barrybishop Posted March 3, 2017 Report Share Posted March 3, 2017 Smallbrook Stadium Share and Repair event a huge success. Smallbrook Stadium is not only back to normal but further improved thanks to the Share and Repair event on Thursday 3rd March following a series of break-ins at the Sports and Entertainment complex located in Ryde. Speaking about the event Island Speedway (IOW) Ltd's Chairman Barry Bishop said, "It's now well documented the heartache the break-ins and damage caused throughout the community and my own personal sense of utter disbelief. However, I cannot contain my joy and appreciation of those who came to the Share and Repair event yesterday. The event started much earlier than the 4pm start time and thanks to IOW Radio's morning reports people were knocking on my office door from 8.30am ready to get started. It was amazing. Throughout the day, well over 50 people who had travelled from Southampton, Fareham, Portsmouth and across the Isle of Wight, came along to Smallbrook to offer their time to fix the damage and repair the goodwill and support to the stadium from the Island and beyond. The support was not limited to speedway fans either, with a broad spectrum of stadium users and people from across the Island including a couple who had never previously been to Smallbrook Stadium, who in conversation seemed really overwhelmed with such a great facility on the Island. Even more of a welcome surprise was that workers were not limited to users of the Stadium but also sponsors of the Wightlink Warriors with Ryde Taxis MD Jodie Younie and Wightlink's CEO Keith Greenfield both on hand to support the repair work. I am pleased to say that most the priority repairs were fixed by 2pm, and even after publicly saying the work was all but completed, people still came along because they wanted the stadium to be even better than before the break-in. Incredibly, the team continued with further painting and additional nice to have work as well as initial planning for more security fencing, improved wheelchair areas and more security lighting and cameras. All the hard work was rewarded in the Premier Lounge with a cold beer on the house. As a final word, I would like to thank everyone that came forward to support the Share and Repair event and to help fix Smallbrook. This along with the pledges of future support to continue to grow the acorn we planted has come as a total surprise and it really does show that we are always stronger together. Thank you." 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dickie Head Posted March 8, 2017 Report Share Posted March 8, 2017 Hearing that Harland Cook has been ruled out of the Warriors - some sort of confusion with his average. A gap now exists for a rider up to 4.04 subject to the NL coordinators agreement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barrybishop Posted March 8, 2017 Report Share Posted March 8, 2017 Wightlink Warriors forced into team change. The Wightlink Warriors have been forced in to a team change following the NL Coordinators assessment that Harland Cook’s average must be 4.18 for the NL and this will be 0.14 over the 39 points limit set at the NL AGM. Wightlink Warriors co-promoter Barry Bishop said “Martin, Jackie and I struggle to understand the logic behind this ruling as Harland was named as a number 8 for the Bournemouth Buccaneers in 2009, in what was to be his last season riding speedway before switching successfully to the grass, which means his last registered average was 3.00 and in addition to this, another set of rules indicated that he should be treated as a new rider in any case so also on a 3.00 point average. To further confuse the situation, 3 other riders returned to racing last season all of whom were the same grade as Harland in the 2008 conference league grading system and were assessed to be a 3.5 NL points average. As a new promotion, we really struggle to understand this ruling and have requested on several occasions for the formula used to calculate such average assessments to be made available to promoters so that we don’t find ourselves in this situation again. However, we have known of the ruling for some time, so has Harland, and we tried passionately to counter argue with the NL Coordinator but despite our pleas for reason, we have been told that Harland cannot ride on an average of 3.00. While I am bitterly disappointed that we will not have Harland in the side, and even more so to let Harland go, we have to respect the decision of the NL Coordinator and we will now throw our doors open to any rider on a 4.04 average or less to get in contact with us for a chat. In the first instance please email speedwayontheisland@yahoo.co.uk. In true Warrior Way fashion, now is your chance... come and take it." 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Islander15 Posted March 8, 2017 Author Report Share Posted March 8, 2017 What a joke that is! In keeping with recent riders who have returned to the shale, he should be reassessed at 3.50 or use his 2009 average of 3.00. Cook was a rider I was looking forwards to watching and the Warriors will be weaker without him. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sings4Speedway Posted March 8, 2017 Report Share Posted March 8, 2017 Whilst I wasn'the convinced Harland should have been avaluable on a 3.00 (partly jealousy as that's a bargain average ) I still think he should have been allowed in on a 3.5 as per the precident set last season. Sadly the NL will probably be the poorer without his inclusion 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Islander15 Posted March 8, 2017 Author Report Share Posted March 8, 2017 Whilst I wasn'the convinced Harland should have been avaluable on a 3.00 (partly jealousy as that's a bargain average ) I still think he should have been allowed in on a 3.5 as per the precident set last season. Sadly the NL will probably be the poorer without his inclusion I agree. The 3.00 average was dubious but other clubs benefittied from getting a rider on 3.50 on a very similar situation last season, so the Warriors should've done too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Argos Posted March 8, 2017 Report Share Posted March 8, 2017 I agree. The 3.00 average was dubious but other clubs benefittied from getting a rider on 3.50 on a very similar situation last season, so the Warriors should've done too.who were the riders last season Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Islander15 Posted March 8, 2017 Author Report Share Posted March 8, 2017 who were the riders last season Purchase, Clifton & Wallinger. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gazzac Posted March 8, 2017 Report Share Posted March 8, 2017 How did they arrive at 4.18 and why has it taken so long? Surely they should have let you know the moment he was signed? Suppose this is speedway though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moleman27 Posted March 8, 2017 Report Share Posted March 8, 2017 Look on original posting about this subject Gazzac, the IOW promotion knew quite a while ago They just took till now to say he was assessed at 4.18 as the promotion had been fighting for ages to try and get his average changed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gazzac Posted March 8, 2017 Report Share Posted March 8, 2017 (edited) Sorry didn't look back that far, if that's the case was always a chance it could go wrong. Edited March 8, 2017 by gazzac Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halifaxtiger Posted March 8, 2017 Report Share Posted March 8, 2017 Makes you wonder how a GP rider can have his average reduced by best part of a point but someone who has been out of the sport for ten years can't have his reduced by anything. Usual infuriating double standards almost certainly motivated by jealousy and spite 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barrybishop Posted March 9, 2017 Report Share Posted March 9, 2017 back to something more positive.... Wightlink Warriors to support start-up businesses. The Wightlink Warriors are to support start-up and new businesses on the Isle of Wight with a selection of different promotional activities. The Wightlink Warriors Commercial Director Barry Bishop gives more details, “When Martin and I returned Speedway to the Isle of Wight we really valued the support of individuals and businesses across the Island and south coast that gave us a helping hand and without them, the start-up costs for the project would have probably doubled. Martin and I take inspiration from the Warrior Way and those that support its values – one of which is community. Martin, Team Warrior and I are always bouncing ideas around that can benefit the club, community or speedway while trying to innovate and think a little bit different to the norm. In 2016 we really got to understand the value of marketing and especially the value of those who helped us to locate banners and leaflets across the Island. These conversations have allowed us to confirm that the Wightlink Warriors would like to offer three companies the opportunity to have free marketing with the club in 2017. On offer is a trackside banner for 2 companies but one lucky company will be able to sponsor a meeting, with up to 10 guests including a meal, and have a great opportunity to bring their valued customers, partners or staff to a unique place to celebrate their business. Our offer is open to any business on the Isle of Wight and all they must do is tell us, why their business deserves this and what value being part of the Wightlink Warriors and the Warrior Way could bring them in 2017. Good luck. Please email your entries to Speedwayontheisland@yahoo.co.uk by April 5th. The Wightlink Warriors speedway, sponsorship and fun for all.” 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waco Posted March 9, 2017 Report Share Posted March 9, 2017 Great idea,, shame other clubs do not have the brains to think upon similar lines Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barrybishop Posted March 9, 2017 Report Share Posted March 9, 2017 I am on a mission of positivity today...... The Wightlink Warriors to Sponsor the Darcy Ward Invitational meeting at Poole The Wightlink Warriors have sponsored heat 10 of the Darcy Ward International to be held at Poole on March 24th. The meeting is set to be a fantastic speedway event with lots of international riders not often seen racing in the UK with the proceeds of the event going help Darcy Ward who received life changing injuries while racing in Poland. Wightlink Warriors Commercial Director Barry Bishop said, "Some people may find it quite an unusual step for speedway teams to sponsor other speedway events but I view this type of thing as very much part of our all-round message. Last year we sponsored a heat at Champion Speedway in the US and this really raised the clubs profile over there along with our fantastic relationship with Cobra's Garage Mahal, we also sponsored the Leicester Easy Riders Race Jackets raising our profile amongst the Amateur riders and I see no reason why, taking the opportunity to support Darcy with his rehabilitation and the Darcy Ward Invitational should not help raise the clubs profile further along the south coast and throughout speedway just a little bit more. It is also true to say that we