Author Archives: Henry Chard

About Henry Chard

Digital Media Manager at Ipswich Speedway

RACEDAY PREVIEW: BELLE VUE – PREMIERSHIP (A)

Posted on 3rd June, 20224th June, 2022,

By Henry Chard

All the details ahead of our Premiership fixture with Belle Vue.

WHEN & WHERE

The ‘Tru Mix’ Witches travel to Manchester to face the Belle Vue Aces at the National Speedway Stadium on Monday 6^th June in a Premiership fixture that starts at 7.30pm.

TEAMS

BELLE VUE: 1. R/R for Max Fricke 8.23 2. Jye Etheridge 5.32 3. Matej Zagar 7.48 4. Charles Wright 6.13 5. Brady Kurtz 7.71 © 6. Zach Cook (g) 4.00 7. Tom Brennan (RS). Team Manager: Mark Lemon

IPSWICH: 1. Jason Doyle 9.84 2. R/R for Paul Starke 4.95 3. Danny King 8.00 © 4. Justin Sedgmen (g) 4.62 5. Troy Batchelor 5.44 6. Ben Barker 4.44 7. Danyon Hume (RS). Team Manager: Ritchie Hawkins

REFEREE: C. Ackroyd

PREMIERSHIP TABLE

Team	Meetings	Points
Ipswich	5	12
Wolverhampton	5	11
Belle Vue	6	11
Sheffield	4	9
King’s Lynn	5	8
Peterborough	5	0

TICKETS

Tickets can be purchased online here and are available on the gate.

THE STORY

The ‘Tru Mix’ Witches travel to Manchester on Monday night to face the Belle Vue Aces in the Premiership. Ipswich were in action on Thursday at Foxhall against local rivals King’s Lynn and recorded another dramatic victory on home shale as they secured derby-day success with a narrow 46-44 win over the Stars following a last-heat decider. That win put them top of the Premiership table, cementing their solid start to the league season. Ipswich met the Aces last month in Suffolk with the home side taking a 47-43 victory.

The Witches will be without Erik Riss for this fixture with the German competing in the Qualifying Round for the Speedway Grand Prix in Debrecen as Justin Sedgmen guests at number four. Ritchie Hawkins will also be without Paul Starke who is still recovering from the injuries he picked up in his crash against Wolverhampton at Foxhall and rider replacement will be in operation at number two in his absence.

Ipswich didn’t enjoy the best of fortunes at the National Speedway Stadium in 2021 suffering a 55-35 defeat on both of their visits, and as always, speed will be key on this wide, fast track that provides so many lines for entertaining racing.

FROM THE BOSS

Ipswich ‘Tru Mix’ Witches team manager Ritchie Hawkins gives us his pre-match thoughts…

“We go to Belle Vue top of the league, but missing Starkey and Erik means that all the other boys are going to have to put in a massive performance so that we give ourselves a shot at the win. They are missing a couple of riders too so hopefully we can come away with something.

“Erik is a massive loss for us, but the form Starkey has been in, he is a big loss too, they’ve both been in great form. The boys that are left are more than capable of doing very well, and we need that to happen on Monday night.

“Paul hurt his wrist initially and then hurt his shoulder in that crash against Wolves and it hasn’t healed as quickly as we would have liked. It is something we are going to have to assess week by week as to when he will be fit enough to return.

“Certainly, all the boys talk about setup more when they are going to Belle Vue and getting on the right setup. We have got some experienced riders so hopefully they get that right. It is such a big, fast track, if you don’t get it right it certainly shows if you get it wrong. Hopefully the experienced heads make the right calls on Monday.”

THE ACES

Belle Vue started 2022 in disastrous fashion, losing all four League Cup matches and suffering an early exit from the competition, just like the Witches. However, bringing in Matej Zagar seems to have transformed their side and they currently sit third in the Premiership, albeit having raced more meetings than the rest of the division. The Aces are unbeaten at home having thrashed champions Peterborough in their opening league fixture and beaten King’s Lynn in Manchester so far.

The hosts are without Grand Prix rider Max Fricke on Monday and reserve Norick Blödorn with both riders competing in the Grand Prix qualifying round in Abensberg. Zach Cook comes in as a guest at reserve whilst rider replacement will be used at number one in Fricke’s absence.

AWAY DAYS

Ticket prices can be found here and official programmes cost £3. For more information about your visit to the National Speedway Stadium, head here.

For more information about the club head to Belle Vue’s official website.

