SPEEDWAYTHE countdown to the new Wightlink Islanders’ season is gathering pace, with news of pre-season practices, its annual press night and the visit of an American dream team.
Three practice sessions, opened to the pubilc, take place at Smallbrook Stadium on March 9, 16 and 23, with the press night on March 30.
And on Easter Monday, April 5, an American dream team, featuring Gino Manzares, Austin Novratil, Tyson Burm-eister and Josh Abbott, will take on the Island’s track stars.
The club have returned satisfied from the National League AGM, after positive developments within the league.
A new team, playing out of Birmingham and Wolverhamp-ton, the Dudley Heathens, have joined, and all nine of last year’s teams have also registered.
The league will feature one home and one away match, a total of 20 meetings per club, and the top four will go into the play-offs with the top team having choice of opponents from the other three.
The National Trophy has been retained and the certain starters are Mildenhall, Wightlink, Plymouth, Weym-outh and Newport.
Buxton are considering entering the mini-league and will make a decision soon.
The 2009 joint team manager Chris Hunt sailed through his interview with the BSPA (British Speedway Promoters’ Association) management committee with flying colours and is now a licensed club chairman.
This is Hunt’s first step towards becoming a fully fledged promoter and he joins current promoter Martin Newnham in the running of the speedway side of things at Smallbrook Stadium.
Mike Bellman remains as chairman of the board of directors.