs (FX), 70.0 (5-1) 10-8
Heat 4: Heeps, Starke, Blackbird, Chessell, 69.3 (2-4) 12-12
Heat 5: Smith, Warwick, Jacobs (RR), Hargreaves, 71.4 (5-1) 17-13
Heat 6: Simmons, Baseby, Cottham, Blackbird, 68.2 (4-2) 21-15
Heat 7: (awarded); Starke, Jacobs, Laurence. Halsey (FX), No Time (4-2) 25-17
Heat 8: Heeps, Hargreaves (RR), Cottham, Chessell, 70.4 (1-5) 26-22
Heat 9: Warwick, Blackbird, Baseby, Smith, 70.2 (3-3) 29-25
Heat 10: (re-run); Simmons, Cottham, Jacobs. Halsey (R), 69.4 (5-1) 34-26
Heat 11: Heeps (RR), Starke, Hargreaves, Laurence, 69.6 (2-4) 36-30
Heat 12: Heeps (RC), Warwick, Baseby. Chessell (R), 69.4 (2-4) 38-34
Heat 13: (re-run); Simmons, Hargreaves, Blackbird, Starke, 71.0 (3-3) 41-37
Heat 14: Heeps, Baseby (RC), Smith, Laurence, 71.3 (1-5) 42-42
Heat 15: (re-run); Simmons, Hargreaves, Blackbird, Warwick, Heeps (FN), 69.9 (3-3) 45-45

LEAGUE POINTS: Islanders 1 point, Fen Tigers 2 points
 

ISLANDERS TOUGH TASK - LEGEND VISITS
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Tuesday 16th August 2011
Wightlink Islanders face the mammoth task of overhauling Mildenhall Fen Tigers tonight at Smallbrook in National league action. Special guest at Smallbrook this evening is legendary Kiwi, Ivan Mauger holder of 15 world titles including a record six individual World Speedway Championship's – a feat subsequently equalled only by Tony Rickardsson. Mauger has published his autobiography, ‘The Will To Win’, this will be on sale ahead of the Islander’s National League match that evening. Mauger will also be available to sign his autobiography as well as posing for photographs as part of his UK tour.

"Mildenhall is going to be a mammoth task for us next week, if we're going to do it they have to up their game and tray and prove that they are worth a team place next year," Said Chris Hunt Islanders co-promoter.

Wightlink Islanders face the Sheffield/Scunthorpe combined team Thursday (18th August) at Owlerton Stadium, Sheffield, meanwhile the Under 16 British Championship takes centre stage at Smallbrook the same evening. Hunt added, "This is going to be the toughest away fixture of the year for us, we seem to be on a constant uphill struggle."

The final outstanding National league fixture away at Buxton has now been confirmed for Sunday 18th September which is due to finish the Wightlink Islanders season off.

The club will be holding a Christmas Dinner in the Premier Lounge on Saturday 3rd December, there are limited tickets available priced at £25.00 per ticket which can be purchased from Ness behind the bar. Deposits or full payment secure tickets for the 5-course meal which starts at 7.00pm.

Island Speedway would also like to pass on a very big thank you to everyone who contributed towards the SRBF collection last Tuesday (9th August), a staggering £320.20 was raised through supporters generosity.

Meanwhile with former Islander favourite Davey Watt's Testimonial meeting at Poole Speedway getting ever nearer on 31st August this is the last chance to travel with the supporters club. A supporters coach leaves the Island at 8.30am going to Poole for a whole day out and to take in Davey's meeting in the evening. The coach leaves after the meeting to catch the 1.30am ferry back to the Island.  The provisional price is £15.00 for non-supporter's club members and £12.50 for members on production of their card. Kay Richardson from the supporters club said; "If people know of old supporters who they think may like to join us then please contact them and they can ring me on 07729 127620 to book."

MEETING DETAILS:

ISLE OF WIGHT 'ISLANDERS' v MILDENHALL 'FEN TIGERS'
National League ~ Tuesday 16th August 2011

ISLE OF WIGHT 'ISLANDERS'
1. Nick Simmons (C)
2. Gary Cotham
3. Danny Warwick
4. Rob Smith
5. Paul Starke
6. Nick Laurence (G)
7. Luke Chessell
 
MILDENHALL 'FEN TIGERS'
1. Jack Hargreaves
2. Mark Baseby
3. Daniel Halsey
4. Joe Jacobs
5. Lewis Blackbird
6. Aaron Baseby
7. Cameron Heeps

REFEREE: Mick Posselwhite
 

ISLANDERS OVERCOME HITMEN AS SIMMONS POLISHES BRONZE
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Wednesday 10th August 2011
Wightlink Islanders skipper Nick Simmons successfully defended the Bronze helmet last night at Smallbrook against the visitors challenger Adam Allott. Referee Christina Turnbull pulled the race back after a jump start by Allott who in the re-run again had the drop on Simmons who then rounded Allott out of the 4th turn first lap to remain the holder of the Bronze Helmet in front of a huge Smallbrook crowd.

Simmons said, "The Bronze Helmet is cool, after winning away from home I really wanted to successfully defend it at home. Adam is a fast starter and fast when he's out. He out gated me and I just got a good run and I'm really, really pleased to hold onto it, hopefully I can hold on until the end of the year, I'm over the moon."

The main meeting began with the Hitmen taking an advantage, Allott gaining revenge over Simmons this time out with former Islander Dean Felton tucking in for 3rd place. Heat 2 was awarded after both Hitmen fell in separate incidents putting the Islanders 2 points in front with a 5-1. Paul Burnett fell 3rd turn 1st lap while Ryan Blacklock not to outdone does the same the following lap before he fell again on the first turn of the 3rd lap.

Another Islanders heat advantage in heat 3 with Danny Warwick way out front and untroubled while Rob Smith who crashed heavily at Stoke on Sunday struggled for a point and shortly after the race pulled out of the meeting. Luke Chessell was quick away from the start in heat 4, Robert Branford took the opportunity to hit the front early on while Paul Starke rounded Chessell on the 2nd lap.

Allott was well away in heat 5 Warwick could make no in roads from 2nd with Felton 3rd while Mullins fell and retired on the 1st lap. The scores went back and forth with both teams trading heat advantages at this stage of the meeting. It was the Islanders turn in heat 6 after Branford took an early lead only for a determined ride by Simmons to chase him down and pass round the outside of turns 3 and 4 to only suffer a puncture after crossing the finish line.

The Hitmen gated into the lead in heat 7, with Starke also in determined mood passing Taylor around the outside of turn 1 on the 3rd lap and goes off in chase of Priest. The Islanders pair almost collide on the 3rd bend in heat 8 and Cottham passes Chessell to grab a 5-1 advantage and stick 6 points between the sides at the halfway stage.

Warwick won his second race of the night while Branford and Burnett fill the minor places after Chessell crashes out from 3rd place. Another heat advantage put the Islanders 8 up with Simmons chasing down the whole field after locking up. Past Cottham first followed by Taylor and then Priest on the 4th turn of the 3rd lap while Cottham held off Taylor to grab a point in a cracking race.

Starke takes heat 11 pushed all the way by Allott with a share of the points, while Priest take the advantage in heat 12 but Warwick was just unable to make a pass for another shared heat and 8 points between the sides. The Hitmen gated in heat 13 keeping Simmons on the inside while Starke takes the lead around the outside, with Simmons taking Branford for 3rd place putting the Islanders 10 up.

Buxton team manager Jack Lee introduced Taylor as a tactical ride for double points and at this stage he had only scored a single point from his 3 rides. But Taylor swept past Chessell who had taken the early lead. The meeting was won for the Islanders but the league points were still to be settled in the final heat.

Allott and Simmons were neck and neck along the back straight of the first lap, Allott had the edge into turn 3 and Simmons fell allowing the Hitman to race off untroubled while Starke grabbed 2nd from Priest. The Hitmen gain a league point for their troubles which Islanders team manager and co-promoter wasn't too happy about after the meeting.

Hunt said, "It a win but right this moment in time it doesn't feel like it, we should of had 3 points tonight and nothing less really, it's very, very disappointing. It felt like we lost really in the last heat. We were up against it again losing Rob after one race, it's frustrating when riders say they are fit, maybe they think they are fit but if Rob was in any doubt we would of been better to use rider replacement. It's just one of those things if a rider thinks he's fit you have to trust his judgement, but it just puts us on the back foot all the time."

"I’d been up against it with a broken clamp and rubber on my exhaust and a puncture. Then I did that one cool race when I went from last to first which was real cool, I'm extremely happy with that. Heat 15 I wasn't trying to put a move on when I crashed I just found myself in that position where I had to get out of it or we were both going to have a big crash, unfortunately that's the way it goes. It was disappointing as we only needed a 3-3," added Simmons.

"Mildenhall is going to be a mammoth task for us next week, if we're going to do it they have to up their game and try and prove that they are worth a team place next year," concluded Hunt.

Also at Smallbrook tomorrow (Thursday 13th) will be the Southern Track Riders taking centre stage. Riders from the amateur scene will be taking to the Island shale at the slightly earlier time of 7.00pm.

