Wightlink Wizards Ready to Roar as Development Leagues Merge!
Speedway fans on the Island, get ready! The Wightlink Wizards are all set to kick off the 2019 season this April. And here’s a twist: the Midland and Southern Development Leagues have joined forces to create one mega competition.
New League, Fresh Rivalries
Joining the Wizards in this revamped league are Birmingham Bulls, Carmarthen Dragons (racing from Stoke), Milton Keynes Knights (based in Birmingham), Plymouth, and Reading Racers (riding out of Eastbourne). There’s also talk that Weymouth Wildcats could enter if they lock down a home track.
League Format and Squads
Every club will name a six-rider squad. Teams will clash over traditional six-heat matches, home and away. The league champion will be the one with the most points on the board.
Barry Bishop, Warriors co-promoter, said, “Last year, our fans embraced the Wizards, who showed real promise despite being largely inexperienced. They gave our club a boost and earned valuable track time.”
Building the Future
“With My First Skid and the Development League, we’re laying solid foundations for young riders aiming to break into the Warriors National League team,” added Bishop.
He admitted that the league’s unexpected merger makes sense, given the teams’ numbers and their travelling nature. The next big challenge? Picking the Wizards’ squad from a talented pool of riders who have trained hard all winter.
