ANOTHER action-packed speedway season on the Isle of Wight gets underway with the fourth annual Vince Mapley Memorial Trophy, at Smallbrook Stadium, Ryde, tomorrow evening (Thursday).
The seven-strong Isle of Wight Wightlink Warriors team, together with five special guest riders, will be aiming to get the new season off to superb start.
The popular Vince Mapley Memorial Trophy is an individual event, contested over 12 qualifying heats, two semi-finals and a winner-takes-all grand final.
Last year’s trophy winner, Warriors captain Ben Morley, will be in the saddle aiming to defend his title.
However, he is sure to come under pressure from new team-mate Georgie Wood, the fast and flamboyant Danny Ayres, from Mildenhall, and former Warrior, Scott Campos, who has now teamed up with Plymouth.
Add in several ‘spoilers’ and the stage is set for a cracking opening night's speedway.
In addition, Morley will have his National League Riders Championship trophy on hand for fan photos.
There will also be four outings for the Golden Oldies on their vintage bikes and the Palm Court Ped-Racing Team will be entwertaining the crowd with some not-so-serious demonstrations.
The mini-Warriors and mascot will be on track before the meeting and, as always, the kids' running and cycling race at the interval will ensure a packed opening night of family fun.
Warrior’s co-promoter Barry Bishop said: “As usual, we will be getting our season underway with the Vince Mapley Memorial Trophy in recognition of a fine man who did so much for speedway on the Island.
"The meeting gives a chance for all our riders to get some valuable track time before the National Trophy competition gets going at the end of the month.
"I’m sure our fans will be eagerly anticipating the close battles between Ben and Georgie, not to mention Danny Ayres, who set the fastest time around Smallbrook last season.
"With the schools having broken up for the Easter holidays, we are hoping for a bumper opening night crowd to join in with all our usual fun and games.
"And with the Under 21 Championship semi-final being staged at Smallbrook the following Tuesday (April 16), we really hope to kick the 2019 season off with a bang."
The rider line-up in draw order is: Danny Ayres (Mildenhall), Chad Wirtzfeld (IW), Danno Verge (IW), Tom Woolley (unattached), Connor King (IW), James Laker (Weymouth), Ryan Terry-Daley (IW), Chris Widman (IW), Joe Lawlor (unattached), Georgie Wood (IW), Ben Morley (IW), Scott Campos (Plymouth) and reserve, Morgan Williams (IW).
Tapes up 7pm.
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