Henry Chard

Digital Media Manager at Ipswich Speedway

RACEDAY REPORT: IPSWICH 46–44 KING’S LYNN – PREMIERSHIP (H)

Posted on 2nd June, 20222nd June, 2022,

By Henry Chard

MEETING SPONSORS

RN Euston – RN Euston Limited has supplied steel framed buildings in East Anglia for over 40 years. Established by Ray Euston the business has grown steadily over the years and now Ray works in partnership with his son Mark. The company is based in Suffolk and work all over East Anglia where they have gained a reliable reputation.

TMB Utilities Ltd

THE SCORES

IPSWICH 46: Jason Doyle 14+1 (Paid Maximum), Paul Starke R/R, Danny King © 3, Erik Riss 12, Troy Batchelor 7+1, Ben Barker 9+2, Danyon Hume (RS) 1. Team Manager: Ritchie Hawkins

KING’S LYNN 44: Richard Lawson 7+2, Lewis Kerr 8, Niels-Kristian Iversen 9+1, Thomas Jorgensen 4+2, Josh Pickering © 5+2, Richie Worrall 10+1, Jack Thomas (RS) 1. Team Manager: Alex Brady

REFEREE: P. Carrington

PREMIERSHIP TABLE

Team	Meetings	Points
Ipswich	5	12
Wolverhampton	5	11
Belle Vue	6	11
Sheffield	4	9
King’s Lynn	5	8
Peterborough	5	0

THE STORY

The ‘Tru Mix’ Witches produced another narrow victory to win the East Anglian derby and go top of the table after they beat King’s Lynn on Thursday night at Foxhall in the Premiership.

The home team lost Paul Starke to injury on the day of the fixture after he was not deemed fit enough to ride after his crash last week where he picked up leg and shoulder injuries, with rider replacement used in his absence at number two. The meeting swung back and forth throughout the night, making it impossible to call a winner until the Witches struck a decisive blow in heat 14 with a 5-1. That left the hosts two points up and top scorer Jason Doyle secured the victory with a race win the final heat to complete his 14+1 paid maximum.

It was the perfect start for Ipswich as Erik Riss and Doyle flew to a 5-1 in heat number one, but the Stars pulled two points back in the following heat as Richie Worrall won ahead of Ben Barker and Jack Thomas picked up a point for a 2-4. Riss was the leader in heat three but fell after suffering mechanical issues and was excluded. The visitors took advantage in the re-run as Niels-Kristian Iversen won and Thomas Jorgensen got the better of Danny King in the battle for second as they recorded a maximum to take the lead. There was another crash in heat four as Thomas fell and was excluded and this time it was the Witches who hit a 5-1 in the re-run courtesy of Barker and Troy Batchelor to edge the hosts back in front by two points.

Riss won the first shared race of the night in heat five and Doyle was a comfortable winner in heat six in another 3-3. The away side then re-took the lead in heat seven with a maximum from Iversen and Jorgensen. Batchelor took the chequered flag in heat eight ahead of Lewis Kerr who passed Danyon Hume to split the home pairing, but a 4-2 meant the scores were level.

Riss won his third race of the night in heat nine but with King struggling at the back the scores remained level. Doyle was in formidable form once again and won heat 10 as Barker held off Iversen to secure second and record a 5-1 to put the Witches back in front. Disaster struck before heat 11 even got going as Batchelor packed up at the tapes and was excluded, forcing him to go from 15 metres back at the start. The visitors didn’t waste the opportunity presented to them and hit a maximum in the re-run to level the scores again. Worrall won heat 12 for King’s Lynn ahead of King as Iversen passed Barker at the back to put the Stars two points in front with just three to race.

Doyle had to work hard to win heat 13 passing Richard Lawson to win but with Batchelor not amongst the points, the away side stayed in front. However, the twists and turns kept on coming and in heat 14 Barker was holding off Jorgensen at the front before Riss made a superb pass on the Lynn rider on third lap and subsequently won the race, with his teammate joining him for a 5-1 to put Ipswich in front to the delight of the home fans. That took it to a last-heat decider and Doyle sealed the three points for Ipswich with a win in a shared heat 15 as the Foxhall faithful celebrated a derby-day win that took them to top spot in the Premiership.

REACTION FROM THE BOSS

Ipswich ‘Tru Mix’ Witches team manager Ritchie Hawkins reflects on Thursday’s victory over King’s Lynn.

“We snuck another win without being anywhere near our best so to win without really performing and to be top of the league is a bit of a bonus early doors. It is not too significant, but it is a really nice place to be and there is so much more to come from us.

“Erik had a chain snap when he was winning one heat which handed them a six-point swing. He was superb tonight though, I thought he was brilliant and rode really really well. I think Danny has not hit top form yet and has his mechanical issues at the moment but when he sorts that, it will make us a lot stronger straight away. Batch is up a little bit up and down but is doing a good job, but I think he is capable of even more. Ben showed signs tonight of what he can do without really finding his consistency yet. Danyon did not score anywhere near what he did in previous weeks so there is a lot more to come from us.

