Butcher all set to defend Island Masters Shaletrack Championship – Preview

Island Masters Championship Takes Centre Stage With The Wightlink Warriors This Week

A slightly different flavour to the shale track action at the Smallbrook Stadium in Ryde this week (13 July) as the Warriors management welcome the grass track racers who will be vying for the 2023 Island Masters title and the flat track riders delivering their own special brand of motorcycle racing.

Last year’s Island Masters winner Arran Butcher (pictured) will be returning to defend his title as will last year’s third place finisher Dave Hammond and they can both expect determined competition from Wayne Broadhurst and Chad Wirtzfeld whilst Luke Tuck and Nigel Coates are sure to contribute greatly to the entertainment with their own brand of enthusiasm.

Also getting another run out will be a group from the Dirt Track Riders Association who relish testing their specialist motorcycle skills around the pacey Smallbrook oval.

Wightlink Warriors co-owner Barry Bishop said, “This week we will move away from conventional speedway and hand the track over to two other motorcycle disciplines that have been well received in the past. With two Warriors in the Island Masters event there will be plenty for the home fans to cheer and who can forget some of the classic handicap heats from last year. If we get a repeat, it will be truly spectacular.”

Gates at the Smallbrook open at 5:15pm with demonstration races from 6.10pm preceding the main event that gets under way at 7.00pm. Pre-booking is not necessary with cash or card accepted for admission.