The keenly awaited NICE Challenge to be staged at the Smallbrook Stadium in Ryde on Thursday 11 July has been given a huge boost with the news that Great Britain International and Premiership speedway star Steve Worrall has confirmed his participation in this innovative meeting where rider’s will compete on standard, uniform two valve race engines drawn by ballot earlier in the day.
With the speedway Premiership running a full fixture list on the same night, Belle Vue was the only top flight outfit without a meeting and Worrall was quick to accept the chance to race on the Island. He said, “I’m thrilled to have been invited over to the Isle of Wight to take part in such a unique meeting and with the involvement of the IOW promotion and such a big company like NICE, it has the potential to be one of the best and possibly most influential meetings of the season. In modern day speedway there is such a fine balance between having the fastest engine, the correct set up and appreciation of track conditions so to be able to strip everything back and use standard, uniform two valve Jawa engines putting everyone on a completely level playing field is really exciting for us riders and will be equally as fascinating for the fans. It’s been six years since I was last racing over on the island, so I’m really looking forward to getting over there, meeting the fans and hopefully putting on a great show”.
Its clear Worrall won’t be having things his own way as Island fans will be delighted to know that the Warriors skipper Ben Morley will also be in the meeting and eager to test out the standard equipment. He will be joined by his Warriors team mate Connor King who has built up a strong following with his tenacious ‘never say die attitude’.
Completing the first tranche of riders to be named is Mildenhall heat leader and high scorer Jason Edwards, winner of the Vince Mapley Memorial Trophy at the start of the season. That victory has earned the Essex charger his place in the NICE Challenge – an experience that will undoubtedly aid the 16 year old's development and future prospects.
Warriors co-promoter Barry Bishop said, “We are thrilled to welcome Steve and Jason to join Warriors Ben and Connor as the first four names announced. They reflect what we think this meeting will be all about, showcasing skill and control over pure engine power. Personally, I cannot wait to see this meeting and having got to know Steve over recent years, I am absolutely delighted he could fit this meeting into his busy schedule. We are still working hard to finalise the other eight riders who will come and endorse the importance of this initiative and even at this early stage I am convinced we will be in for a cracking meeting”.
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