“Doyley was awesome again, when you have him in those big heats like heat 15 you kind of believe he is going to win every race and he is leading from the front. Danny is suffering from mechanical issues, even at Poole he is not performing as well as he can but at the higher level it is probably showing up more against stiffer competition. He has found the problems with his engine, and he tried a new engine tonight without having a chance to practice on it and get it set up which he did after the meeting. He has found the problem, but it is not an instant fix, these things take time to be repaired and I have no doubt in a few weeks he will back at his normal level.

“We had a great crowd and I hope everyone has gone home happy. Our next meeting is the Premiership Pairs which will be an amazing line-up again like it was at Peterborough, and I hope everyone will come out and support that. Attentions now turn to trying to get a few points on the road for our travelling fans.”

RN EUSTON & TMB UTILITIES RIDER OF THE NIGHT

Doyle picked up both awards after scoring a five-ride paid maximum of 14+1.

WHAT IT MEANS

Ipswich go top of the table after collecting three points whilst King’s Lynn pick up a consolation point for the narrow defeat.

UP NEXT

The ‘Tru Mix’ Witches travel to Manchester to face the Belle Vue Aces at the National Speedway Stadium on Monday 6^th June in a Premiership fixture. Tickets can be purchased here.

Henry Chard

Digital Media Manager at Ipswich Speedway

RACEDAY PREVIEW: KING’S LYNN – PREMIERSHIP (H)

Posted on 30th May, 20222nd June, 2022,

By Henry Chard

All the details ahead of our Premiership fixture with King’s Lynn.

WHEN & WHERE

The ‘Tru Mix’ Witches host the King’s Lynn Stars at Foxhall Stadium on Thursday 2^nd June in a Premiership fixture that starts at 7.30pm.

MEETING SPONSORS

TMB Utilities Ltd

TEAMS

IPSWICH: 1. Jason Doyle 9.84 2. R/R for Paul Starke 4.95 3. Danny King 8.00 © 4. Erik Riss 4.62 5. Troy Batchelor 5.44 6. Ben Barker 4.44 7. Danyon Hume (RS). Team Manager: Ritchie Hawkins

KING’S LYNN: 1. Richard Lawson 7.84 2. Lewis Kerr 5.43 3. Niels-Kristian Iversen 7.33 4. Thomas Jorgensen 6.05 5. Josh Pickering 7.31 © 6. Richie Worrall 5.33 7. Jack Thomas (RS). Team Manager: Alex Brady

REFEREE: P. Carrington

PREMIERSHIP TABLE

Team	Meetings	Points
Belle Vue	6	11
Sheffield	4	9
Ipswich	4	9
Wolverhampton	4	7
King’s Lynn	4	7
Peterborough	4	0

TICKETS

Tickets are available to buy online (until 7pm on raceday) and on the gate and are priced at £20 for adults and £18 for concessions (65+). Children 16 and under go free. Official programmes are priced at £3 and are available at the stadium. Car parking is free for all supporters. Debit and credit card payments are accepted. Turnstiles open at 6.40pm.

THE STORY

The ‘Tru Mix’ Witches are back in action on Thursday evening as they host the East Anglian derby against the King’s Lynn Stars in the Premiership at Foxhall. Ipswich go into the meeting in buoyant mood after beating Wolverhampton last week in a last-heat decider and will be looking to back that up with another victory on home shale against their local rivals. The Stars have already been victorious in Suffolk this season as they beat an Ipswich team who were missing both reserve riders in the League Cup.

The hosts welcome back Erik Riss to the team after he missed last week’s win over Wolves due to his Long Track of Nations commitments, where he led Germany to victory. Ritchie Hawkins is without Paul Starke who suffered leg and shoulder injuries in last week’s crash against Wolverhampton, with rider replacement in operation at number two. The new averages mean that Ben Barker moves to reserve where he will be aiming to recapture his best form and he is joined by Danyon Hume at the bottom end of the team who keeps his place at number seven after another strong performance last time out. After being beaten by the Stars earlier in the season, Ipswich will be keen to deliver a victory over their rivals and give their supporters local bragging rights.

FROM THE BOSS

Ipswich ‘Tru Mix’ Witches team manager Ritchie Hawkins gives us his pre-match thoughts…

“We had an important win last week and we need to carry that on this week. We have improved week on week at home. There were still a few mistakes last week and points we threw away, but we are gradually improving, and we will be looking for a bit more improvement again this week.

