ISLANDERS CHAIRMAN PLANS ONGOING IMPROVEMENTS
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Thursday 26th January 2012
Wightlink Islanders chairman Brian Ginders has big plans for the Island club to improve the surroundings for supporters and move the club forward. Earlier this week the clubs AGM took place where it was revealed that last year was a positive year for the club financially. This has enabled many improvements to the site as a whole with more to come during the next year.

Work behind the scenes has been on-going throughout the winter months  thanks to a small band of volunteers who put countless hours into the club. The fencing around turns three and four has been replaced while the guttering in the pits has also been replaced with new downpipes and drainage. Previously any rain water was ending up on the ground in the pits.

The pits has also been graded with the clumps of grass and soil being removed ready for chippings to be laid, rolled and packed. The officials pit box has been knocked down and a new box built with soundproofing, windows and a door as the previous box didn't have one! Even the staff tea room has been fitted win a new window.

The track has been relayed with an additional 30 tonnes of shale being added, many of the boards around the circuit have been replaced as well as a great deal of the fencing and flag poles.

The disabled toilet block is due to be signed off by the council mid February once the pathway from turn one along the back of the stand has had tarmac laid during the first week in February. This alone has cost £2,280, and the pathway will extend around the outside of the pits and across to the toilet block that was built during last season to comply with planning.

Islanders chairman Brian Ginders explained; "This year if all goes well our intention is to rip the bar out in the Premier lounge and replace it with a new custom made bar. We have had new coolers and pumps installed recently by the brewery. Improvements throughout the site will clearly be seen by supporters when they attend either the supporters club functions in February and March or at our first meeting."

"With the present management the finances have never been in a stronger position, we are more financially secure than we have ever been now that the club is being run as a business. We now have a good band of volunteers but could always do with more help and assistance. If anyone is interested in helping the club out please call me at the track on 01983 811180, leave me a message and I will call you back."

Meanwhile back to the team front the Islanders have just one place remaining to be announced for their 2012 line up. Co-promoter Chris Hunt confirmed that hopefully the final signing will be announced next week after the National league AGM today, "We're pleased with the way team building has come together and look forward to the start of the season with a positive attitude and all the boys raring to go from the off."
 

ISLAND RETURN FOR SMITH - RIKKI GETS HIS CHANCE
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Thursday 19th January 2012
Wightlink Islanders revealed the return signing of Rob Smith and asset Rikki Mullins steps up to fill a reserve position for the forthcoming season. After starting on a bike back in 2006 this year will be the first time Mullins steps up to the frame at the start of a season and can't wait to repay the Islanders management for the chance he has been given.

Mullins explained, "It's good to be able to start the season with everyone else rather than being called in part way through as cover. I aim to repay the managements faith for picking me this year. There is plenty to do to get the bikes ready before the season starts especially with working full time as a courier in South East London, without the help and investment from David F Smith I wouldn't be able to ride this year for the Islanders."

Co-promoter Chris Hunt said, "Rikki knows he has this chance and that he has to take it. He is more than capable and just has to knuckle down and score the points that I know he can score."

"This is a make or break year for me, if it doesn't happen for me this year then to be honest I don't think it will, it's a pretty big season for me. I need to be more consistent to be where I want to be at the end of the season finishing as a second string out of reserve at either 2 or 4 which is my minimum aim this year. I don't want to set myself an easy target, I want something higher that will put pressure on me all season," concluded Mullins.

Co-promoter Kevin Shepherd said, "When Rikki was originally left out of our team plans he was very disappointed and we actually got the reaction we hoped for, he said if he had the chance he would come and prove us wrong. He's keen, chomping at the bit and getting loads of practice in at practice sessions and has set himself the target of doubling his average over the course of the season and if he does that for us we will be over the moon."

"Rob is Mr consistent home and away, he is actually second in the averages this year and after a year back in the sport we are expecting him to move on and do good things and be one of the key players in the team this year."

The Islanders have just one place remaining for 2012 following the double signing of Mullins and Rob Smith. Hunt confirmed that hopefully the final signing will be announced next week once all the paperwork is in place, "We're pleased with the way team building has come together. Rob had a good season last year after a year off and we are looking at him improving his average this time round and start scoring the points from the off."

Island Speedway Ltd hold their AGM on Monday 23rd January in the Premier Lounge at Smallbrook. Start time is 7.30pm and all shareholders are invited although children are not permitted. Club chairman Brian Ginders said that there are approximately 100 shares available for sale which cost £25.00 each, to purchase these contact the stadium direct. To be able to cast a vote you must own a minimum of five shares.
 