Mildenhall return to the Island in National league action together with legendary Kiwi, holder of 15 world titles Ivan Mauger who visit Smallbrook next Tuesday (16th August). Mauger has published his autobiography, ‘The Will To Win’, this will be on sale ahead of the Islander’s National League match that evening. Mauger will also be available to sign his autobiography as well as posing for photographs as part of his UK tour.

MEETING DETAILS:

ISLE OF WIGHT 'ISLANDERS' v BUXTON 'HITMEN'
National League ~ Tuesday 9th August 2011

ISLE OF WIGHT 'ISLANDERS' 49
1. Nick Simmons 2, 3, 3, 1, F, = 9
2. Gary Cottham 0, 1, 3, 1, = 5
3. Danny Warwick 3, 2, 3, 2, = 10
4. Rob Smith 1 = 1 withdrawn
5. Paul Starke 2, 2, 3, 3, 2, = 12
6. Rikki Mullins 2', R, 0, 0, 1', = 3+2
7. Luke Chessell 3, 1', 2', R, 1', 2, = 9+3
Team managers: Chris Hunt & Kevin Shepherd

BUXTON 'HITMEN' 44
1. Adam Allott 3, 3, 2, 2, 3, = 13
2. Dean Felton 1, 1, 1, 1', = 4+1
3. Luke Priest 2, 3, 2, 3, 1, = 11
4. Ben Taylor 0, 1, 0, 6^, = 7
5. Robert Branford 3, 2, 2, 0, = 7
6. Paul Burnett 1, 0, 1', 0, 0, = 2+1
7. Ryan Blacklock FX, 0, R, = 0
Team manager: Jack Lee

REFEREE: Christina Turnbull

BRONZE HELMET MATCH RACE: Nick Simmons (Holders) 69.1 beat Adam Allott (Challenger)
 

ISLANDERS AIM TO BOUNCE BACK AS SIMMONS GOES FOR BRONZE
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Tuesday 9th August 2011
Wightlink Islanders skipper Nick Simmons makes his first Bronze helmet defence tonight at Smallbrook against the visitors Adam Allott before the main National league fixture against the Buxton Hitmen gets underway at 7.30pm

Simmons who scooped first prize in last week's WPA Health Insurance Open Championship said, "Everything has been going really, really well for me which has been pretty good. It will be nice to defend it here after winning it away from home, it would be a shame of I lost but again I will do my best, Adam's a fast starter but I know I'm quick around here and hopefully I can get my number one engine back together."

"It was a shame for Todd as he rode well last week, you kind of have to have a bit of luck sometimes, and luckily I was in second to take it away but I would probably of passed him, but I do feel sorry for Todd, he had such a good night but unfortunately that's speedway," added Simmons.

Another away defeat on Saturday at Stoke has not pleased the Islanders management, co-promoter Chris Hunt said, "A heavy defeat, a very poor display and a lack lustre performance. Luke and Rob were riding really well but the others were really disappointing, we really weren't at the same race that Stoke were at. Thankfully Rob is ok and will be taking his place in the team tonight after his visit to hospital Saturday night."

"After a more spirited performance at Newport is was disappointing to see it go down the pan like that. We should be good enough to beat Buxton tonight, I'm hoping they can bounce back with a convincing win to be honest, that's what I want to see and a good all round performance with 3 points," concluded Hunt.

Also at Smallbrook this week on Thursday (13th) more Speedway when the Southern Track Riders take centre stage. Riders from the amateur scene taking to the Island shale, both evenings start at 7.30pm.

Mildenhall return to the Island in National league action together with legendary Kiwi, holder of 15 world titles Ivan Mauger who visit Smallbrook on Tuesday 16th August. Mauger has published his autobiography, ‘The Will To Win’, this will be on sale ahead of the Islander’s National League match that evening. Mauger will also be available to sign his autobiography as well as posing for photographs as part of his UK tour.

Today's Teams;

ISLE OF WIGHT 'ISLANDERS'
1. Nick Simmons
2. Gary Cottham
3. Danny Warwick
4. Rob Smith
5. Paul Starke
6. Charlie Saunders
7. Luke Chessell
Team managers: Chris Hunt and Kevin Shepherd

BUXTON 'HITMEN'
1. Adam Allott
2. Dean Felton
3. Luke Priest
4. Ben Taylor
5. Robert Branford
6. Paul Burnett
7. Ryan Blacklock
Team manager: Jack Lee

Wightlink Islanders also suffered heat 15 heartache in South Wales with their best away performance of the year so far. The Hornets came out 47-43 winners after a last heat decider with the Islanders having to settle for a point for their troubles. Co-promoter Chris Hunt said, "It was a good all round performance, we deserved much more than a point , it's a shame we couldn't of come away with 3 points but that's how it goes. I'd like to think that that could be a turning point but if there is any luck going especially bad luck we get it, although luck didn't come into it today."

Co-promoter Kevin Shepherd said, " Newport produced a good race track that we thought would play into our hands, and for the first 8 heats it did so, but they came back at us and took 2 points off us. Yet again it was another meeting of two halves. The first 8 heats we could do no wrong the boys rode well but, in the second half we were 3rd best with them running out of steam. Newport came back strong and turned the meeting around. It was for us to win and not for them to win, but even so it's our first point on the road this year," concluded Shepherd.

MEETING DETAILS FROM;

STOKE 'POTTERS' v ISLE OF WIGHT 'ISLANDERS'
National League ~ Saturday 6th August 2011
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Tuesday 9th August 2011

STOKE 'POTTERS' 61
1. Simon Lambert 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, = 15
2. Jamie Pickard 2', 1, 3, 2', = 8+2
3. James Sarjeant 3, 3, 3, 3, 2', = 14+1
4. Tony Atkin 2', 1, 2', 3, = 8+2
5. Tim Webster 3, FX, = 3 withdrawn
6. Ben Reade 1', 2, 0, 0, 2', = 5+2
7. Gareth Isherwood 2, 1, 1, 3, 1, = 8
Team manager: Malcolm Vasey

ISLE OF WIGHT 'ISLANDERS' 34
1. Nick Simmons 1, 2, 4^, 1', 0, = 8+1
2. Gary Cottham 0, 0, 0, 1', = 1+1
3. Danny Warwick 0, 1, 1, 2, = 4
4. Rob Smith 1, 6^, = 7 withdrawn
5. Paul Starke 0, 2, 1, 2, 1, = 6
6. Nick Laurence (G) 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, = 0
7. Luke Chessell 3, 2, 2, 0, 1, = 8
Team managers: Chris Hunt and Kevin Shepherd

REFEREE; Mick Bates
 

SIMMONS SCOOPS WPA OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Wednesday 3rd August 2011
Wightlink Islanders skipper Nick Simmons scooped first prize in last night WPA Health Insurance Open Championship at Smallbrook to complete a top three finish for Islanders riders with Paul Starke runner up and Rob Smith third.

WPA Health Insurance the fourth largest medical specialist insurance company in the UK had local representative David Churchill on hand who presented the winners cheques £225 for Simmons, £150 for Starke, £75 for Smith and £50 for Todd Kurtz after finishing fourth.

The unluckiest rider of the meeting Jay Herne from Newport Hornets went through the card winner each of his qualifying heats and looked odds on favourite for the title until an untimely 3rd place in the first semi-final cost him a final place. With former Islander Brendan Johnson suffering a blown engine while warming his bike up resulting in the youngster withdrawing minutes before the parade. Warwick and Kurtz were also left to think what might of been if only their machinery problems had not arisen.

Simmons scored steadily through the meeting netting 8 points while Smith grabbed 10 and Starke 6. Warwick also had a 6 point haul but was unable to take his place in the semi-final after blowing his engine.

The final was re-run after an unsatisfactory start, Kurtz took an early lead followed by Simmons until the end of the second lap where Kurtz suffered engine problems caused by a single holding bolt. Simmons took full advantage to head home his two Islander team mates with Starke cutting under Smith to grab 2nd spot turn 3 of the 3rd lap.

Simmons said, "Everything has been going really, really well for me which has been pretty good, but tonight before the meeting I was warming my number 1 bike up and blew the engine so I rode my spare bike. I'm happy with the way it went but it's not quite the same, I thought I would try and get as many points as I could and make the semi and take it one race at a time."

"Before the meeting started I thought I had a good chance of winning this but when that happened I thought it might be a bit difficult now. I use that one bike everywhere I go, I love it particularly around here I feel so good on it. It was a shame for Todd as he has ridden well tonight, you kind of have to have a bit of luck sometimes, and luckily I was in second to take it away but I would probably of passed him, but I do feel sorry for Todd, he had such a good night but unfortunately that's speedway," added Simmons.

Next Tuesday Simmons defends the Bronze helmet that he won recently after beating James Cockle at King's Lynn, he faces Adam Allott of the Buxton Hitmen before next Tuesday's National league fixture, "It will be nice to defend it here after winning it away from home, it would be a shame of I lost but again I will do my best, Adam's a fast starter but I know I'm quick around here and hopefully I can get my number one engine back together," concluded Simmons.

After a torrid time of late machinery wise, Starke was able to rebuild two bikes after relying on a single machine during recent weeks, "Putting two bikes together and having them here is always a bonus, I struggled with my set up tonight, made some changes and everything started to go ok, it's a good result for all the team as well," said Starke.

