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.