ISLAND CO-BOSS HUNT WON'T BREAK BANK FOR SUCCESS
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Thursday 12th January 2012
With a poor 2011 season tucked away in the archives of history the Wightlink Islanders promotion are aiming to put right everything that went wrong for the Island side last term. Co-promoter Chris Hunt explained; "We know that we must do better this year after a season full of injuries and bad luck, which resulted in a poor showing for us. Sometimes some of the riders seemed to be riding within their comfort zone but this year we need them to be ready and hungry from the off."

Hunt added; "A winning team is hugely important to the Island especially with us being a standalone club. Some riders that have been phoning us for team places have ridiculous pay demands, we won't break the bank for a team that's going to score 60 points or the Islanders as a club won't survive."

Hunt continued; "I know that it's an expensive business for riders in this league, paying for equipment etc  but some of the pay demands are excessive and it's a league that we just can't have crazy pay demands in. I think it has to be said that we won't bankrupt the club with excessive pay demands and lose the Speedway. That said, I am sure the riders that we have are more than capable of getting us into a play off place this year."

Hunt feels that for riders to progress from the National league they need the experience of racing against good opposition week in week out to put them in the Premier league promoters shop window. He added; "A good National league rider needs to be averaging a good 9 points plus to even get considered for Premier league. Maybe the sport should do something below the National league to help bring youngsters on. The National league should be used as a competitive league slotted in between the likes of training schools and the Midland and Northern Junior leagues to the Premier league."

"I think the 40 point limit is a little too low for the stand alone clubs like us, but I appreciate that the league is meant to be a learning league. For the Premier league to benefit from the National league you have to have a higher standard because the lads need the experience of racing against good riders and making a gradual step up the progress ladder to a standard to achieve a Premier league place, there is no point in bringing in raw novices where the gap will just get bigger and bigger between the two leagues."

With the National league AGM taking place at the end of the month and the Islanders taking shape for 2012, Hunt confirmed that another signing will be announced next week, "We're pleased with the way team building is progressing and hope to finalise our team within the next few weeks. We are heading off to the National league AGM with a positive attitude and hoping that we have a good healthy spread of fixtures for all the clubs."

Island Speedway Ltd hold their AGM on Monday 23rd January in the Premier Lounge at Smallbrook. Start time is 7.30pm and all shareholders are invited although children are not permitted. Club chairman Brian Ginders said that there are approximately 100 shares available for sale which cost £25.00 each, to purchase these contact the stadium direct. To be able to cast a vote you must own a minimum of five shares.
 

ITS' THE ISLAND FOR DREADLOCK DANNY
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Thursday 5th January 2012
Wightlink Islanders popular dread locked Danny Warwick has been revealed as the latest signing for the 2012 Islanders side. After being left on the sidelines at the start of 2011 Warwick is back on track and raring to go for a full seasons racing. "It feels good to be sorted out early and able to get everything into place for next season, there have been very few times that I have had everything in place this early. I enjoy racing and making the trips to the Island on the ferry especially with it being local for me."

Co-promoter Chris Hunt said, "We're delighted to have Danny back with us, we know that Danny is a formidable force around the Island and hopefully he can carry on and improve his away form as he was towards the end of last season. He's a firm favourite with the Islanders fans and we know that we are pretty much in for a double figure return week in week out at home really."

Warwick is hopeful that starting the season on time will help him become more consistent rather than having to play catch up, "My aim is to get myself back up to where I was a couple of years ago, last season didn't go too well after a late start, the year before I rode awfully well at home and ok away but still felt there was more to come. I really want to challenge Nick for the number 1 race jacket, I know that I'm capable of it, but I just need to get more consistent."

"Nothing has come my way to double up in the Premier league so I will concentrate on the Islanders, with most of the team being kept together from last year it's looking pretty good, but if something crops up during the season then we will see."

First of all it's about getting fit and ready for the Islanders opening meeting including some early outings on the grass in March including confirmation that he will be in the British Masters qualifier. "It's been a long winter and there's still a long way to go as yet, I'll be going training and taking some time out snowboarding. Normally the Island starts late which gives us some practice sessions before we start our season. By riding on the grass with no pressure and just having fun it helps keep the enjoyment in racing."

Co-promoter Kevin Shepherd is looking forward to Warwick pushing himself forwards added, "Danny can be the most exciting rider to watch at times as much as the most frustrating rider, we need him to come to the front and start doing what we all know he is capable of being Mr Consistent home and away."

Island Speedway Ltd hold their AGM on Monday 23rd January in the Premier Lounge at Smallbrook. Start time is 7.30pm and all shareholders are invited although children are not permitted. Club chairman Brian Ginders said that there are approximately 100 shares available for sale which cost £25.00 each, to purchase these contact the stadium direct. To be able to cast a vote you must own a minimum of five shares.