Next Tuesday (11th) Buxton Hitmen are the visitors to Smallbrook and on Thursday (13th) Southern Track Riders take centre stage with riders from the amateur scene taking to the Island shale, both evenings start at 7.30pm.

Just two weeks to go before legendary Kiwi, holder of 15 world titles Ivan Mauger visits Smallbrook on Tuesday 16th August as part of his UK tour. Mauger has published his autobiography, ‘The Will To Win’, this will be on sale ahead of the Islander’s National League match against Sheffield 'Prowlers' that evening. Mauger will also be available to sign his autobiography as well as posing for photographs.


WPA OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Tuesday 2nd August 2011

1st; Nick Simmons
2nd; Paul Starke
3rd; Rob Smith
4th; Todd Kurtz
 

WPA OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP UP FOR GRABS TONIGHT
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Tuesday 2nd August 2011
WPA Health Insurance are sponsoring the first open competition for five years at Smallbrook, the WPA Open Championship is being held this evening. WPA are the fourth largest medical specialist insurance company in the UK who have been established for over 100 years.

Three changes to the previously announced line up have been forced on the Islanders management Hackney Hawks David Mason and Stoke Potters Tim Webster have had to pull out due to illness and latest Islanders recruit Charlie Saunders has also withdrawn after bending his machine last Tuesday.

Coming in to replace the three riders are Islanders Gary Cottham, former Islander and now Newport Hornet after a recent switch from Dudley Brendan Johnson and his new team mate from Australia Todd Kurtz.

WPA appointed representative for over ten years, David Churchill said, "A good competitive field has been booked for a great night of speedway, the heat sponsorship will be donated to the Islands Earl Mountbatten Hospice and matched by WPA."

The riders will be racing for £500 prize money for the top four places after 12 heats, two semi's then the all important final. The prize money from WPA Health Insurance will be £225 for first, £150 for second, £75 for third and £50 for the fourth placed rider.

As part of his UK tour legendary Kiwi, holder of 15 world titles Ivan Mauger visits Smallbrook on Tuesday 16th August. Mauger has published his autobiography, ‘The Will To Win’, this will be on sale ahead of the Islander’s National League match against Sheffield 'Prowlers' that evening. Mauger will also be available to sign his autobiography as well as posing for photographs.

Line up (not in riding order);
Danny Warwick, Brendan Johnson, Nick Simmons, Todd Kurtz, Paul Starke, Rob Smith, Lewis Kerr, Jay Herne, Matt Bates, Marc Owen, Gary Cottham, Dean Felton and meeting reserve Ross Walter.
 

HORNETS SNATCH WIN OVER ISLANDERS
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Monday 1st August 2011
Wightlink Islanders suffered heat 15 heartache yesterday afternoon in South Wales with their best away performance of the year so far resulting in a 4 point defeat at the hands of Newport 47-43.

The Islanders had the slight edge and could do no wrong up until heat 9 where after being 8 points up the Islanders suffered a 5-1 reversal with Paul Starke unable to find a way past race winner Brendan Johnson and Matt Bates. Two more shared heats followed until heat 12 where the Hornets fired in another 5-1 to level the meeting with James White-Williams returning to form for the Hornets and Johnson in the thick of things battling with Danny Warwick.

With just 3 heats left tension mounted after heats 13 and 14 were shared evenly to take the meeting down to the wire. Hornets number 1 Todd Kurtz stepped up to record a fine 5 ride maximum with Jay Herne 2nd denying the Islanders Starke and Nick Simmons.

But on a positive note the Islanders travel back across the water with a league point for their troubles. Co-promoter Chris Hunt said, "It was a good all round performance, we deserved much more than a point , it's a shame we couldn't of come away with 3 points but that's how it goes. I'd like to think that that could be a turning point but if there is any luck going especially bad luck we get it, although luck didn't come into it today."

Co-promoter Kevin Shepherd said, " Newport they produced a good race track that we thought would play into our hands and for the first 8 heats it did so but they came back at us and took 2 points off us.

" Yet again it was another meeting of two halves. The first 8 heats we could do no wrong the boys rode well but, in the second half we were 3rd best with them running out of steam. Newport came back strong and turned the meeting around. It was for us to win and not for them to win but it's our first point on the road," concluded Shepherd.

A late change for the Islanders WPA Open Championship tomorrow evening at Smallbrook sees Tim Webster withdraw after taking a heavy fall on Saturday night at Stoke, at this time the club are unable to confirm who will take his place.

Sundays Heat Details:

NEWPORT 'HORNETS' 47
1. Todd Kurtz 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, = 15
2. Steven Jones FX, 0, F, 0, = 0
3. Brendan Johnson 3, 1, 3, 2', = 9+1
4. Matt Bates 1, 0, 2', X, = 3+1
5. Jay Herne 3, 2, 3, 0, 2', = 10+1
6. Richard Andrews 2, 0, 0, = 2
7. James White-Williams 0, 0, 2, 3, 3, = 8
Team manager: Kevin Brown

ISLE OF WIGHT 'ISLANDERS' 43
1. Nick Simmons 2, 2', 2, 1', 0, = 7+2
2. Gary Cottham 1', 3, 1, 1', = 6+2
3. Danny Warwick 0, 3, 1', 1, = 5+1
4. Rob Smith 2, 1, 2, 1', = 6+1
5. Paul Starke 2, 2, 1, 2, 1, = 8
6. Danny Stoneman (G) 3, 1', 0, = 4+1
7. Luke Chessell 1, 1', 3, 0, 2, = 7+1
Team managers: Chris Hunt and Kevin Shepherd

REFEREE: Ronnie Allen
 

ISLANDERS WARWICK WANT’S TO RETURN
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Monday 26th September 2011
Wightlink Islanders star Danny Warwick was picked up by the Islanders for a return to the Island club after being left on the shelf at the start of the season; “I had a long time off before I came back on the bike and had a couple of bad meetings and a bit of bad luck with the bikes and fuel problems. My confidence dropped after having so long off, it was quite difficult really coming in with everyone else going really well with half a season start on me, Warwick said.

“But after a couple of weeks it started picking up when I had my best engine back, I’m happy with how my season is finishing off really. Once I hit form and was scoring I feel that I did my job, we went to Mildenhall and had a good meeting, obviously not having a full side wasn’t ideal.” Warwick is aiming for a full season in 2012 and continued, “It would be nice to start the season off at the beginning with the Islanders next year, I enjoy riding Smallbrook, but on a serious note as well, I would like to get back in the Premier league as so if the opportunity was there I would be happy to double up in both leagues. I’m not bothered about the travelling, it’s part and parcel of the sport so if the right opportunity came up I would be interested.”

The Islanders’ Supporters’ Club will hosting the End of Season Presentation Night at The Premier Clubhouse, Smallbrook Stadium, on Saturday 22nd October 2011 from 7.30pm to 11.30pm. Tickets are available from Kay on 07729 127620. Prices are £6 per adult, £4 for 5-15 years and under 5's free. Tickets will also be available on the night. There will be a Buffet and Music. The Supporters’ Club will be presenting each Rider with a Trophy and there will be the usual presentations also.
 

ISLANDERS END SEASON WITH DEFEAT
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Wednesday 21st September 2011
Wightlink Islanders disappointingly failed to win their final home league fixture of the 2011 season last night against the Sheffield/Scunthorpe Saints side at Smallbrook coming out on the wrong end of a 43-50 score line which ensures the visitors finish second in the league standings.

The first half of the meeting the Islanders were certainly holding their own against the much fancied Saints. An opening heat 5-1 for Warwick and Simmons followed by 2 shared heats and 3 heat advantages for the Islanders in the opening 6 heats for an early 10 point lead, 23-13.

The Saints team manager Stuart Parnaby brought in Steve Worrall for a tactical ride in heat 7, he combined with Benji Compton who had been signed to replace the injured John Oliver for an 1-8 over Starke and Chessell to narrow the scores to 24-21. A heat advantage to each side and a shared heat followed keeping the gap to 3 points in a tight tussle.

A heat 11 win by former Islander Smethills backed up by Saints guest Kerr put the visitors into the lead by a single point 34-35. With rain starting to fall Smith was only able to split the Saints pair of Steve Worrall and Wrathall extending the Saints lead by 3 points.

Heat 13 was a re-run affair with Simmons passing Birks round the outside but entering into turn 1 on the 2nd lap Birks took Simmons front wheel away. Birks showed his frustration to the referee after being excluded from the re-run. Simmons who was lucky not to pick up an injury from the fall followed Starke past a fast starting Wrathall in the re-run to put the Islanders back in front 41-40. With the track becoming greasy the Saints hit in 1-5’s in the remaining 2 heats to take the win 43-50.

Islanders co-promoter Kevin Shepherd said, "We really came tonight to give the home supporters a victory to close the season off and to thank them for their sterling support. Fair play to Scunthorpe they deserved the win on the night after a far stronger second half of the meeting. The track got greasy with the light rain that fell during a large part of the meeting and our visitors coped better with it.”