“It will be great to have Erik back, he did superbly in his Long Track last week so it will be great to have him back in the team. We still have injury concerns over Starkey who had another crash last week. Hopefully he will be fit enough to ride but if not, we will be operating rider replacement for him.

“The new averages are out which moves Ben to reserve and it’s an opportunity for him to get himself back to where he knows he can be in this league. When Starkey is fit, he will be in the main body of the team, but he has hurt his wrist again and is still feeling it a bit after that crash last week.

“When King’s Lynn came here in the cup, we had half a team, and we were miles off where we are now. If we carry on how we have been improving, I expect us to win the meeting. If we do that puts us in a decent position going into a couple of away meetings next week.”

THE STARS

King’s Lynn have enjoyed a positive start to the season having already booked their place in the League Cup final where they will face the Sheffield Tigers. The Stars also won the first round of the Premiership Pairs at Peterborough as Josh Pickering and Richard Lawson surprised many and got their campaign off to the perfect start. In the league, they started with a heavy defeat at Wolverhampton but went to Belle Vue and picked up a point before beating the Aces at the Adrian Flux Arena and on Monday they recorded victory over Peterborough on home shale.

Niels-Kristian Iversen extended his stay with the club earlier this month, having been signed as cover for the injured Peter Kildemand originally. Reserve Richie Worrall and ‘Rising Star’ Jack Thomas proved to be key in their last victory at Foxhall clocking up 18+2 between them and they will be hoping that pairing can prove to be the difference again on Thursday night.

Henry Chard

Digital Media Manager at Ipswich Speedway

TRIBUTES TO CHRISTINE ELLIS

Posted on 26th May, 202226th May, 2022,

Those that attended our televised meeting against the Sheffield Tigers will have paid their respects in a minute’s silence to a very special lady in our Ipswich Speedway family. Sadly, on Sunday 15th May, Christine Ellis passed away following a short illness. Christine, the wife of track man Bob, has been a huge part of our family run club for more years than I can remember. To some she was the season ticket co-ordinator, to some the Cardiff coach tour organiser, to some a Supporters Club committee member, secretary and coach trip co-ordinator, programme seller, pit refreshment lady, rider changing room cleaner, look, I think you will be getting the idea by now!

The club meant everything to Christine and Christine meant everything to all of us involved, especially dad and me, who along with husband Bob have been the beating heart of the Ipswich Witches for oh so long. Willing to throw herself wholeheartedly into anything that needed doing, Christine was one of those rare, kind, caring, hardworking people who was never afraid to speak her mind and shoot from the hip. A loving wife, mother and grandmother who is deeply missed by so many of us. My thoughts are with Bob and Christine’s family. I know she will be looking down on me with a smile that says ‘watch it you’ when I say rest in peace Chris, a true Witch through and through. I will miss you. X

Chris Louis

For nearly twenty years Chris ran the Ipswich Supporters On Tour annual trip to Cardiff for the British Grand Prix – it was my privilege to accompany and assist her with this season highlight.

I could sit here all day recounting the stories and anecdotes from all those years, suffice to say they will remain with me forever as very, very happy memories of time spent with a dear, dear friend.

My heartfelt condolences go out to Bob, Jason, Russell and all family and friends.

A truly remarkable lady, who I was honoured to call a friend – and who will always have a special place in my heart.

God bless Chris, rest in eternal peace xXx

Kevin Long

There can’t be many who have attended Foxhall regularly over the last 25 years who will have not known Chris Ellis. From her involvement in the supporters club, to programme hut lady, most fans will have met her at some point, and such was her personality and welcome, they will have regarded her as a friend.

Never one to be idle, Chris was at the forefront of many things involving the club’s supporters and taking control and running the Witches’ annual weekend trips to the British Grand Prix will perhaps be how she will best be remembered by many.

No mean feat to run a weekend away, filled with fun and merriment for all those involved, but you never heard a bad word from anyone who had travelled away on one of the coach trips, to take in the sport’s premier event.

The image above taken back in 2009 sums Chris up to me. The Witches contingent were sat high above bend three at the Millennium Stadium. From a distance I had spotted the Witches fans and kept one eye on them looking for a shot.

When I spotted Chris through my camera, glancing my way, one wave was all it took to instigate the response I was looking for. I’ve no idea how Chris managed to see me, but she jumped to her feet full of excitement and enthusiasm and waved back, before alerting the rest of the club’s supporters beside her to also acknowledge me. It was a great moment.

Sleep well Chris. Your fun and laughter will be missed by many,

Stephen Waller

RACEDAY REPORT: IPSWICH 46–44 WOLVERHAMPTON – PREMIERSHIP (H)

Posted on 26th May, 202226th May, 2022,

By Henry Chard

MEETING SPONSORS

Simply Climate Control – Simply Climate Control is a progressive business specialising in the design, supply and installation of heating, ventilation & air conditioning (hvac) systems for retail, commercial, industrial & domestic spaces.

