After a few seasons away, Ben Hopwood returns to the Andrew Younie Stadium for his fifth season riding for the club. Ben who rode last year at Kent in the NDL and for Newcastle in the Championship joins the Warriors with a 7.44 average
Talking of his new team place Ben said, "I just want to start off by saying how thrilled I am to say I'm coming back to the Island. It's somewhere I've spent 4 years of my career and this will be my 5th year at the club, so that speaks for itself as to my thoughts of the club. Obviously, I'm sad to be leaving Kent as I really enjoyed myself there last year with their fans, promotion and sponsors but sometimes the numbers just don't fit. I'm really excited to be joining the Warriors under their new promotion. I have only guested for them in the past but have nothing but good words for them with the work there doing. Smallbrook is a track I know well and have had plenty of heat wins around plus I've got my old mechanic (who's based on the island) back, which just sweetens the deal as we work well together. There isn't anyone in the team who I don't get along with, so I can only see good things coming in 2018 and I can't wait to see you all track side."
Wightlink Co-promoter Barry Bishop added, "Ben Hopwood is a class act who knows the Island really well. We used Ben a few times last year as a guest and he was also used as a guest against us at Smallbrook, so we know very well what he is capable of around the track. In addition to this, Ben's attitude to racing and team work stood out for us last year and we are sure that he will bring this to the club in 2018. He is coming on the back of a great year too and I am sure that he will progress even further in 2018."
If you would like to sponsor Ben in 2018 get in touch directly with him or via the promotion on speedwayontheisland@yahoo.co.uk
Images by Sportography & Elizabeth Leslie