With the season now over for the South Coast club and next season some time off the clubs management already have their thoughts set on a much more successful 2012 season Shepherd added, “We are very down at the moment and we will sit down reflect on what went wrong and address it for next season, when we can assure all supporters that we will not find ourselves this low in the league table again. We assembled a team that we thought would go on and do well but it has proved not to be the case, the difference in class showed when we raced the top teams and we really have not been resolute enough when under pressure, although we have given a good account of ourselves good has not been good enough."

The Islanders’ Supporters’ Club will hosting the End of Season Presentation Night at The Premier Clubhouse, Smallbrook Stadium, on Saturday 22nd October 2011 from 7.30pm to 11.30pm. Tickets are available from Kay on 07729 127620. Prices are £6 per adult, £4 for 5-15 years and under 5's free. Tickets will also be available on the night. There will be a Buffet and Music. The Supporters’ Club will be presenting each Rider with a Trophy and there will be the usual presentations also.

ISLE OF WIGHT ISLANDERS 43 SHEFFIELD/SCUNTHORPE SAINTS 50
National League ~ Tuesday 20th September 2011

ISLE OF WIGHT ISLANDERS 43
1. Nick Simmons 2', 1, 2, 2', = 7+2
2. Danny Warwick 3, 3, 3, 1', 0, = 10+1
3. Rob Smith 3, 3, 2, 2, = 10
4. Gary Cottham 1, 1, 0, 0, = 2
5. Paul Starke 2, 1, 0, 3, 1, = 7
6. Luke Chessell 2, 0, 1, 1, = 4
7. Rikki Mullins 1', 1', 1, 0, = 3+2
Team managers: Chris Hunt and Kevin Shepherd

SHEFFIELD/SCUNTHORPE SAINTS 50
1. Lewis Kerr 0, F, 2', = 2+1
2. Lee Smethills 1, 2, 2, 3, = 8
3. Steve Worrall R, 6^, 3, 3, 2', = 14+1
4. Benji Compton 2, 2', R, 3 = 7+1
5. Ashley Birks 3, 2, 3, X, 3, = 11
6. Adam Wrathall 3, 0, 1, 1, 1, 2', = 8+1
7. Adam Kenyon 0, 0, 0, = 0
Team Manager: Stuart Parnaby

REFEREE: Chris Durno
 

ISLANDERS FINAL 2011 MEETING TUESDAY
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Monday 19th September 2011
Wightlink Islanders failed to win their final away league fixture of the season on Sunday afternoon at Buxton. The Hitmen coming out on top 57-36 and now face the combines Sheffield/Scunthorpe Saints side tonight (Tuesday 20th) in the final National league fixture of 2011 at Smallbrook.

Islanders co-promoter Kevin Shepherd said, "We are all delighted that Nick retained the Bronze helmet Sunday afternoon, he actually showed that you can come from behind at Buxton after being out gated by Robert. We thought that this would spur us on for the meeting but that didn't materialise. We are disappointed overall with the performance and to our away meetings."

"I would like to praise the lesser lights of the team with Luke having a great meeting and also Gary but we need to get Gary an eye test as he doesn't recognise a rider with a black and white helmet colour on. In hindsight Gary should of had the black and white in those two races, but hindsight is a wonderful thing. Both riders deserved to be in heat 15 after putting up the best performances on the day."

"It's not often that these lads get the chance of heat 15 and when they earn it they should have it. Luke confidence has been low and it was good to see him show us what he can do. The experienced guys lets us down this time unfortunately, it was a case again that we couldn't get everyone to click at the same time. We must thank Scott Day for travelling all the way to Buxton and for his efforts and for taking the booking. Young lads like Scott need more meetings like this to bring them on and progress."

The Sheffield/Scunthorpe side thumped the Wightlink Islanders 61-32 just a month ago at Sheffield. "We are determined that Tuesday night we are going to see the season out on a high with a home win, we realise that it's going to be a tall order but the boys are determined to put on a good show in front of the fans for the final meeting," concluded Shepherd.

The Islanders’ Supporters’ Club will hosting the End of Season Presentation Night at The Premier Clubhouse, Smallbrook Stadium, on Saturday 22nd October 2011 from 7.30pm to 11.30pm. Tickets will be available from Kay on 07729 127620. Ticket prices are £6 per adult, £4 for 5-15 years and under 5's free. Tickets will also be available on the night. There will be a Buffet and Music. The Supporters’ Club will be presenting each Rider with a Trophy and there will be the usual presentations also.


BUXTON HITMEN v ISLE OF WIGHT ISLANDERS
National League ~ Sunday 18th September 2011

BUXTON HITMEN
1. Adam Allott 3, 1', 3, 1, = 8+1
2. Dean Felton 2', 2, 1, 2', = 7+2
3. Luke Priest 3, 0, 2', 2', = 7+2
4. Ben Taylor R, 3, 3, 3, 2', = 11+1
5. Robert Branford 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, = 15
6. Paul Burnett 2, 1, 0, 0, = 3
7. Ryan Blacklock 1', 2', 0, 3, = 6+2
Team manager: Jack Lee

ISLE OF WIGHT ISLANDERS
1. Nick Simmons 1, 2, 2^, 2, = 7
2. Gary Cottham 0, 1', 3, 2, 0, = 6+1
3. Rob Smith 1', 2, 0, 1, = 4+1
4. Paul Starke 2, 0, 1, 2, = 5
5. Danny Warwick 0, 3, 1, 0, = 4
6. Scott Day (G) 0, 0, F, F, = 0
7. Luke Chessell 3, 1, 4^, 1', 1, = 10+1
Team managers: Chris Hunt and Kevin Shepherd

REFEREE: Michael Breckon

BRONZE HELMET: Nick Simmons (Holder) beat Robert Branford (Challenger), 57.1

GATE POSITIONS: Hitmen won the coin toss and took gates 1 & 3 in heat 1.
Islanders took gates 1 and 3 in heat 15

HEAT DETAILS:
Heat 1: Allott, Felton, Simmons, Cottham, 57.3 (5-1) 5-1
Heat 2: Chessell, Burnett, Blacklock, Day, 60.0 (3-3) 8-4
Heat 3: Priest, Starke, Smith (FR), Taylor (R), 59.2 (3-3) 11-7
Heat 4: Branford, Blacklock, Chessell, Warwick, 58.4 (5-1) 16-8
Heat 5: Taylor, Simmons, Cottham, Priest, 56.6 (3-3) 19-11
Heat 6: Warwick, Felton, Allott, Day, 57.7 (3-3) 22-14
Heat 7: Branford, Smith, Burnett, Starke, 57.5 (4-2) 26-16
Heat 8: Cottham, Chessell (TR), Felton, Blacklock, 58.3 (1-7) 27-23
Heat 9: Taylor, Priest, Warwick, Day (F), 58.0 (5-1) 32-24
Heat 10: Allott, Felton, Starke, Smith, 55.9 (5-1) 37-25
Heat 11: Branford, Cottham, Simmons (TR), Burnett, 58.9 (3-4) 40-29
Heat 12: Blacklock, Priest, Smith, Day (F), 61.2 (5-1) 45-30
Heat 13: Branford, Simmons, Allott, Warwick, 57.6 (4-2) 49-32
Heat 14: Taylor, Starke, Chessell, Burnett, 57.5 (3-3) 52-35
Heat 15: Branford, Taylor, Chessell, Cottham, 57.5 (5-1) 57-36


TUESDAY'S TEAMS:

ISLE OF WIGHT ISLANDERS
1. Nick Simmons (C) 8.58
2. Danny Warwick 5.84
3. Rob Smith 6.12
4. Gary Cottham 4.20
5. Paul Starke 5.93
6. Luke Chessell 3.22
7. Rikki Mullins 3.00
Team managers: Chris Hunt and Kevin Shepherd

SHEFFIELD/SCUNTHORPE SAINTS
1. Gary Irving 8.47
2. Lee Smethills 5.33
3. Steve Worrall 8.22
4. Benji Compton 6.28
5. Ashley Birks 7.93
6. Adam Wrathall 4.44
7. Adam Kenyon 3.00
Team manager: Stuart Parnaby

REFEREE: Chris Durno
 

ISLANDERS KO CUP EXIT
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Wednesday 14th September 2011
Wightlink Islanders failed in their bid to overturn a 20 point deficit in last night's KO Cup semi-final against Mildenhall Fen Tigers. They lost the meeting 44-46 but on aggregate the 81-103 score line takes the Fen Tigers into the final against Stoke Potters.

The Islanders started off well with Simmons winning heat 1 from Fen Tigers guest Branford with Cottham 3rd for a heat advantage. Aaron Baseby took heat 2 from the Islanders reserves after Halsey in a comfortable 2nd spluttered to a halt along the back straight.

Controversial heat 3 followed with the exclusion of Rob Smith by referee Mick Posselwhite after Blackbird clearly tangled with Smith who was then adjudged to be the cause of the stoppage much to the disgust of the Islanders management. The scores were levelled again with Starke only managing to split Blackbird and Jacobs in the re-run.