have worked well with our sponsors based along the south coast and I am sure many of them will attend this meeting. I hope that our sponsors, fans and all speedway fans, will enjoy seeing our support for one of the Pirates' favourite sons in the programme and the knowledge that we are just across the water if they ever want to come and celebrate the Warrior Way with us. As part of our sponsorship package we have been given a pair of tickets to the event which is on March 24th. We plan to give these tickets away as part of our Warrior 100 draw and it will be just brilliant if we can sell the last few remaining numbers. So, with just 10 numbers remaining (26, 28, 39, 72, 74, 79, 81, 83, 86 and 93) take your opportunity to be part of the Warrior Way and have the chance to win a weekly prize of up to £100 (currently at £90) and all for £1.25 a week. Throw into the mix these tickets, which will be an additional prize on the March 16th draw, why miss out. Contact Speedwayontheisland@yahoo.co.uk and we will put you in contact with Warrior 100 coordinator Colin Whitlock. Finally, we would like to wish everyone a great day at Poole on March 24th, that it is a huge success and we are very proud to be part of it." 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barrybishop Posted March 13, 2017 Report Share Posted March 13, 2017 The Bryn Williams Celebration a free speedway meeting. Bryn Williams was part of the team on the Isle of Wight since the club began in 1996 and was an extremely popular figure throughout speedway. To celebrate his life, the Wightlink Warriors will hold a meeting with free entry to anyone on April 20th, when the Wightlink Warriors take on the Weymouth Wildcats in a NL challenge to celebrate Bryn’s life. The Wildcats have built a great side including former Warriors Kelsey Dugard and Mark Baseby, who we look forward to welcoming back. In addition to the main event we can confirm the Men in Black will be attending and putting on some demonstration races. Fans, Islanders, well anyone really, will be able to come along and experience NL speedway, the Warrior Way and a celebration of Bryn and all that he cared about. It is going to be great fun, so please do get involved. To help fund the meeting, the Wightlink Warriors have come up with 3 ways fans and businesses can support Bryns meeting with a sponsorship system for £100, £250 and £500. The categories will be You’re Tops £100, You’re Great £250 and You’re a Warrior £500. All sponsorship which exceeds the running cost of the meeting will be donated to the Speedway Riders Ben Fund, something Bryn was hugely proud of. If you would like to get involved in Bryn’s meeting and can help celebrate his life, please get in touch at speedwayontheisland@yahoo.co.uk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barrybishop Posted March 13, 2017 Report Share Posted March 13, 2017 Fans travelling from the mainland to watch speedway or take part in My First Skid at the Andrew Younie Smallbrook Stadium will once again receive the support of Warriors lead sponsor Wightlink. The incentive code is now operational and give a 20% discount on travel when booked through the Warriors website http://wightwarriors.co/club-info/travel-portal Wightlink Warriors Commercial Director Barry Bishop said, "Everyone at the Warriors would like to that Wightlink for their super support of the club in 2017. Their support and sponsorship will make a big difference to the Warriors in 2017 and we are very proud to announce that Wightlink have extended their support to include once again travelling fans and those attending My First Skid. We encourage fans to book as early as they can to get the very best pricing especially around the peak travel times in school holidays and festivals. This year will see the Wightlink Warriors working more closely with the ferry company to encourage fans to come to the island and Warriors fans and riders to travel to away fixtures on the mainland. This is the start of a special relationship as we look to grow all aspects of the club and Smallbrook Stadium and we thank everyone at Wightlink for their support." 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
szkocjasid Posted March 22, 2017 Report Share Posted March 22, 2017 (edited) There are a few riders who have got averages that would fit! Adam Kirby 3.77 James Purchase 3.59 Jamie Halder 3.57 Paul Burnett 3.46 Daniel Blake 3.40 Reece Downes 3.33 Ben Basford 3.09 Liam Rumsey 3.05 Not sure how many have retired, but some may have just been dropped & forgotten about? Edited March 22, 2017 by szkocjasid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greyhoundp Posted March 22, 2017 Report Share Posted March 22, 2017 There are a few riders who have got averages that would fit! Adam Kirby 3.77, Took a year out to get over injuries, seems now that its going to be 2 years James Purchase 3.59, Injured awaiting a shoulder operation B4 he can ride again Jamie Halder 3.57 Paul Burnett 3.46, Probably a decent option if he can be persuaded to sign Daniel Blake 3.40 Reece Downes 3.33 Ben Basford 3.09, Taking a year out. Liam Rumsey 3.05, still has his equipment but does he have the will ?. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mac101 Posted March 22, 2017 Report Share Posted March 22, 2017 Jamie Halder is probably the best rider on that list has been flying in the scunny amature meetings over winter think he finished 2nd overall to winner ryan Kingsley and beat a few decent riders every meeting and has really good equipment that also makes a big deal when in Nl 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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