PLANS are afoot for a summer of speedway racing on the Isle of Wight, following a withdrawal from the National League last month.

Co-owners, Barry Bishop and Martin Widman, have revealed they will put on a series of sizzling summer spectaculars at Smallbrook Stadium in Ryde.

The pair resurrected the sport on the island in 2016, with the Wightlink Warriors winning the prestigious World Speedway Riders’ Association Community Club of the Year accolade in 2018 and 2019.

The Wightlink Warriors and Wizards withdrew from the National League and Midland and Southern Development League respectively, last month after believing new regulations made a successful team unviable.

Fears it meant an end to the sport on the Island have been removed with today’s official announcement there will be a full programme of speedway action this summer.

Barry said: “With the help of so many, I am delighted to confirm there will be speedway in 2021 at Smallbrook Stadium and we know you will be thrilled with what’s coming.

“We are working (towards) a full calendar of events and have already staged preliminary talks with two international bodies, one of which is the French League.

“With a spectacular season ahead full of innovation and fun, we cannot wait to get started and welcome our fans, sponsors and supporters back to the club.”

"Our policy has always been to put supporters first and that has been at the very forefront of our minds ever since we took the decision not to compete in the National League this year.”