Warwick and Chessell gated into the lead but within half a lap both Baseby brothers passed the Islanders reserve. Warwick was passed by Mark Baseby on the 1st turn of the last lap to give the Fen Tigers a heat advantage. Again the Islanders made the start in heat 5 only for Branford to real in Smith and split the pair with Starke taking the flag to level the scores at 15-15.

Simmons and Cottham blasted in a 5-1 to edge the Islanders ahead in heat 6 while heat 7 was again shared with Warwick way out front and untroubled. After an unsatisfactory start in heat 8 the Fen Tigers again levelled proceedings with a 5-1 from Branford and Aaron Baseby. A slender 2 point advantage for the Islanders in heat 9 with Starke taking the flag and Smith 3rd after Mark Baseby forces his way through out of the 4th bend 2nd lap. Another shared heat follows with Simmons well away from the Fen Tigers pair.

More controversy in heat 11 with Branford touching and impeding Warwick on the first bend forcing the Islander to back out to avoid a nasty crash, this time the referee let the race continue for a Fen Tigers 5-1 again much to the Islanders managements dismay, Mark Baseby from Branford and Warwick 3rd to put the Fen Tigers 2 points up on the night, 22 points overall and through to the KO Cup final against Stoke Potters.

Heat 12 was shared, Smith took the flag from the Fen Tigers pair while heat 13 saw Simmons drop his only point of the night to Branford while Mark Baseby was 3rd to put the Fen Tigers 4 up. Starke powered away in heat 14 well out of reach of the Fen Tigers who packed the minor places. A final heat 15 advantage for the Islanders with Simmons again well out front while Branford takes 2nd from Starke to give a final result of 44-46 on the night and an aggregate win to the Fen Tigers of 81-103.

A disappointed co-promoter Chris Hunt said, "It was very disappointing tonight, I thought we could of won, we turned up and got totally caught out by our own track which should never happen. We always ask for the track to be a certain way but tonight we didn't get it, so that was disappointing in itself. No excuses but the referee certainly didn't help our cause tonight. Paul and Nick again stood out for us last night, unfortunately Rob and Danny were slightly off form, it's just one of those things if everyone could just fire on all cylinders we could of been winning matches, we have just been too inconsistent this year."

An unhappy co-promoter Kevin Shepherd said, "Even though it would not have made any difference to the overall result we would of had a chance of winning on the night. I was very disappointed with the decisions made by last night's referee particularly in heat 3 and 11. Some decisions go for you some go against but we didn't have a chance last night. Fair play to Mildenhall they were the better team over the 2 legs, we lost the match really in the first leg. They deserve to be in the final and I would like to wish them the best of luck."

This weekend the Wightlink Islanders travel to Buxton in another rearranged league fixture to take on the Hitmen Sunday afternoon at 3.00pm who the Islanders beat 49-34 early last month at Smallbrook.

Wightlink Islanders then host the Sheffield/ Scunthorpe combined team next week at Smallbrook on Tuesday night at 7.30pm for their rescheduled final National league fixture on home shale following the wash out last week.

The Sheffield/Scunthorpe side have a guaranteed playoff spot currently lying in third position. They have also suffered injury problems to their side but still remain a huge threat on the road. They thumped the Wightlink Islanders 61-32 just a month ago at Sheffield. Co-promoter Chris Hunt added, "They are an awesome side, I think this is going to be our hardest meeting of the season by far, they have near enough a Premier league team, there is no room for error in this meeting."

Supporters are urged to come out onto the terraces for what is the final meeting this year at Smallbrook and really get behind the Wightlink Islanders, many of who will be staying after the meeting to meet supporters in the Premier lounge.

The Islanders’ Supporters’ Club will hosting the End of Season Presentation Night at The Premier Clubhouse, Smallbrook Stadium, on Saturday 22nd October 2011 from 7.30pm to 11.30pm. Tickets will be available from Kay on 07729 127620. Ticket prices are £6 per adult, £4 for 5-15 years and under 5's free. Tickets will also be available on the night. There will be a Buffet and Music. The Supporters’ Club will be presenting each Rider with a Trophy and there will be the usual presentations also.


MEETING DETAILS:

ISLE OF WIGHT ISLANDERS 44 (81)
1. Nick Simmons 3, 3, 3, 2, 3, = 14
2. Gary Cottham 1, 2', 1, 0, = 4+1
3. Rob Smith FX, 1, 1, 3, = 5
4. Paul Starke 2, 3, 3, 3, 1, = 12
5. Danny Warwick 2, 3, 1, 0, = 6
6. Ross Walter 1', 0, 0, 0, = 1+1
7. Luke Chessell 2, 0, 0, 0, = 2
Team managers: Chris Hunt and Kevin Shepherd

MILDENHALL FEN TIGERS 46 (103)
1. Robert Branford (G) 2, 2, 3, 2', 3, 2, = 14+1
2. Jack Hargreaves R/R
3. Joe Jacobs 1, 1', 1', 2, = 5+2
4. Lewis Blackbird 3, 0, 2, 2, 2, = 9
5. Mark Baseby 3, FX, 2, 3, 1, 0, = 9
6. Daniel Halsey R, 1, 0, 1', = 2+1
7. Aaron Baseby 0, 3, 1, 2', 1', = 7+2
Team manager: Robert Henry

REFEREE: Mick Posselwhite
 

ISLANDERS KO CUP HURDLE
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Tuesday 13th September 2011
Wightlink Islanders face Mildenhall Fen Tigers in the second leg of the National league KO Cup Semi-final tonight with a 7.30pm start time. The Islanders are in a must win situation to extend their season, failure to overcome the 20 point lead the Fen Tigers hold will bring an end to their 2011 home season on the Island next Tuesday 20th September against Sheffield/Scunthorpe and no progression to the KO Cup final against Stoke.

Co-promoter Chris Hunt said, "I'd just like to see a good performance, it would be disappointing to lose, I would be really disappointed if we don't put up a fight. If everybody does their best then that is all they can do and all I can ask."

This weekend also sees the Wightlink Islanders travel to Buxton on Sunday afternoon in another rearranged league fixture to take on the Hitmen who the Islanders beat 49-34 early last month at Smallbrook.

Hunt added, "It's not impossible but 21 points is a lot, if it were 16 points you might think there was a better chance. It has to be our best performance of the year tonight, we haven't won by 20 points all season so this has to be a special performance if we are to progress."


TUESDAY'S TEAM NEWS:

ISLE OF WIGHT ISLANDERS
1. Nick Simmons ( C ) 8.58
2. Gary Cottham 4.20
3. Rob Smith 6.12
4. Paul Starke 5.93
5. Danny Warwick 5.84
6. Ross Walter 3.00
7. Luke Chessell 3.22
Team managers: Chris Hunt and Kevin Shepherd

MILDENHALL FEN TIGERS
1. Robert Brandford (Guest) 7.92
2. Jack Hargreaves or R/R 7.02
3. Joe Jacobs 6.27
4. Lewis Blackbird (c) 6.78
5. Mark Baseby 6.93
6. Daniel Halsey 4.80
7. Aaron Baseby 4.82
Team manager: Robert Henry

REFEREE: Mike Posselwhite
 

ISLANDERS DATE WITH SAINTS
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Wednesday 7th September 2011
Wightlink Islanders cancelled meeting on Tuesday against the Sheffield/Scunthorpe combined side which was scheduled to be the final home National league meeting at Smallbrook this season will now take place on Tuesday 20th September with a 7.30pm start time.

Meanwhile the Islanders face Mildenhall in the second leg of the KO Cup semi-final where they need to overcome a 20 point deficit to progress to the final against Stoke next Tuesday evening at 7.30pm.
 

ISLANDERS CANCELLED TONIGHT
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Tuesday 6th September 2011
Wightlink Islanders speedway meeting tonight against the Sheffield/Scunthorpe combined in what was to be the final home National league meeting at Smallbrook this year has been cancelled due to the adverse weather conditions.

With the cut off date this weekend for National league fixtures the Islanders are unable to re-schedule this week due to the Isle of Wight Bestival taking place. Further news on a rescheduled fixture will be issued in due course.
 

ISLANDERS FACE THE SAINTS
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Tuesday 6th September 2011
Wightlink Islanders take on the might of the Sheffield/Scunthorpe combined side in tonight's final home National league meeting at Smallbrook. The Islanders were beaten 61-32 at Sheffield three weeks ago in the corresponding fixture and will be keen to pull out all the stops this evening so there is no repeat performance against a Saints side currently in 3rd place in the league with 32 points, while the Islanders languish in 8th with 16 points. They have recently recruited Lee Smethills to bolster their side who was released earlier this summer by the Islanders in a mid season re-shuffle.

Following the horrific crash that brought an end to Thursdays meeting, skipper Nick Simmons is sure to be greeted with a huge round of applause. Simmons took his place in the National league Riders Championship on Saturday at Rye House Speedway where he managed 4 points from his 5 rides, "I'm feeling ten times worse, I didn't do too well but glad that I rode," Simmons said.

Meanwhile news on Kyle Newman is that there are no broken bones, but he is still feeling the effects of the crash and has pulled out of Dudley's home meeting tonight.

Ross Walter steps into the number 6 slot at reserve for the Islanders tonight for the unavailable Rikki Mullins, otherwise the Islanders remain unchanged.

