This week’s shale track action at the Smallbrook Stadium in Ryde will be a first chance for track racing enthusiasts to see a full scale GT140 race meeting.

A total of 18 riders from around the country with battle it out for the inaugural GT140 Island Masters Title this evening (Tuesday).

All fifteen races will see six participants complete four rides, accumulating points in a bid to qualify for inclusion in either C, B or A Finals. 

The GT140 class, an off shoot of conventional grasstrack racing, was launched in 2017 by Jed Rolph, who will be racing in the event.

It has grown rapidly in popularity as racing costs are relatively modest and sit at affordable levels.

Successful trials at Smallbrook have encouraged Wightlink Warriors co-owners Barry Bishop and Martin Widman to promote a full-scale meeting with the full backing of the NORA organisation.

Speedway followers will be keen to see Island regular Chad Wirtzfeld take on the cream of the class with 2023 British GT140 Grasstrack Champion Ian Clark - formerly of the Peterborough Panthers - heading an exciting field that includes several riders at the top of the 2022 ACU grading list.

As usual, gates open at 5.15pm, with the main event preceded at 6.15pm with Youth speedway racing.

The GT140’s gets under way at 7pm, and a training development match between the Wightlink Wizards and Carmarthen Dragons is integrated into the evening’s racing.