Wightlink Warriors Shale Track Racing Club Isle of Wight

Wightlink Warriors Shale Track Racing Club Isle of Wight Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Wightlink Warriors Shale Track Racing Club Isle of Wight, Sports Team, Smallbrook Stadium, Ryde.

Official page for the Wightlink Warriors Shale Track Racing Club - Isle of Wight
The Wightlink Warriors are a Motorcycle Speedway Club who race during the summer months late July to early Sept on Tuesday nights 7:00PM Gates open at 5:15 PM

𝓦𝓪𝓻𝓻𝓲𝓸𝓻𝓼 2026 𝓤𝓹𝓭𝓪𝓽𝓮 As we approach 6 weeks to go before the curtain rises on this sp...
18/06/2026

𝓦𝓪𝓻𝓻𝓲𝓸𝓻𝓼 2026 𝓤𝓹𝓭𝓪𝓽𝓮

As we approach 6 weeks to go before the curtain rises on this special season, there are still things to be finalised but there has been real positive progress. We have had quite a few offers of volunteer support, and support from other areas which is really encouraging, and now we have our fixture list.
One area of the operation that is a priority right now is the stadium and the track. Working days are being organised for the 25th June to the 27th June so that the air bags can be pulled away from the fence to allow the surplus shale to be moved out and graded on the track. If anyone is free on any of those days, please let us know so that other jobs can be scheduled if we have enough people. Moving the air bags is a tough and dirty job so come prepared. It is recognised that people may not be available on those days but if anybody has any spare time available in between time, the stand is in a poor condition and there are weeds growing everywhere. An occasional hour getting rid of them will make a big impact on how it looks. The seat backs and bases also need a good wash ready for the spectators.
On the morning of the 27th, following a suggestion by one of our Facebook posters, there will be at least two people on hand to meet any new volunteers, to show them around and give advice on what the various roles entail. The action starts around the office in the pits at the back of the stand from around 9. There is normally adequate parking in this area accessed by turning immediately left on entering the stadium. The kettle is always on with tea and coffee available.
Please come along and introduce yourself. We will be glad to see you.
Finally, to those volunteers going to the IOW Festival this weekend, have a great time.

Absolutely fantastic news from the Coles Family who can now be a family again. ...
04/06/2026

Absolutely fantastic news from the Coles Family who can now be a family again. Home at last ❤️
After 6½ weeks in hospital and rehabilitation, Connor is finally home.
To say we’re grateful is an understatement. There were times when we didn’t know what the future would look like, so having him back home with us and the girls is the best feeling in the world.
The progress he has made has been incredible. Just over two weeks ago he was largely bedbound, struggling to talk and eating puréed food. Today he’s walking, talking (all be it still
very quietly) eating normal meals and continuing his recovery at home with his family.
He still has a long road ahead, with ongoing appointments, exercises and rehabilitation, but today is a huge milestone and one we weren’t sure we’d see so soon.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us, checked in on us, helped with the girls, visited Connor, donated, fundraised and kept us going through the hardest weeks of our lives. Every message, phone call and act of kindness has meant more than you’ll ever know.
We also want to thank every single member of staff involved in Connor’s care and rehabilitation. Your support, encouragement, expertise and belief in him have helped get him home to us, and we will be forever grateful.
Recovery doesn’t stop here, but we’re simply grateful to have our family back under one roof agai

02/06/2026

THE FUTURE

It was an extremely sad, and difficult moment when Barry said that he was standing down as director and promoter of Wight Warriors Speedway, and I can see the concerns of supporters across the country, wondering where we go next.

Barry’s resignation now leaves me as sole director and promoter, which is a difficult position to be in, but my immediate aim is to put together a short but interesting programme of events for this season, focussing around the school holiday period, with an ambition to extend the programme going forward whilst gathering help wherever I can.

To do that, the Warriors will need help in promoting the meetings in these very difficult financial times, obtaining sponsorship, getting a couple more riders to complete our team, making the stadium the best it can be in the short time between now and the season starting, securing the services of a Team Manager and building up our volunteer base. I do not underestimate the size of the task but am heartened by the offers of help already received which show that people really do want to help us keep speedway alive on the island.

The rebirth of speedway on the island in 2016 could not have been possible without Barry being there, but as we enter the 30th Anniversary of speedway starting on the island, this is an ideal opportunity to get the club back onto a steadier footing by increasing the management team from not just me, but to include other like-minded people who have the passion to keep the Warriors going, but more importantly growing. Speedway on the island belongs to the people of the Isle of Wight, is iconic and was renowned throughout the country for innovation, exciting racing and an ideal place for holidaymakers to spend an enjoyable evening.

I have been working on a list of fixtures which is again focussed on team competitions and that list just needs confirming with our riders, so that there are no clashes with any other meetings, be they speedway, grass track, or long track but they should be released very soon.

We have some fantastic loyal volunteers already and we should all be very proud to say that we are involved with the Warriors.

THE BIG CHALLENGE STARTS NOW.