Co-promoter Chris Hunt said. "They are a mighty side with plenty of Premier league and National league experience throughout the side."

Racing gets underway tonight at 7.30pm prompt. With just one more scheduled fixture at Smallbrook this season fans are urged to get behind the side tonight and next Tuesday when the Islanders face Mildenhall in the second leg of the KO Cup semi-final where they need to overcome a 20 point deficit to progress to the final against Stoke.


TUESDAY'S TEAM NEWS:

ISLE OF WIGHT ISLANDERS
1. Nick Simmons ( C ) 8.58
2. Gary Cottham 4.20
3. Rob Smith 6.12
4. Paul Starke 5.93
5. Danny Warwick 5.84
6. Ross Walter 3.00
7. Luke Chessell 3.22
Team Managers: Chris Hunt and Kevin Shepherd
 
SHEFFIELD/SCUNTHORPE SAINTS
1. R/R for Gary Irving 8.47
2. Lee Smethills 5.33
3. Steve Worrall 8.22
4. Richie Worrall 7.71
5. Ashley Birks 7.93
6. Adam Wrathall 4.44
7. Stefan Nielsen 4.75
Team Manager: Stuart Parnaby

REFEREE: Dan Holt
 

ISLANDERS SKIPPER IN HORROR SMASH
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Friday 2nd September 2011
Wightlink Islanders meeting was curtailed last night following a horror smash in heat 13 involving Islanders skipper Nick Simmons and Heathens new recruit Kyle Newman. Simmons in the form of his life said, "I'm ok with all things considered, a bit sore, I'll be riding in the NLRC tomorrow. I'm not injured enough to warrant not riding in my eyes, I'll go to Rye House and do my best."

Thankfully no bones were broken for either rider although they are battered, bruised and sore from the crash, they were both very lucky. It was Newmans' first meeting back with the Heathens' as cover for injured skipper Jon Armstrong, he was released at 2.00am from hospital after receiving the all clear.

Heat 1 saw Newman grabbed a fast start and was neck and neck with Simmons around the first turns but pulled out the lead going into the 3rd turn when Simmons stormed around the outside and into the lead exiting the 4th turn to share the heat points. The Heathens took the lead for the only time during the meeting with reserve Darryl Ritchings taking the win from Islanders reserve Luke Chessell who initially led the race until the 2nd lap, Danny Stoneman was 3rd for the midland club.

Rob Smith and Paul Starke pounded in the first of three 5-1 advantages in heat 3 while in heat 4 Danny Warwick had it all his own way in the re-run heat after Chessell demolished the starting tapes for a shared heat to maintain a 2 point advantage for the Islanders. Heat 5 was pulled back for an unsatisfactory start after Smith flew from the gate somehow managing to not touch the tapes, in the re-run Newman made no mistake pegging the Islanders pair for another shared heat.

Simmons paired up with Gary Cottham in heat 6 for the Islanders second 5-1 of the meeting giving a 6 point advantage. Two shared heats followed with Warwick again away at the front with the Heathens pair tucked in the minor places. Cottham followed up with a heat 8 win over the Heathens.

Heat 10 saw the Islanders open up the advantage to 10 points with their third 5-1 of the meeting, Smith and Starke again pegged back the Heathens while Tom Perry split Simmons and Cottham in heat 10 with the Islanders moving 12 up.

Newman was brought in by Heathens team manager for a tactical ride in heat 11, he didn't disappoint the travelling Heathens supporters with a cracking race storming away for the win over Warwick to narrow the Islanders advantage to 7 points. Smith took the flag in heat 12 from Perry and Chessell for a heat advantage putting the Islanders 9 points up.

Warwick made the start in heat 13, Simmons in 2nd spot holding off the challenge of Newman on the first lap until Newman clipped Simmons rear wheel exiting the 4th turn the fastest part of the track which resulted in a heavy horrific crash into the home straight safety fence smashing 4 posts and taking out the electrics.

The medics were quick on the scene treating both Simmons and Newman for sometime before Simmons was able to walk back to the pits. Newman meanwhile underwent lengthier treatment before being transported to hospital for further checkups where he underwent x-rays.

Co-promoter Chris Hunt said, "Accidents are accidents, you don't like to apportion any blame I just hope both Nick and Kyle are ok, it was a nasty crash."

Injured Islander John Resch was a welcome visitor to the Island and was presented with a cheque for £250 by the supporters club who had been busy raising funds following his horror smash in May at Mildenhall which resulted in a titanium road being inserted into his broken thigh, "Everything is going well, the physio is going good, I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone at the Island for what they have done for me and all the cards and everything. I'd like to ride again but I would rather wait until the rod is out before I go racing, It's quite frustrating not riding, I can't wait to get back on a bike," commented Resch.

Co-promoter Chris Hunt added, "It was a good performance tonight, Dudley were a little bit weak but it showed what we can do. I would of been disappointed if we didn't pick up 3 points tonight so the result is about what I was expecting as we know Dudley are a bit vulnerable at the moment."

Simmons speaking from his workshop added, "The bike and helmet are wrecked, the front wheel is buckled, hopefully the forks and frame can be straightened, my kevlars are damaged so there is a lot of work and expense to get the bike back ready to race."


ISLE OF WIGHT ISLANDERS v DUDLEY HEATHENS
National League ~ Thursday 1st September 2011

ISLE OF WIGHT ISLANDERS 42
1. Nick Simmons 3, 3, 3, = 9
2. Gary Cottham 0, 2', 3, 1, = 6+1
3. Rob Smith 3, 2, 3, 3, = 11
4. Paul Starke 2', 1', 2', = 5+3
5. Danny Warwick 3, 3, 2, = 8
6. David Gough (G) R, R, 0, 0, = 0
7. Luke Chessell 2, XT, 0, 1, = 3
Team managers: Chris Hunt and Kevin Shepherd

DUDLEY HEATHENS 33
1. Kyle Newman 2, 3, 6^, = 11
2. Richard Franklin R/R
3. Tom Perry 0, 1', 2, 2, 2, = 7+1
4. Ashley Morris 1, 2, R, = 3
5. Jamie Courtney 2, 0, 0, = 2
6. Darryl Ritchings 1', 3, 1, 1', 1, 0, = 7+2
7. Danny Stoneman 1', 1', 0, 1, = 3+2
Team manager: Will Pottinger

REFEREE: Dale Entwistle

MEETING ABANDONED - RESULT STANDS

LEAGUE POINTS: Islanders 3 Heathens 0
 

ISLANDERS SKIPPER HONOURED BY TEAM
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Wednesday 26th October 2011
Wightlink Islanders End of Season Presentation Night took place at Smallbrooks Premier Lounge last Saturday evening where Islanders skipper Nick Simmons was revealed as the supporters club rider of the year, followed by the riders sealed votes which were cast at the last Islanders home meeting to reveal Simmons also as the 'Riders Rider of the Year'.

Paul Starke picked up the Michael Richardson & Co Best Supporting Shield, "I've had fun this year it's been good. I enjoyed riding with everybody in the team it was really good fun especially Nick. We should have fun maybe in the future."

While Rob Smith was presented with the Maud White Memorial Cup, "I love riding here, hopefully I can come back next season. I've had so much support here, more than anywhere, it's so good. I can't say how much I have enjoyed being here."

Simmons made no excuses for the Wightlink Islanders disappointing season; "For us as a team we haven't had a particularly good year and we all know that but it isn't through lack of effort and I know that Kev and Chris get a bit of stick for things but we do all try our best and help each other. I think we have had quite a good team spirit this year, one of the best that I have been involved with but it just hasn't worked out." Simmons continued looking ahead to next season, "But maybe next year if I'm back and a few of the others are back I'm sure we will improve things, we surely can't be any worse. It's not through lack of effort and we do appreciate everyone coming and supporting us and we need that support."

Finishing the season as the holder of the Bronze helmet which he had never ridden for before this season, was one of the personal high points for Simmons, "On a personal level I've had a pretty good year so I'm happy with that, it's been a bit frustrating that I've had some real good meetings and we haven't won as a team and it kind of takes a little bit of that away from me, I'm happy but most of the team is down but that how it goes sometimes unfortunately but we'll be back next year I'm sure and give it a good go."
 

ISLANDERS EYE ON NEXT SEASON
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Tuesday 18th October 2011
Wightlink Islanders not running and Islanders losing their sponsors are the rumours doing the rounds following a season that was frustrating not only for supporters but for the riders and management as well. Co-promoter Kevin Shepherd said, "Despite the rumours that are doing the rounds we are committed to running in the National league next season. Work has already started with the track being ripped up and new shale added all in preparation for next season. We would like to quash the rumours that are doing the rounds saying that we are losing our sponsors and not running. The club has never been better on a financial footing."

Shepherd would like to see as many of the staff and helpers as possible at the clubs presentation night this weekend, he added, "We would like to thank everyone who has been involved with the club this season, without everyone who gives up their time we as a club just could not function and we look forward to seeing as many as possible at the end of season do on Saturday 22nd October."