DJ Evans – The DJ Evans Group is a family run business with a history dating back more than a century. They are East Anglia’s premier independent builder’s/engineer’s merchant and architectural ironmonger, offering products and materials from quality assured manufacturers across the industry.

THE SCORES

IPSWICH 46: Jason Doyle 13, Erik Riss R/R, Danny King © 7, Ben Barker 3, Troy Batchelor 12+3, Paul Starke 5+1, Danyon Hume (RS) 6+1. Team Manager: Ritchie Hawkins

WOLVES 44: Sam Masters © 16, Steve Worrall 5+1, Luke Becker 9+1, Ryan Douglas 5, Nick Morris 6+1, Drew Kemp 3, Joe Thompson (RS) 0. Team Manager: Peter Adams

REFEREE: C. Gay

PREMIERSHIP TABLE

Team	Meetings	Points
Belle Vue	6	11
Sheffield	3	9
Ipswich	4	9
Wolverhampton	3	4
King’s Lynn	3	4
Peterborough	3	0

THE STORY

The ‘Tru Mix’ Witches claimed a dramatic victory at Foxhall on Thursday night as they beat the Wolverhampton Wolves after a last-heat decider in the Premiership.

Ipswich were without Erik Riss for the fixture with the German competing in the Long Track of Nations but welcomed back Paul Starke from injury with Danyon Hume keeping his place at number seven. Wolves had Joe Thompson in for the injured Leon Flint and found themselves six points down after four heats. The Witches extended that lead to eight points after eight races but a tactical substitute ride by Sam Masters and a maximum to the visitors in heat nine was the start of a comeback which saw them edge two points ahead going into the final race. However, Jason Doyle and Troy Batchelor saved the day with a 5-1 in heat 15 to clinch victory for the home team. Doyle top scored with 13 points.

Heat one was stopped as Doyle was squeezed out going into the first turn and hit the deck with all four riders called back for the re-run. However, this time Masters was a faller after another tight first turn as once again all four riders were invited back for a third go. Finally, the opening heat was completed with Masters taking the win ahead of Doyle and Steve Worrall third for a heat advantage to the visitors. Paul Starke and Danyon Hume combined for a 5-1 to the home side in heat two and it looked like being another maximum to the Witches in heat three as Danny King won but Luke Becker made his way past Ben Barker late on in the race to limit the damage to a 4-2. Batchelor won heat four for the hosts and was closely followed home by Nick Morris but with Starke picking up third it was another heat advantage to Ipswich leaving them 15-9 up after the first four races.

The visitors recorded their first maximum of the evening in heat five as Masters and Worrall couldn’t be caught. Doyle was the winner of heat six with Morris second and Hume was in third for a 4-2 to the Suffolk side. Batchelor made the gate in heat seven, but Becker was at it again and chased the Witches man down to make the pass in the first shared heat of the night. Hume and Batchelor flew from the start in heat eight to take a comfortable maximum to put the hosts eight points in front.

Wolves boss Peter Adams reacted immediately by putting in Masters in as a tactical substitute in heat nine and it worked a treat as he won, and Morris held off King for second as the away side recorded a 1-5. Doyle won heat 10 as the points were shared. Batchelor was the early leader in heat 11 but Masters was in fine form and passed his compatriot to take the chequered flag with his partner Worrall third for a heat advantage to the visitors. Becker was enjoying a good night and won heat 12 ahead of King as Drew Kemp held off Starke for a crucial point that levelled the scores with three to race.

Masters made it five wins from five in heat 13 as Doyle and Batchelor were both in the points for a 3-3 to keep things finely poised heading into the final two heats of action. Wolves took the lead for the first time all night in heat 14 as Ryan Douglas won ahead of Barker and Kemp charged past Starke for third at the start of the final lap who took a nasty fall and was excluded by the referee, meaning a 2-4 was awarded to the away team. It was down to Doyle and Batchelor to rescue the tie for Ipswich up against the unbeaten Masters in the final race of the night and the two Witches produced the goods as they raced to a 5-1 to snatch victory and delight the home fans.

REACTION FROM THE BOSS

Ipswich ‘Tru Mix’ Witches team manager Ritchie Hawkins reflects on Thursday’s victory over Wolverhampton.

“I’m delighted to get over the line in the end and get the win. We knew it was going to be a really tough night missing Erik and Starkey far from being 100% fit. We are delighted to get the three points in the end, and we are nowhere near where we can or should be, but we managed to get the result.

