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.”