 

ISLANDERS OUT FOR THE PRESS
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Thursday 16th February 2012
Wightlink Islanders have confirmed that this seasons Press and Practice day will take place at Smallbrook on Saturday 24th March, this will comprise of an interview session before the riders take to the track during the afternoon for more photographs and an intense practice session. All supporters are more than welcome to attend with times to be confirmed nearer the date.

Before this the Islanders 1-7 will take to the track at Smallbrook for a private club practice session on Tuesday 20th March from 7.30pm. Again supporters are more than welcome to take a look at the team blowing away the cobwebs in readiness for the new season. Co-promoter Chris Hunt said, "Both the practice session and press day are for Islanders riders only, unfortunately we won't be able to accommodate rider practice requests for these sessions from other riders."

Former Rye House riders Marc Owen and Rob Smith, will be looking at putting in a good solid performance for the Islanders in an early season Knock-Out Cup meeting at Hoddesdon in Hertfordshire against Rye House Raiders which takes place at 7.00pm on Good Friday (6th April).

Meanwhile the Islanders Supporters Club start their year by holding their first pre-season event this year in the Premier Bar at Smallbrook, a 'Pairs Competition' Quiz Night which takes place this coming Tuesday (21st February) from 8.00pm at a cost £2.00 per person with all supporters welcome.

Following on from this the Supporters Club will be hosting a 'Question and Answer Forum' also at The Premier Bar at Smallbrook on Tuesday 6th March from 7.30pm. All supporters are welcome to attend, entrance is free and in attendance will be, promoters Kevin Shepherd and Chris Hunt, Supporters Club Committee plus Island Speedway Board members. 2012 team members Danny Warwick, Marc Owen and Rob Smith have been invited to take part subject to availability.

This will be Island speedway supporters chance to ask the questions that they have always wanted to ask but never had the chance before. If you want to find out about anything that you don't understand regarding National League speedway, being a rider, promoter or riding a speedway bike then this is a night for supporters not to miss.

Steve Evans returns with his USA Future - Touring Team to the Island on Tuesday 10th April, he has already confirmed Mike Buman in his side. Joining Buman are 18 year old Brad Pappalardo whose uncle is none other than current World Champion Greg Hancock together with 23 year old ex moto crosser Aaron Fox. There are many other riders working hard to secure one of the remaining four spots for the USA Future Team with Evans putting together a young attractive and competitive side for their UK tour.
 

ISLANDERS ROUND UP
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Saturday 11th February 2012
Wightlink Islanders promotion continue with improvements at the stadium in readiness for the start of the speedway season, chairman Brian Ginders said, "Improvements throughout the site will clearly be seen by supporters when they attend either the supporters club functions in February or March, Press and Practice afternoon or our first meeting in April."

The Islanders supporters club are holding a 'Pairs Competition' Quiz Night which takes place on Tuesday 21st February in the Premier Bar at Smallbrook from 8.00pm at a cost £2.00 per person. A little further ahead is a 'Question and Answer Forum' which takes place on Tuesday 6th March 2012 from 7.30pm with free entry. It will be a chance for supporters to ask club officials questions that they never get the chance to ask.

On the rider front the final member of the Islanders 1-7 is still under wraps, but good news this week is that injured youngster Brandon Freemantle who was set to take a reserve spot for the Islanders before suffering a broken femur in December is recovering quicker than originally expected. Although co-promoter and joint team boss Chris Hunt wants the youngster to take his time and let the injury heal fully and not try and rush back on a bike too soon risking further damage.

Steve Evans who returns with his USA Future - Touring Team to the Island on Tuesday 10th April has announced Mike Buman as the first rider to be named in their squad. The last visit to the Island by the Americans was in 2010 when they lost out by 10 points to the Islanders even with Kenny Ingalls knocking in an impressive 18 points for the visitors. Nick Simmons 10 points and Danny Warwick 11 points are the only two surviving Islanders from the 2010 line up so a tough tight encounter is expected in April.
 

ISLANDERS ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES INCREASED
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Thursday 9th February 2012
The Wightlink Islanders are offering opportunities for prospective new sponsors to get their brand noticed spreading the word to Island residents and visitors during holiday times. Moving the club forward as an attractive centre for brand exposure to literally thousands of people each week is high on the list for Roy Spearman Corporate Sponsorship Manager for the Island club.

Spearman explains, "This year we have two possible sites for advertising banners, the standard site inside the Stadium or our new premium sites which are easily visible from Ashley Road which has approximately 3,500 vehicles pass per day. Outside of the British Speedway season this year, the stadium will become the new home for the Vectis Rugby Club who will use the venue for their training meetings as well as competitive fixtures."