Shepherd hopes that the National league AGM can take place earlier rather than later to allow more time to prepare for the new season rather than rush everything in a few weeks just before the start of the season which has been the norm in recent years. He feels this is a must for clubs to be able to survive and compete for advertising and sponsorship. "We are keen that we can have our National league AGM at a sensible time so that will allow teams to build for next year and that riders know what is going on earlier rather than later to allow us all more time to prepare for the forthcoming season rather than having to wait until late January or early February."

The Wightlink Islanders want to put a disappointing 2011 season behind them and move forward aiming and preparing for success in 2012, "This year wasn't the best on track, results don't lie, we want to start preparing well in advance for next season on and off track from the programme, advertising material to the track and everything else. We want to go into the new season well prepared and raring to go."

"We held a very pro-active meeting where all the members of the track staff were invited to come along and air their views about things that they feel need to be improved. It was a very encouraging meeting with views and suggestions from both sides coming to the table. We realise that it takes input from everybody with the club to make things work and improve," concluded Shepherd.

If a shareholder would like to have a voice or a non-shareholder, shares are available for purchase from the office at £25 per share which would make a nice Christmas present. To have a vote at the clubs AGM shareholders need to purchase a minimum of five shares, single shares can be purchased but with no voting power, any interested parties are asked to contact Brian Ginders directly at the club on 01983 811180.

The End of Season Presentation Night at Smallbrooks Premier Lounge takes place on Saturday this weekend where the Islanders rider of the year will be revealed. The event starts at 7.30pm until 11.30pm with entrance fee of £6 per adult; £4 for 5-15 years; under 5's are free.

Meanwhile Danny Warwick has been turning his attentions to riding grasstrack the last few weeks, last Sunday at Worcestershire grasstrack he finished second in the final. While back on shale Islanders Rob Smith and Paul Starke scored 6 points and 8 respectively on Sunday at West Row, Mildenhall in the Bernie Klatt Memorial Trophy.
 

ISLANDERS EVENT WEEK
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Wednesday 12th October 2011
A busy weekend on the Island next week, but nothing to do with speedway! In fact one of the major reasons that speedway survives on the Island is their 'Premier Clubhouse' which is available for the public to hire out for functions all through the year which brings an income in for the club.

The Wightlink Islanders commercial manager Roy Spearman said, "I am organising a Wedding & Party Fair at Smallbrook on Sunday 23rd October 2011 from 11.00am to 4.00pm for the club. Although not strictly speedway, if this project succeeds it’ll get the Premier booked out for most of next year for weddings and parties which can only help the clubs finances in the long run!"

Making the residents of the Island aware of the facilities available at Smallbrook is no mean feat, in fact many people are unaware that speedway exists which is a major problem all over the UK. "It’s quite amazing the number of people I’ve spoken to who didn’t know we hire the hall and bar for parties, etc." added Spearman.

On Tuesday 18th October there is a Fun Quiz Night at the Clubhouse, start time 8.00pm, entrance fee £2 per person. Then the day before the Wedding & Party Fair the Wightlink Islanders hold their End of Season Presentation Night at the Clubhouse on Saturday 22nd October, start time 7.30pm until 11.30pm with entrance fee of £6 per adult; £4 for 5-15 years; under 5's are free.

With the Islanders season now over, several of the riders are still keeping active in the last weeks of the season with Paul Starke and Rob Smith due to take part in the Bernie Klatt Memorial meeting at Mildenhall, Starke also rode at Somerset last Friday for Weymouth in a second half challenge against Exeter and Gary Cottham was booked to ride for Plymouth at Workington which ended up being called off.
 

JOHNSONS' DOUBLE TARGET
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Tuesday 22nd November 2011
Wightlink Islanders asset Brendan Johnson started the 2011 season of around the big wide open space at Smallbrook but found himself becoming the journey man part way through the season with moves to Dudley and Newport, brought about by the Islanders mid season team re-shuffle.

"I felt the moving around this season didn't really affect my riding, although I do feel that I was dropped unfairly by the Isle of Wight. I was lucky to keep on riding for Dudley on a short term contract covering for Richard Franklin while he was getting fit again. When I went to Newport I hit form again scoring points home and away so it did help, but it wasn't the best preparation when you turn up for a meeting wondering if you are going to be riding the following week."

Johnson has set his sights for next season with securing a ride in the National league and doubling up with in the Premier league after feeling confident that he is back to the form that saw Somerset sign the Poole based youngster in 2009. "I would like to return to the Islanders again in the National league but if that does not work out then I would be happy to talk and consider all options. I'm also willing to travel for any Premier league team to look at me, I feel that I'm back to the level that I was at when racing for Somerset in 2009 and want another chance in the Premier league in 2012."

"Ever since I started racing in the professional leagues I have been guaranteed my team place since my time at Oxford, this is the first time in my career where my average has been at the point where you get dropped or you stay. I've always been just below or just above so it's made me realise that you have to ride well to keep a team place as speedway is a numbers game."

Preparation for next season is well underway approaching potential sponsors for much needed sponsorship to help keep him competitive machinery wise for next season. "I work hard every year writing letters to try and secure sponsorship. I'm in the gym training every day and looking forward to a holiday in January to get away and relax as I've been racing now for a couple of years non-stop. With racing here and in Australia, I've not really had a chance for a break to sit back and reflect on things away from speedway."

Tickets for the Islanders Christmas Dinner in the Premier Lounge on Saturday 3rd December are almost sold out. With just a few limited tickets available priced at £25.00 per ticket which can be purchased from Ness by calling the club on 01983 811180. Deposits or full payment secure tickets for the 5-course meal which starts at 7.00pm.

Admission prices and season ticket prices have been released for the 2012 season which are as follows; Turnstile Prices; Adults £11.00, Teens £5.00 (10-15 years), Kids FREE (Under 10 years Old). A Family Ticket for 2 Adults and up to 3 children is £26.00 with programmes at £2.00. The Wightlink Flyer 2012 will be £21.50 without a programme.

Finally Islanders Season Tickets for 2012 are priced at £145.00 and can be purchased from the club now on 01983 811180 ready and ideal for Christmas presents.
 

ISLAND IS IDEAL FOR WARWICK
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Tuesday 14th November 2011
Wightlink Islanders Poole based rider of the year in 2010 was overlooked at the start of the season, Danny Warwick was gutted not to be riding but when the call came through from the Islanders promotion to bring Warwick back in the mid season team re-shuffle he jumped at the chance.

Warwick is unsure where he will end up for 2012 at present, but one thing is for sure he wants' to ride and he wants lots of rides! "I'm up for riding as much as possible, grasstrack, National league and if the opportunity is there doubling up to the Premier league as well. I'd love to start off at the start of next season, I haven't spoken with anyone as yet. The Isle of Wight would be ideal because it's local, I love the track and it's a very friendly atmosphere around the pits."

"I was left out at the beginning of the year and I'd like to thank the club for bringing me back, the lads in the team are all a great bunch to ride with. It's great going over to the Island on a Tuesday afternoon, it's a short journey for me, there is a good atmosphere in the pits, it's nice seeing all the fans and I hope to see them all next year," Warwick said.

Tickets for the Islanders Christmas Dinner in the Premier Lounge on Saturday 3rd December are almost sold out. With just a few limited tickets available priced at £25.00 per ticket which can be purchased from Ness by calling the club on 01983 811180. Deposits or full payment secure tickets for the 5-course meal which starts at 7.00pm.

Admission prices and season ticket prices have been released for the 2012 season which are as follows; Turnstile Prices; Adults £11.00, Teens £5.00 (10-15 years), Kids FREE (Under 10 years Old). A Family Ticket for 2 Adults and up to 3 children is £26.00 with programmes at £2.00. The Wightlink Flyer 2012 will be £21.50 without a programme.

Finally Islanders Season Tickets for 2012 are priced at £145.00 and can be purchased from the club now on 01983 811180 ready and ideal for Christmas presents.
 

ISLANDERS RESERVE CHESSELL LOOKS TO IMPROVE
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Monday 7th November 2011
Wightlink Islanders reserve Luke Chessell joined the side on 10th May after being released by Dudley. He was due to initially cover for Tom Hill who crashed out in his second ride in the New Holmwood Pairs Championship at Smallbrook the previous week. Chessell crashed out of the Islanders home meeting on 25th May against Belle Vue. The Islanders battled on trying to cover the vacant reserve position until Chessell was fit to return on 28th June against King's Lynn.

"After starting at Dudley this season carrying a broken hand it wasn't easy and also coming back after an operation during the winter I wasn't really strong enough and it all just built up," said Chessell. "By the end of the season I started to ride the right part of the track but it has been tough going this year, I think I got there in the end, once you get the hang of it, it's really good home track advantage."

With Dudley signing Danny Stoneman to replace Chessell it wasn't long before the phone call came through from the Islanders. "My high point of the year was getting the call from the Isle of Wight to come and ride at Smallbrook, but my whole season has been down really. I've not really enjoyed it because it's been going so bad, I just have to keep plugging away and hope it comes good. The last two meetings I felt much more positive and have been working towards next season with my engine tuner and think they are nearly there now so I would hope to improve my performances next year," added Chessell.

