Danny Warwick.
SPEEDWAY
THE second postponement of the National League Fours was not all bad news for the Wightlink Islanders.
When the weather curtailed action at Stoke again last weekend, it opened up an opportunity for skipper Danny Warwick to achieve success elsewhere.
Having never ridden on a beach before, Danny went to Guernsey and became the British Sand Racing Champion at Vazon Bay.
He beat the experienced Marcus Bisson and Mitch Godden in the final.
"I must say it was a superb and thoroughly enjoyable day, made even better by the fact that I’m now champion," he said. "My initial thoughts were that the track was really good, being smooth and fast but nothing like anything I’d ridden on before. And it showed in my first ride as I was trailing for a lap or two and getting soaked and covered in sand.
"But I battled on, got myself into the lead to record my first win then made a few little changes to the bike designed to give us a bit more speed and while I finished second to Harland Cook in my fourth ride, I ended up as top qualifier for the final.
"Typically, I made a terrible start and was right near the back entering the first turn but I battled away and gradually worked my way through the pack into second.
"But then the race was stopped when someone behind me fell and, given a second chance, I took the lead and stayed there.
"It was a great day and I’m so happy to have become British champion at my first attempt, especially for my girlfriend, Lorna, mechanics Ricky, Colin and Kevin plus my sponsors Evolution Skateparks, City School of Motorcycling, New Driver Schools of Motoring, Parkstone MoT Ltd and my mum and dad for all their support over the years."
Wightlink Islanders are back in action on Tuesday, when they host Cradley Heathens in the second leg of their Knockout Cup semi-final. Islanders have to try to pull back a 28-point deficit in order to make the final.
Tapes go up at 7.30pm.