The Wightlink Warriors are gearing up for their biggest occasion of 2021 so far as they host the inaugural NORA British 500cc Solo Championship at the Smallbrook Stadium in Ryde on Thursday (9th September) at 7.00pm.
Twelve exciting riders are lined up ready to do battle over 15 races that culminate in C, B and A Finals based on points scored during the meeting and to add extra interest five of the twelve riders will making their first appearances at Smallbrook in 2021.
The new faces are:
Elliot Kelly. The precocious 17 year old from North Yorkshire currently only getting rides in the National League for Mildenhall due to the irregular fixture list in that division.
Henry Atkins. The potential backed Devonian whose season lasted only three races in May. An operation has now rectified a recurrent shoulder injury and he is on the comeback trail.
Jason Edwards. He is always a popular performer on the Island. Like Kelly, a Mildenhall rider whose aspirations at a higher level have been scuppered more than once this year often very simply by being in the wrong team spot at the wrong time.
Nick Laurence. Stalwart Sussex based rider who has been a thorn in the side of many Warrior teams over the seasons and more than capable of mixing it with his peers.
Connor King. Sure of a great reception, he took the opportunity to advance his career with Eastbourne Seagulls in 2021, but sadly the lack of regular meetings and now the demise of racing in East Sussex have left him on the sidelines. This meeting will be a welcome chance to show the speedway world that he deserves another chance.
Home hopes will rest firmly on the shoulders of Warriors skipper Danno Verge (pictured) who must be targeting a podium place on his own track whilst fans will be thrilled to see Edward Kennett back for a second week no doubt aiming to go one better than his impressive runner-up spot in last week’s Island Masters. With a host of former Warriors and track specialists in the field it’s sure the action will come thick and fast.
Speaking from the track this morning, Warriors co-owner Barry Bishop said, “Smallbrook Stadium is looking glorious and ready to welcome riders, officials, fans, mascots and sponsors for our big night. Our marvellous volunteers have been working overtime to make sure everything is spot on for our special night of championship racing and family fun.
In addition to the Solo Championship, we will have our Pee Wee and 125cc racers in action from 6.15pm and integrated into the Championship we will stage three races for the lady riders and three less formal races for the popular ‘Chicken Chasers’ on their Honda 50’s and 90’s.
My thanks go to Ashmore Chartered Surveyors Limited for their meeting sponsorship and also to all the other businesses and families who have provided additional backing for the event.
I’m so looking forward to a great night and I hope as many people as possible can come along and share the thrills that I know will happen”.
Riders in draw order:
Elliot Kelly, Ryan Terry-Daley, Connor Coles, Henry Atkins, Charley Powell, Jason Edwards, Nick Laurence, Danno Verge, Chris Widman, Chris Watts, Edward Kennett, Connor King.
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