The second round of the Island Masters track racing series is the feature event this Thursday (5 August) at the Smallbrook Stadium as the Wightlink Warriors very successful Summer Spectaculars continue.
The first round of the Island Masters two weeks ago produced some fascinating action with former Grasstrack Masters champion Andrew Appleton showing a clean pair of wheels to the competition as he raced to five classy wins out of five. He’s back hoping to carry on where he left off, however it won’t be easy for the Berkshire based racer as meeting co-ordinator Ben Ilsley has pulled off a master stroke by including multi-talented Championship speedway stars James Shanes (pictured) of Birmingham - like Appleton a former four time British Grasstrack champion – and Edward Kennett from Eastbourne who’s a regular on the podium’s at grass meetings up and down the country and whose all action style will suit the Island track beautifully. Last times’ A finalist Rob Fortune is also returning as is the unluckiest man from Round 1, Charley Powell whose fall probably cost him an A final place.
The line-up in draw order: 1. Edward Kennett 2. Rob Fortune 3. Chad Wirtzfeld 4. Nigel Coates 5. Ben Phillips 6. Eric Pike 7. Andrew Appleton 8. James Shanes 9. Charley Powell 10. Dean Cutler 11. David Hollingsbee 12. Barry Coates
Running ahead of the Island Masters will be six races for PeeWee and junior riders and the Wightlink Wizards will also be in action against the visiting Crayford Kestrels in a six heat development style meeting integrated in the Masters main event.
The Wizards will line up as follows: 1. Jamie Sealey, 2. Steph Whitlock 3. Morgan Williams 4. Jamie Evans
Wightlink Warriors co-owner Barry Bishop is looking forward to another exciting night of track action as he said, “I hope race fans have enjoyed the first two Summer Spectacular meetings. They have both been laced with plenty of incident and great racing and I just know this week will be the same. Ben (Ilsley) has done a marvellous job working with the grasstrack riders. To a man they all said how much they thought of our show and I’m thrilled that James and Eddie have agreed to come over to spice up the racing even more. Both these guys are great ambassadors for oval track racing and I can’t wait to see them on our shale.
I’m also delighted that our spectators have been so receptive of the pre-match junior races and equally supportive of our Wizards. They form part of our value for money entertainment package and as I hear spectator applause for all the riders, you can see their confidence and positivity grow. It’s rather humbling really so bring on Thursday and let’s do it all again.”
As usual, gates open at 5.15 pm with admission on a cash only basis. Racing gets underway from 6.15 pm with the stadium facilities open before, during and after the meeting.