“It was a superb heat 15, we swapped the gate positions around from last week and that seemed to work well tonight. It is all part of learning and building knowledge throughout the season and three points puts us in a good position in the table.

“It was a really busy night for me, a lot of it taken up by trying to manage Paul’s injury and trying to spread his races out so that it didn’t put too much strain on him. Whilst he put in an exceptional shift, I know he was in immense pain so we had to manage that the best we could. It was one ride too many in the end which resulted in him getting passed and then crashing but he did a superb job for the team tonight.

“Danyon was superb again, on his scoresheet he didn’t finish the night well, but they were two extremely hard races for him. I thought he was brilliant. He has come in and taken his opportunity and is doing a great job. He hasn’t done anything to not warrant being in the side at the moment. The door is not shut for Anders (Rowe), far from it, he will have the opportunity to force his way back into the team but at the moment Danyon has come in and has done great, so there is no need to change that at the moment.

“Ben is desperate to do well, maybe too desperate and maybe he is overriding at the moment. I think he needs to get back up to speed in this league, but he moves to reserve now and hopefully the opportunity for extra rides that come with being a reserve will sort him out and I don’t think he is miles off showing us what he can do.”

SIMPLY CLIMATE CONTROL & DJ EVANS RIDERS OF THE NIGHT

After top scoring with 13 points Doyle was the Simply Climate Control choice whilst DJ Evans went for Batchelor after he scored 12+3.

WHAT IT MEANS

The Witches bounce back from defeat last time out and pick up three league points whilst Wolves pick up a consolation point after their narrow defeat.

UP NEXT

The ‘Tru Mix’ Witches host the King’s Lynn Stars at Foxhall Stadium on Thursday 2^nd June in a Premiership fixture. Tickets can be purchased here.

Henry Chard

Digital Media Manager at Ipswich Speedway

RACEDAY PREVIEW: WOLVERHAMPTON – PREMIERSHIP (H)

Posted on 23rd May, 202223rd May, 2022,

By Henry Chard

All the details ahead of our Premiership fixture with Wolverhampton.

WHEN & WHERE

The ‘Tru Mix’ Witches host the Wolverhampton Wolves at Foxhall Stadium on Thursday 26^th May in a Premiership fixture that starts at 7.30pm.

MEETING SPONSORS

TEAMS

IPSWICH: 1. Jason Doyle 8.96 2. R/R for Erik Riss 5.08 3. Danny King 7.76 © 4. Ben Barker 4.84 5. Troy Batchelor 5.67 6. Paul Starke 4.47 7. Danyon Hume (RS) 8. Jacob Clouting. Team Manager: Ritchie Hawkins

WOLVES: 1. Sam Masters 8.34 © 2. Steve Worrall 5.94 3. Luke Becker 6.95 4. Ryan Douglas 6.98 5. Nick Morris 7.12 6. Drew Kemp 3.28 7. Joe Thompson (RS). Team Manager: Peter Adams

REFEREE: C. Gay

PREMIERSHIP TABLE

Team	Meetings	Points
Belle Vue	5	11
Sheffield	2	6
Ipswich	3	6
King’s Lynn	3	4
Wolverhampton	2	3
Peterborough	3	0

TICKETS

THE STORY

The ‘Tru Mix’ Witches return to action on Thursday evening as they entertain the Wolverhampton Wolves in the Premiership at Foxhall. Ipswich suffered their first league defeat of the season last time out as they were narrowly beaten by Sheffield on home shale and will be looking to bounce back at the first opportunity to get back on track. The home team visited Wolves earlier in the month and picked up a terrific win on the road and will know their opponents will be keen to avenge that defeat in Suffolk.

The hosts are without Erik Riss for the fixture with the German competing in the Long Track of Nations and rider replacement will be used at number two. Illness, injuries and absences have plagued team selections in the opening weeks of the season but the Witches welcome back Paul Starke at reserve following a wrist injury he picked up last week. Starke has played a key role so far this season and his return is a welcome boost to the side. Number eight Danyon Hume keeps his place in the side after an impressive nine points from the Rising Star position last time out and Jacob Clouting is at number eight this week.

It was Wolverhampton who were victorious on both occasions at Foxhall in 2021 and the Witches will be keen to put the record straight in front of their supporters on Thursday night.

FROM THE BOSS

Ipswich ‘Tru Mix’ Witches team manager Ritchie Hawkins gives us his pre-match thoughts…

“It is important to get back on track at home and get another win on the board, we need that to give us a good start to the league campaign. It’s glaringly obvious where we need to improve, we need to cut out the silly errors that we are making. We are hopeful of having Starkey back in the team which strengthens us up at reserve which we will need because we have rider replacement for Erik who is at the Long Track of Nations in Germany and unfortunately can’t race tonight.

