Slide In Ryde best pairs tournament returns to speedway

The third staging of the Slide In Ryde best pairs tournament returns on Thursday (July 19). 

This week’s speedway action at the Andrew Younie Smallbrook Stadium, in Ryde is  sponsored by Cobra’s Garage Mahal with bike mad former American Gladiator Cobra, (aka Steve Luxton) starting his 2018 UK speedway tour by backing the meeting.

Wightlink Warriors regulars Alfie Bowtell, Scott Campos, Danno Verge and Shaun Tedham are included in the event whilst skipper Ben Morley is being given a few days off to recuperate after a recent series of heavy knocks.

Each of the six competing pairs has attracted team sponsorships with the Speedway Widows duo out to defend the title that they won last year, albeit that a double injury blow has forced a change of riding personnel.

Choosing a pre-meeting favourite is not easy as the line up, drawn independently at Peterborough speedway last weekend, has produced a very evenly balanced program which bodes well for a hotly contested meet.

The meeting will run over fifteen qualifying heats, two semi-finals and a grand final.

The unusual 4,3,2,0 scoring system is also sure to add to the intrigue and maybe catch a few out along the way.

Photo by Sportography

Writing in this Thursday’s match night programme (July 19), co-promoter Barry Bishop is clearly delighted to be able to meet up again with one of the club’s main sponsors on his return to Smallbrook.

He said: “I am so pleased to welcome back our very good friend Steve Luxton for his Best Pairs event.

“Being based in Florida, Steve is one of our long distance supporters but that hasn’t stopped him being a constant source of sponsorship, encouragement and innovative suggestions that help us be the very best we can be.

Last year when Steve was here we had a terrific night full of fun and exciting on track action and we are planning for more of the same tonight”.

Photo by Sportography

As usual, gates open at 5.30pm, pit access will be from 6.15pm to 6.45pm, and the rider parade will be at 6.45pm with the first race at 7pm.