The Scunthorpe asset now has an anxious winter in store waiting for the phone call for a 2012 team place, Chessell concluded; "I know where I want to be next season so just have to wait for the call. I know I can do it but unfortunately this year I've not been fit enough, I not been confident and my bikes haven't been good enough either. So I have a few months to get sorted, no excuses at the start of next season. I've tried my best every time I put my leg over the bike, but I need to do better."

Meanwhile co-promoter Kevin Shepherd revealed that a new rider would be announced within the next couple of weeks as the first signing for 2012. "We are looking to build a team sooner rather than later, all of our contracted riders are contracted to us until we formally release them. Once we have the go-ahead from the riders current promoter we will be in a position to announce our new signing to start our team building off for next season."

"We are aware that the team does need changing and strengthening up from last year and equally that other teams have to weaken. As yet we don't know which riders are available on the market but what we will do is gradually build through the winter. It would be nice to have more teams join the league to give us as a standalone track more meaningful fixtures to fill our calendar. We will know more once we have had our meeting in January," concluded Shepherd.

Tuesday evening the Wightlink Islanders supporters club are holding a Fun Quiz Night at the Premier Lounge, Smallbrook Stadium, starting at 8.00pm with an entrance fee of £2 per person.  They are also hoping to arrange another Quiz Night before Christmas.
 

SMITH SETS HIS SIGHTS WITH ISLANDERS
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Tuesday 1st November 2011
Wightlink Islanders took the gamble in February this year by signing Rob Smith who had taken a year away from the sport, he came in on a full transfer from Rye House. After previously riding for Mildenhall, Wimbledon, Plymouth and Boston Islanders co-promoter Kevin Shepherd was pleased how their acquisition repaid their faith.

Shepherd explained, "Rob has been Mr consistent to be honest, if you look at Rob's home and away averages they are pretty much similar. He can pop out the gate and do the job you want him to do home and away so considering he had a year out I'm more than pleased. He upped his average and is one of the few who did up their average, I would say he is the most consistent rider that we had this year."

Smith has set his sights high with an eye on moving up a league to further his career. This winter there is big investment in machinery in the Smith camp, with brother Dave behind him, new sponsors have been added to the team together with a new website to help promote him.

Smith, in 2012 will be the best prepared he has ever been for a seasons racing, he said, "I can go out in the National league and do well, but in the Premier league it will be hard but I just want to have a go at it. Coming to the Isle of Wight was a high point for me and getting the support this year was really good. I would like to return to the Island next year as well as get a doubling up club in the Premier league. I've been riding well away from home, I've been doing well everywhere as I have increased my average. I just want to do well and I put too much pressure on myself, but I want to get up into the Premier league and that's more pressure. I have beaten most riders around the Island this season."

Meanwhile the Wightlink Islanders supporters club are holding a Fun Quiz Night at the Premier Lounge, Smallbrook Stadium, on Tuesday 8th November, starting at 8.00pm with an entrance fee of £2 per person.  They are also hoping to arrange another Quiz Night before Christmas.

 

STARKY TO STAR FOR ISLANDERS
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Wednesday 28th December 2011
Wightlink Islanders asset ever popular Paul Starke is back on board for 2012 following a disappointing year marred by mechanical problems and a series of heavy falls which saw his average drop drastically. The Islanders brought him to the club as a full asset at the start of the year, "I had offers to go elsewhere but the team and promotion were supportive and always there. I'd like us all to do really well and get some silverware for the Island, regain some stability and get re-established as a good team," said Starke.

"I'm looking forward to coming back to the Island, I've still got a lot more to learn with the track, the Island is teaching and giving me the aspect that I lack. Smallbrook is one of the closest tracks to the European circuits with its size, it's a track that riders in Europe would master easily so I'm looking forward to the challenge."

Starke found the going tough physically and mentally in his first full season on the Island, "When you go to a track that is the complete opposite to what you have been used to riding, like Plymouth to the Isle of Wight, it's always going to take a lot with having to learn so much. I started having knocks to my body, it doesn't give you the want or desire to move forward when you're riding in pain."

A positive attitude is a must and Starke has his sight firmly set getting back on track and progressing in the sport despite next season being only his fifth in competitive action, "Personally I've done my apprenticeship at the Island and I'm ready to get back to business again, this year is going to be a good year for me I want to get back on form, get may average back up and also get into the Premier league racing."

Wightlink Islanders promotion are moving on steadily with team building, "We are obviously very, very glad to see Starky back, by his own admissions he had a poor season. If at the start of the year you had asked him what his average would of been at the end of the season I don't think any of us would of guessed that he would of dropped so much. He had some very bad accidents through the year, next year is a move on and upwards year and put 2011 behind him, every rider has a bad year," added co-promoter Kevin Shepherd.

Co-promoter Chris Hunt also confirmed that another signing will be announced next week, "We're pleased to have Paul back on board and by his standards he knows he had a very tough year last year, we will be looking for him to get back to the 8 point average that we signed him on as we are sure that he can with an injury free season."
 

INJURY JINX STRIKES ISLANDERS BEFORE SEASON STARTS!
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Wednesday 21st December 2011
The injury jinx that caused the Wightlink Islanders problems and heartbreak during last season continues during the winter months, this time an off track incident involving Brandon Freemantle who was all set to race for the Islanders at reserve, sees the former under 15 champion sidelined for most of the 2012 season, if not the whole year with a broken femur.

Freemantle said, "I was really excited at having the chance to ride a bigger track and knowing a lot more people in the team who I'm friends with, but with this happening it just brings you down. I've just got to keep my hopes up and get fit ready for a chance to ride for the Islanders. I'm feeling ok the pain is getting better. I have a meeting at the hospital to tell me what's happening with the injury but I'm hoping to get back on a bike this year even if it's towards the end of the year. I'm just going to work hard in that direction."

Freemantle explained how the off track injury came about, "I was on my moped on the way home when a car pulled out on my side of the road, I braked and skidded on a wet road, had nowhere to go and couldn't avoid hitting the car. I have broken my femur which I have had pinned and screwed which have to be taken out before I can race."

Co-promoter Chris Hunt has nothing but praise for the youngster and can't wait until he is fit and able don the Islanders race jacket he said, "We are absolutely devastated for the lad knowing how he must feel with a team place all sorted out for the new season and something like this happens. Life is so cruel sometimes, but Brandon can rest assured that he will be an Isle of Wight rider once he is fit and ready."

Equally Co-promoter Kevin Shepherd explained that he and Hunt have now had to rethink their team plans, "We're gutted for the lad and his family, he's had a year in this league which was a very sharp learning curve for him. They were looking forward to joining us on the Island as we were at having them. For an accident to happen like that off track we are really devastated for him. Unfortunately it has affected our team building plans, although Brandon would of come in as a 3 pointer it does affect our thoughts and we have had to change tact to find another rider. We wish Brandon well and as soon as he is fit he is very much part of the Islands thoughts and as soon as he is feels more than able to get back on a bike he is more than welcome to give us a call and come over to the Island and have some practice spins."

With the festive season upon us Shepherd added, "We would like to wish everybody a good Christmas, 2011 wasn't a good year on track and we want to put that behind us and look forward to 2012. We don't sit and ponder on the past, we look forward to the future. Best wishes to all supporters and a big thank you from everyone at the club for standing by us and supporting us in 2011, we look forward to seeing you back at Smallbrook for the 2012 season."
 

OWEN SIGNS UP WITH SIMMONS RETURNING
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Thursday 8th December 2011
Wightlink Islanders can now reveal their first signing for 2012, entering his fourth season Marc Owen makes the switch to the Island. Owen has had stints with Newport in 2009 followed by Rye House in 2010 and Hackney last season . Owen suffered an injury wrecked season in 2010, switching to Hackney last term bike problems hampered the start of the year for the teenager who went on to finish the season with a 5.33 average.

Looking forward to his move to the Islanders Owen said; "Now it's time for a change, riding a bigger track for a year or so should help me progress rather than just staying on the smaller tighter tracks. When I first saw the track I thought how big it was but I think the banking on the Island is brilliant, you can generate lot's of speed."

Co-promoter Chris Hunt also expressed his thanks to Lakeside for their help concluding the deal to bring Owen on loan to the Wightlink Islanders. Owen added; "I've been doing some practice sessions at Rye House and will get going and do some more in the new year. My main goal last year was to have an injury free season and that will be the same next year as well. I'll be trying to get my average back up to where it was when I rode for the Cobras (6.92) and push onto reach the Premier league when I'm ready for it."

The 2011 National league rider of the year honour fell to deserving Islanders skipper Nick Simmons who has agreed to lead the side for another year. Co-promoter Kevin Shepherd said; "We were over the moon for Nick to be voted the National league rider of the year. It's great for everyone at the club to see Nick return to captain the side, he is very popular with the supporters and team mates."

Hunt also revealed a further new signing to the club will be announced next week, "I'm sure the supporters will get behind our new signing when we announce him next week. Informing riders that they are not part of the Islanders plans for 2012 is the worst part of my job. Because of the 40 points team building limit someone had to give way. Brendan Johnson and Rikki Mullins have both been informed they are free to get themselves fixed up with other teams. Kevin and I wish them all the best and thank them for their efforts while riding for the Islanders," concluded Hunt.