Having given fans of motorcycle motorsport on the Isle of Wight a home since 1996, the Smallbrook Stadium will be hosting an incredible number of events this year which include; Easter Scout Camp, May Hockey Festival, Diamond Jubilee Bank Holiday Monday event, Toerags Music Concert, August Scooter Rally, September Classic Rally, September BSA Meeting, Regular use of Astroturf pitch, Hockey Field and cricket pitch plus daily opening of the Metro Gym facility. This doesn't include the many weddings, wakes, business conferences, meetings, corporate events that make full use of the Stadium and our fully licenced bar every week of the year.

"With all the events taking place at Smallbrook there are people from all walks of life passing through or visiting us daily. Full details about how the Wightlink Islanders can help find new customers or to thank existing ones at Smallbrook can be viewed on our new Sponsorship website at www.sponsorship.iowislanders.co.uk Personal contact with myself can be made either by email on bignboldsolutions@yahoo.co.uk or by calling 07914 496682," concluded Spearman.
 

ISLANDERS FACE AMERICANS AFTER SUCCESSFUL AGM
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Thursday 2nd February 2012
Wightlink Islanders promotion have confirmed that they will be hosting USA 'Future' the American Touring Team in April, co-promoter Kevin Shepherd said after a successful National League AGM, " Personally I think it was a very constructive meeting to be honest, the hardest thing about this league is finding a number of fixtures that please all eight clubs, some want the bare minimum whereas we want as many as we can get our hands on. The good thing was that was enough come out of it that pleased all clubs and satisfied the needs of all the clubs at the table."

Steve Evans returns with his Touring Team to the Island for their first fixture on UK shale. Shepherd added; "The first confirmed fixture that we are able to announce is against the American Touring Team on Tuesday 10th April which will be their first fixture after landing in the country. They have promised to bring a young exciting team which will be a tough challenge for them but will give our lads a good blow out at the start of the year. We may have a fixture prior to this but it has to be confirmed and hopefully by the end of February we will be in a position to publish our fixture list. September 16th is the cut off for league fixtures which leaves a month for the play offs."

Meanwhile on the team front the Islanders have just one place remaining for their 2012 line up. Co-promoter Chris Hunt added, "We were hoping to be in a position to reveal our full one to seven but the final announcement will follow in due course. I think the AGM was one of the most positive meetings we have had with everyone on the same wave length. We are pleased with the outcome which gives us some more meaningful fixtures with the Trophy competition."
 

ISLANDERS SUCCESSFUL AGM VERDICT
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Wednesday 1st February 2012
With just eight teams now comprising the National League the Wightlink Islanders promotion declared last week's National League AGM a success. "It's hard for the management committee and Peter Morrish the league co-ordinator, with everybody coming into the meeting probably after a different amount of meetings, so needless to say they are trying to work things out to satisfy everybody which I think happened. It's pleasing to see that probably for the first time in the history of this league set a points limit which is now there for the next three years. Clubs now know what the points limit is for the following seasons so teams can be built come the end of the season," Shepherd said.

The shared events see Mildenhall hosting the Pairs, while Stoke host both the Fours and under 21 semi final with Dudley holding the under 21 final and the riders championship at Rye House. Shepherd explained; "It's good to see the National League riders championship at Rye House, Len (Silver) always puts on a good show, although on the Island we would like to have a shared event, our peak weeks are during the summer holidays when we really need the income generated from that, it's purely that reason why we don't take a shared event for financial reasons as any profit would have to be shared with the other league members and we can't afford to give up one of our peak weeks."

The Knockout Cup first round sees Dudley taking on Buxton, Stoke against Scunthorpe, Mildenhall against King's Lynn while the Islanders tackle Rye House. "It was good to see us get Rye House in the cup, they won't be a pushover, you have the smallest track verses the biggest track in the country, however we are fairly hopeful that we will progress, we have the National League track record holder in our one to seven with Rob an ex Rye rider and Rikki who has been taking in plenty of practice spins so all being well if lady luck stays on our side we should be able to progress beyond the first round of the cup," continued Shepherd who added; "It was a very encouraging meeting, we would like to see more teams in the league, however we now have more silverware to go for with the Trophy competition back, it will be a good competitive league with the top of the table team winning it. It's not going to be a pre season or end of season competition, fixtures will be slotted in throughout the year to keep the competition alive."

"As far as the clubs that attended go I think you now have the hard core minimum eight clubs, any clubs that may be able to join in the future will be a bonus for the league. Although if we continue as we are at least clubs and supporters will know what to expect fixture wise and what to look forward to each year," concluded Shepherd.