17/08/2026
Meeting Preview: Island Best Pairs Championship
The annual Island Best Pairs Speedway Championship is the main event at the Smallbrook Stadium in Ryde on Tuesday (18 August) and takes on a true Island flavour as four duos come to tapes representing Cowes, Newport, Ryde and Ventnor with a specially invited Kent combo ultra keen to join in the action. Generous sponsorship for the meeting comes from Mark Cooper IFA (Truly Independent).
In a further nod to the Island’s aviation connections, the five teams will also race with nicknames synonymous with the aircraft industry.
As in previous season’s the teams will be managed by supporters who have stepped forward to experience the ups and downs of racing in a real-life environment.
Scoring for this meeting will see race winners collect four points, second place three points, third place two points and fourth finishers failing to score. Each pair will race the others once with the top four teams contesting two semi-finals and the semi-final winners meeting in the Grand Final.
Amongst the riders expected to be on track are Darryl Ritchings, Ben Morley, Arran Butcher, Danno Verge (pictured), Jack Kingston, Charlie Wood, Harry Sadler, Alex Spooner and Ollie Binns. One rider who will be missing is Charlie Southwick following a fall at Buxton yesterday where concussion protocols mean he has to face up to almost three weeks on the sidelines.
The NORA Women’s Championship sponsored by Jason Waring will support the main event with confirmation of the riders imminent.
The stadium gates open to the public at 17.30 hours with admission by cash or card. It’s free entry for accompanied youngsters 16 and under. There is ample on-site catering looking after all tastes and The Premier Lounge will be open for balcony viewing.
As always, special thanks to Wightlink Isle of Wight Ferries for their help bringing riders and staff across the Solent.
Image courtesy of Sportography / Ian Groves
