WILL THE WARRIORS DETHRONE THE KINGS TONIGHT?

That is the question set to be answered tonight at Smallbrook Stadium, Ashey Road, Ryde when the Wightlink Warriors, the Isle Of Wight's new and only speedway side, clash with the Kent Slyde Kings who are unbeaten up to now this season and whose team manager Chris Hunt also acted in that capacity in the past when speedway was staged prior to ceasing at the end of 2013.

If you've never seen speedway before, tonight is your ideal opportunity to witness this thrilling motorcycle team sport that features two sides of seven riders battling for supremacy over fifteen four lap races featuring two per side, all aiming to score points for their side that will ultimately see them victorious.

All riders will be astride unique highly tuned and specialised 500cc motorbikes, completely unlike any other e.g. they have NO brakes, racing round an oval circuit comprising of loose shale surface laid upon a hard base.

Our presentation team will guide you through the evening from start to finish and also will be more than happy to read out over our PA system any good luck messages, birthday or anniversary dedications etc., you might have, those messages can even be texted to our roving mic man Chris during the meeting and he'll read them out for you!

Admission prices are: Adults £11, Seniors (65 and over) and Service Personnel £8, Children (16 and under with at least one paying adult) FREE, Students (with NUS card) £6, and carer with a disabled person paying the appropriate price are admitted free. Grandstand seating is free whilst Souvenir Programmes are on sale at £2.50.

The turnstiles open at 5.30pm, you are welcome to visit the pit area from 5.45pm to 6.15pm when they close to allow the riders to prepare for the rider introductions at 6.45pm and then the starting tapes rise on the first race at 7pm. Within the stadium you can find bars including the Premier Lounge overlooking the circuit's second bend, food, our supporters club souvenir stall within the grandstand, and a great family atmosphere making it more than just speedway - indeed it's a great night out! So DO come along and enjoy!

Tonight's teams, in alphabetical order, are as follows:

WIGHTLINK WARRIORS: Mark Baseby, Liam Carr (replacing the injured Benji Compton), James Cockle (C), Kelsey Dugard, Tyler Govier, Matt Saul, Lee Smart. Team Manager: Neil Vatcher. KENT: Danny Ayres, Luke Bowen (C), Luke Clifton, David Mason, James Shanes, Jack Thomas, Danno Verge. Team Manager: Chris Hunt

Image: © Used with the kind permission of Ian Groves