This week’s action at the Andrew Younie Smallbrook Stadium will be on THURSDAY (19th July) and features the third staging of the ‘Slide In Ryde’ Best Pairs tournament sponsored by Cobra’s Garage Mahal with former American Gladiator ‘Cobra’ (aka Steve Luxton) starting his 2018 UK speedway tour by backing the meeting.
‘Wightlink’ Warriors’ regulars Alfie Bowtell, Scott Campos, Danno Verge and Shaun Tedham are included in the event whilst skipper Benjamin Morleywho originally had hoped to ride is being given a few days off to recuperate after a recent series of heavy knocks.
Each of the six competing pairs has attracted team sponsorships with the Speedway Widows duo out to defend the title that they won last year, albeit that a double injury blow has forced a change of riding personnel. Choosing a pre-meeting favourite is not easy as the line up (drawn independently at Peterborough speedway last weekend) has produced a very evenly balanced program which bodes well for a really closely contested meeting that will run over fifteen qualifying heats, two semi-finals and a Grand Final. The unusual 4,3,2,0 scoring system is also sure to add to the intrigue and maybe catch a few out along the way.
Unfortunately injury has forced the withdrawal of Adam Extance and Josh Bailey, however Alex Spooner and Leon Flint have stepped in and the club wish to record their thanks to both.
Writing in this Thursday’s match night programme, co-promoter Barry Bishop is clearly delighted to be able to meet up again with one of the club’s main sponsors on his return to Smallbrook. “I am so pleased to welcome back our very good friend Steve Luxton for his Best Pairs event. Being based in Florida, Steve is one of our long distance supporters but that hasn’t stopped him being a constant source of sponsorship, encouragement and innovative suggestions that help us be the very best we can be.
Last year when Steve was here we had a terrific night full of fun and exciting on track action and we are planning for more of the same tonight”.
As usual, gates open at 17.30, pit access will be from 18.15 to 18.45, and the rider parade will be at 18.45 with the first race at 19.00.
Teams:
Stamford Bridge – Tom Brennan (Eastbourne) and Jamie Bursill (Unattached)
Full Monty – Alfie Bowtell (IOW) and Alex Spooner (Kent)
Steve’s Scorchers – Taylor Hampshire (Kent) and Danno Verge (IOW)
Retail Renegades – Leon Flint (Birmingham) and Shaun Tedham (IOW)
Speedway Widows – Jason Edwards (Eastbourne) and Ryan Terry-Daley (Plymouth)
London Loonies – Scott Campos (IOW) and Richard Andrews (Plymouth)
Meeting Reserve: Jamie Sealey (Unattached)