By Henry Chard
The ‘Tru Plant’ Witches have announced the return of asset Cameron Heeps for the 2020 season.
The Australian enjoyed a fine season with the club in 2019, arguably his best to date as he and compatriot Jake Allen formed a deadly combination from reserve early in the season before moving into the main body of the team and Heeps is looking to improve further on his 6.30 average in 2020.
“Last year was great and I improved so it is the same again next year,” said Heeps. “I need to build on last season and hopefully I carry it on until the end of the season this time.”
Much was made of the 24-year-old’s new fitness regime off the track and he admitted that it certainly contributed to his successful season.
“I think that was evident last year. I have said it and Chris (Louis) has said it, I can ride a bike and the talent is there, I just needed a bit of hard work to go along with it.”
2020 will be the eighth season in Suffolk for the Perth-born rider and Heeps is proud to call Foxhall his speedway home.
“It is a place I call home, I live local and the club has stuck by me. I love being here and I will continue to do so and hopefully next year is a little bit better than last year.”
The multiple Western Australian State champion made the move up from reserve in 2019 and he is targeting further progress in the new year as he sets his sights on the number one position.
“That is the ultimate aim, I want to get to the number one position. Realistically, next year hopefully I can get to number five and then if that happens, the year after I will aim for number one. It is not out of range, I am trying to improve the same as I did this year and there is no reason I can’t be a number one. That is the goal and we will go from there. Firstly, I need to get the winter out of the way with training and get myself fit back to where I need to be and get on with the riding part in March.”
Like most Australian riders in the UK, Heeps will head home this winter to see family and this winter he will also swap two wheels for four.
“I had October off and eased myself back into things in November. I am now in full flow at the moment so I will smash it until I go home at the end of December. I will keep in shape while I am at home and will do a little bit of riding, not too many meetings but more practicing. I have been given the opportunity to race a car back home so I will have a good crack at that!”
The Ipswich asset says the team relish the ‘underdog’ tag that seems to be give to them in the Premiership as they look to win the top-flight title in 2020.
“Everyone gave us the underdog tag last year and I agreed with Ritchie (Hawkins) in that it helped us and was good for us. We thrived off it and I have seen stuff already saying the same about next year because we haven’t signed anyone. Things have been going on behind the scenes and if we are named as underdogs then so be it. I don’t see why that will affect us because we thrive off it and we want to go one better next year.”
Heeps joins Allen in the 2020 side and Season Tickets for next year are now available to purchase, all the details can be found here. Supporters wishing to buy their ticket in person can do so on Saturday 21st December between 10am-1pm at Foxhall Stadium with hot drinks and mince pies on offer.
Digital Media Manager at Ipswich Speedway