“Wolves bring a strong team and a team that is notoriously good at Foxhall, so they will be wanting to avenge their home defeat against us. In recent years it has become a lot more common to lose at home. I know when I first started, if you lost at home it was going to be very difficult to win the league but nowadays, I think it is a lot more common to lose a few home matches in the season. A lot of that is down to it being a smaller league, you race on the tracks more often which gives the home riders less of a track advantage.

“Danyon has done everything to warrant his place in the team at the moment. As it stands Danyon is in the side and is doing very well. He was a highlight last week and it is Anders’ job when he is ready to force his way back into the side now.”

THE WOLVES

Wolverhampton have had a mixed start to the 2022 season and will be looking to put together a strong run of form with a positive result in Suffolk. Wolves missed on out reaching the League Cup final in agonising fashion in their last fixture. Despite beating Sheffield away from home, they missed out on points difference, but it was a result that showed what they are capable of with the Tigers previously unbeaten before that defeat. They have raced two Premiership meetings so far, beating King’s Lynn convincingly at home before being defeated at home by the Witches.

It’s a familiar line-up for Wolves with the majority of their side being a part of last year’s outfit which picked up two wins at Foxhall. Sam Masters is at number one and is very much a track specialist and has recorded many a big score at Foxhall including a five-ride paid maximum last season. Club asset Drew Kemp makes his first return to Foxhall having made the switch to the West Midlands in the winter and Joe Thompson rides as their ‘Rising Star’ at number seven with Leon Flint still recovering from injury.

Henry Chard

Digital Media Manager at Ipswich Speedway

RACEDAY REPORT: PREMIERSHIP PAIRS – ROUND 1

Posted on 23rd May, 202223rd May, 2022,

THE SCORES

BELLE VUE 24: Max Fricke 17, Brady Kurtz 7, Tom Brennan (RS) 0. Team Manager: Mark Lemon

IPSWICH 21: Jason Doyle 17, Danny King 2, Danyon Hume (RS) 2. Team Manager: Ritchie Hawkins

KING’S LYNN 23: Josh Pickering 15, Richard Lawson 8, Jack Thomas (RS) 0. Team Manager: Alex Brady

PETERBOROUGH 18: Michael Palm Toft 7, Chris Harris 11, Max Clegg (RS) 0. Team Manager: Rob Lyon

SHEFFIELD 26: Jack Holder 18, Adam Ellis 6, Connor Mountain (RS) 2. Team Manager: Simon Stead

WOLVES 23: Sam Masters 12, Ryan Douglas 11, Joe Thompson (RS) 0. Team Manager: Peter Adams

SEMI-FINAL: King’s Lynn beat Belle Vue 7-2

FINAL: King’s Lynn beat Sheffield 5-4

REFEREE: A. Steele

PREMIERSHIP PAIRS TABLE

Team	Points
King’s Lynn	12
Sheffield	8
Belle Vue	6
Wolverhampton	4
Ipswich	2
Peterborough	0

THE STORY

The ‘Tru Mix’ Witches pairing of Jason Doyle and Danny King finished fifth in the Premiership Pairs opener at Peterborough on Monday.

Doyle was in strong form with three race wins from his five outings, but King endured a tough night on a circuit where he normally scores well, as they finished two points short of a place in the semi-final.

The opening race saw the Witches take on Belle Vue, with Doyle dominating from the outside gate but whilst King briefly held third place, he was moved aside by Max Fricke into the third bend.

Both Witches riders made the start in Heat 5 when they faced Sheffield, but King found himself swallowed up by Jack Holder and Adam Ellis by the time they exited turn two.

Their third outing saw them fall victim to a superb ride by Peterborough’s Michael Palm Toft, who first made it round the outside of King and then switched inside Doyle at the end of lap three to take an impressive victory.

And the Witches’ hopes were as good as over when they were on the wrong end of a 7-2 to King’s Lynn in a thrilling Heat 10 when Josh Pickering charged through on the inside of King whilst Richard Lawson came from the back to pass both Ipswich riders.

Doyle added a consolation win in Heat 13 with Rising Star Danyon Hume taking his compulsory ride and finishing third ahead of Wolverhampton’s Joe Thompson, with that result enough to keep the Witches ahead of home side Peterborough.

King’s Lynn went on to take a surprise win from the meeting as Belle Vue’s Max Fricke fell when trying to come from the back in the semi, whilst the Grand Final saw Sheffield’s Adam Ellis come to grief heavily on the last lap as the Stars’ Richard Lawson looked to engineer a way through for his colleague Josh Pickering.