01/06/2026

Barry Bishop to Stand Down
Barry Bishop is to stand down as a director and promoter of Wight Warriors Speedway Ltd with immediate effect.
Barry said: “Unfortunately the time has come for me to move on from the Warriors. This was originally only going to be a 5 year project for me but extending that further has been, in the main, a great joy, however, my workload outside of speedway has increased massively, and following a change of ownership of the company I work for, I have been unable to give as much time as is required to the club. As you know I live in Oxfordshire, so I had to set up an office in a caravan at Smallbrook to enable me to work whilst away from home which has helped a little, but it also makes me feel guilty not being able to help as much physically due to my work that pays my mortgage, while others prepare for race day. I can understand why some have viewed this the wrong way. The commute has always been hard for me, and I know Martin feels it too, being an hour and a half longer journey, however, I have loved working with everyone on the Isle of Wight and the wonderful memories outweigh any negative ones a thousand to one. It has been an experience I will never forget – having saved the Isle of Wight Speedway from probable permanent closure with Martin and all of our wonderful volunteers must be the highlight. I will never forget the joy in both our faces, and everyone else’s, after the first Vince Mapley Memorial meeting which many thought would never happen, let alone to continue for a further 8 years. Unfortunately though, volunteers are becoming fewer and less able, our economy is not great so sponsorship is difficult for all sports that live and die by it and the island’s speedway team really does need sponsorship I hope that someone can give more time than me and be far better at it than I was. Martin and I have always said that the Wight Warriors need more island people to help the club and I hope that some islanders can step forward now. It breaks my heart to have reached this decision because the club, its fans, sponsors and riders mean so much to me, and while I will no longer be a permanent fixture around Smallbrook on race day, I hope to visit from time to time and am willing to help out if help is needed. I would like to thank everyone for the great times and wish everyone the very best for the future.
I am sure Martin will be making further statements shortly”.

15/05/2026

Update from Kirsty Coles regarding Connor which indicates very positive improvements taking place. I am sure that everyone who knows him will welcome this good news. A little update on Connor ❤️
Connor has now been transferred from Stoke to Derby and has officially started neurological rehabilitation in a specialist centre.
Although there is still a long recovery journey ahead, this week has brought some really positive steps forward. Connor is becoming much more aware and engaged, communicating more, remembering conversations and slowly getting more like himself each day.
He is now eating food orally again with thickened drinks, has started rehab exercises including the exercise bike, and is walking short distances with support and a frame. Seeing these small milestones after everything he has been through has meant so much to us all.
There are still many challenges ahead with speech, swallowing, fatigue and weakness down his left side, and recovery will take time, but we finally feel like Connor is taking important steps in the right direction.
Thank you again to everyone for all the continued love, support, messages and kindness shown to Connor and our family ❤️

Well done Charlie Southwick Racing 👌
09/05/2026

Well done Charlie Southwick Racing 👌

07/05/2026

A quick update regarding Connor Coles from Kirsty

"This week has been a mix of small positives and a few small steps backwards.

He’s starting to show some signs of progress and is more aware at times, but still very confused and early in recovery. His voice is still very quiet at the moment. After being told he had 3 bleeds on the brain, anything now feels like a positive.

Physically things feel slower than we expected, which has been frustrating, but we’re hoping to see more progress soon.

Taking it day by day and holding onto the small wins. This definitely isn’t a race… although knowing Connor, he’d still try to win it anyway 😅

Thank you again for all the support, including the GoFundMe and the track collections at Kent, Mildenhall, Edinburgh and Berwick. I don’t think he fully realises yet just how loved he is in the speedway world." There have been some fantastic collections around the tracks that Connor has ridden at, and the GoFundMe page is still running so if you have the odd pound to give, I am sure it will be much appreciated. Connor has always given his all at Smallbrook and we wish him well in what looks like a long recovery. Hopefully not too long.🤍

02/05/2026

Great performances from two of last year's Warriors last night, both in the same meeting. Charlie Southwick scored 12 + 1 to top score for the Middlesbrough Tigers, and Darryl Ritchings scored 10 + 2 for the Oxford Chargers. Well done guys.

20/04/2026

Connor Coles. I am sure that you will all join me in wishing former Warrior, and regular at Smallbrook a very speedy recovery after his accident at Buxton on Sunday. Thoughts are with Kirsty and family.

Wightlink Warriors Prepare for a very special 2026. The Wightlink Warriors are preparing now for the 2026 season of spee...
24/03/2026

Wightlink Warriors Prepare for a very special 2026.

The Wightlink Warriors are preparing now for the 2026 season of speedway at Smallbrook stadium on the Isle of Wight. 2026 is a very special year for the sport on the island as it is 30 years since speedway was first raced on the island and 10 years under the guidance of Martin Widman and Barry Bishop. It is particularly special for Barry as he actually rode in the first meeting at Smallbrook. The speedway fixtures will again take place around the school holiday season and will once again focus on development and entertainment in team racing. The island’s 385m track, the biggest in the country, has produced fabulous racing over the year and 2026 is sure to see the same.

With all the preparation coming firmly in their minds, promoters Barry and Martin have renewed their desire to develop the clubs community spirited approach, and build on its fun time speedway reputation.

Martin said, “This is going to be an important and exciting year for the us at Smallbrook and we would really like to increase the number of volunteers and sponsors that help the club from the island. We want to redevelop the community feel in this special anniversary year. That community feeling has drifted a little bit of late and we’ve missed it so we are turning to you to help restore it. Our number of volunteers has sadly dropped off a little bit, so we are inviting island people to consider volunteering with us at the stadium on race day as well look to put on the best show we can. Volunteers can get involved as much or as little as they like, depending on their ability and free time, but everyone is welcome and everyone should have a great time. We need help in many areas both on and off the track ranging from track work to sponsorship support – anything is possible.” A full list will be published shortly.

Barry added, “Part of the Warrior way has always been inclusion and this is driven by island people and businesses. Their support in the past has helped us help others as well as provide a fantastic night out and give opportunities to youngsters on track. If you, or your business would like to help support the club in 2026 we would love to hear from you. The special season preparation starts now and while we are awaiting news from Wightlink on a few things, we really hope that we can make 2026 a cracking year.”

Address

Smallbrook Stadium
Ryde
PO334BH

Opening Hours

5:30pm - 9pm

Telephone

+443335774458

Website

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