THE Isle of Wight Wightlink Warriors are the first team in the new Nora Speedway League to unveil their 2023 line-up.

Many of last season’s favourites wikll return to excite the fans at Smallbrook, with the season provisionally set to rioar into action on Thursday June, 22.

The Nora League’s structure will see six-man teams race over 15 heats, and Island fans will be able to welcome back Ben Morley, Henry Atkins, George Congreve, Arran Butcher, Rhys Naylor and vastly-experienced rider, Wayne Parker, when the tapes go up.

Returning team manager, Steve Piper, was excited about the prospects for the new season and the hunt for silverware.

"Wow! What a line-up the promoters have secured, as we embark on the new Nora Speedway League," he said. 

"It’s my job to now fit together this six-piece jigsaw, to achieve optimum output, but that doesn’t worry me at all.

"I know all these lads from last year — and you couldn’t have picked a better bunch of racers and entertainers.

"As we build towards our season launch, they will be getting total support from me and the club management as we look for trophies in the new era."

Wightlink Warriors co-owner Barry Bishop echoed Piper's sentiments.

He said: “While 2021 was good and last year even better, we are delighted we will have proper team speedway in the new season.

"In fairness to the riders who participated in many of last season’s events, we wanted to offer them even more track time this year.

"They have been loyal to us and it was only right we reciprocated. Add in the fact these guys have become firm favourites with our supporters, it looks like a winning combination all round.

"We're currently planning 13 home meetings for the summer and a fixture list will be released soon.

"However, in addition to the Nora Speedway League meetings, we will still offer flat track, uprights, pairs, handicaps, women’s events and more. It will be another busy year for sure, but that’s just the way we like it.”