Islanders’ skipper, Nick Simmons won. Picture by Robin Crossley.
SPEEDWAYALMOST £1,500 was raised for the Earl Mountbatten Hospice on Tuesday night, as speedway riders from around the National League pitted their skills against one another in a thrilling showcase.
The WPA Open Championship, sponsored by WPA Health Insurance, was the first open competition to be held at Smallbrook Stadium for five years.
A large holiday crowd enjoyed the evening, which featured several members of the Wightlink Islanders — including Danny Warwick, Paul Starke, Rob Smith, and winner Nick Simmons.
The riders took part in 12 heats with the top four riders going through to the semi-finals. Reaching the final were Islanders’ skipper Simmons, and Newport Hornets’ rider Todd Kurtz. Kurtz was leading but a mechanical problem saw Simmons through and he took the title, along with the top cash prize of £225.
David Churchill, of WPA Health Insurance, said: "We helped raise a total of £1,470 for the hospice, it was a great night of high-speed racing.
"It was such a success that WPA have confirmed that the championship will take place next year."