REACTION FROM THE BOSS

Ipswich ‘Tru Mix’ Witches team manager Ritchie Hawkins reflects on Monday’s first round at Peterborough.

“Doyley was great tonight, but it was a tough night for Danny, who just seems to be a bit down on speed at the moment, and it shows in a line-up like that.

“I do feel with the way he’s riding he deserves more points than he’s currently getting, and we’re discussing ways of how he can get that speed back.

“That was always going to be our combination for this track with how well Danny usually goes here, and it’s a shame it didn’t happen for him in what was obviously a very strong line-up, the strongest we’ve seen in a meeting in this country for quite a while.”

WHAT IT MEANS

The Witches collect two points from the opening meeting of the six-round series, with King’s Lynn currently leading the way on 12. The second round takes place at Foxhall on Thursday June 16.

UP NEXT

The ‘Tru Mix’ Witches host the Wolverhampton Wolves at Foxhall Stadium on Thursday 26^th May in a Premiership fixture. Tickets can be purchased here.

RACEDAY PREVIEW: PREMIERSHIP PAIRS – ROUND 1

Posted on 18th May, 202223rd May, 2022,

By Henry Chard

All the details ahead of the opening round of the Premiership Pairs.

WHEN & WHERE

The ‘Tru Mix’ Witches pairing travels to Peterborough for the first round of the Premiership Pairs at the East of England Arena & Events Centre on Monday 23^rd May which starts at 7.30pm.

TEAMS

BELLE VUE: Max Fricke, Brady Kurtz, Tom Brennan (RS). Team Manager: Mark Lemon

IPSWICH: Jason Doyle, Danny King, Danyon Hume (RS). Team Manager: Ritchie Hawkins

KING’S LYNN: Josh Pickering, Richard Lawson, Jack Thomas (RS). Team Manager: Alex Brady

PETERBOROUGH: Michael Palm Toft, Chris Harris, Max Clegg (g) (RS). Team Manager: Rob Lyon

SHEFFIELD: Jack Holder, Adam Ellis, Connor Mountain (RS). Team Manager: Simon Stead

WOLVES: Sam Masters, Ryan Douglas, Joe Thompson (RS). Team Manager: Peter Adams

REFEREE: A. Steele

PREMIERSHIP PAIRS TABLE

Team	Points
Belle Vue	0
Ipswich	0
King’s Lynn	0
Peterborough	0
Sheffield	0
Wolves	0

TICKETS & HOW TO WATCH

Tickets are available on the gate. The meeting will also be streamed online here.

A BSN+ subscription is required to watch. BSN+ passes are available for £49, with a £6 discount available to existing BSN subscribers. Each round can be purchased individually, priced at £12.99. BSN’s coverage of the first round will start at 7.00pm. BSN’s web URL is watch.britishspeedway.co.uk. BSN also has an App which is now available on Amazon Fire TV and on all IOS (Apple) devices.

THE STORY

The ‘Tru Mix’ Witches pairing heads to Peterborough on Monday for the opening round of the Premiership Pairs. The competition is a new addition to the calendar with all six Premiership clubs staging a round throughout the season. Each club will have two riders and a ‘Rising Star’ at each round with scores accumulated over all six rounds before the overall aggregate winner is declared after the final round of the competition at Belle Vue in September. 12 points will be awarded to each round winner, eight points to second, six points to third, four points to fourth, two points to fifth and no points to sixth.

There will be 15 qualifying heats of action at each round with the top scoring team from the qualifying heats going directly to the final. The teams placed in second and third will compete in a semi-final with the winning side from that race progressing to the final to decide the round winners. Each team has five qualifying heats each and the ‘Rising Star’ must take at least one ride during the meeting. The points scoring system for the competition in each race will be 4-3-2-0.

Team manager Ritchie Hawkins has chosen to field Jason Doyle and Danny King for the first round at the East of England Arena & Events Centre and can elect to change this pairing throughout the competition if he desires. ‘Rising Star’ Danyon Hume will also be in attendance and is guaranteed at least one ride as part of the regulations. Doyle is in sublime form having recorded a paid maximum from five rides in our last fixture against Sheffield, whilst skipper King is the current track record holder at Peterborough.

FROM THE BOSS

Ipswich ‘Tru Mix’ Witches team manager Ritchie Hawkins gives us his pre-match thoughts…

“It’s a new competition so it will be interesting and exciting to be involved in. Looking at our pairing, we are going in confident as we will have a strong pairing in each round. We have certainly got a strong pair for Peterborough, and I know Doyley, Danny and Danyon are going there to win the meeting.

“Doyley is the best rider in the league, so he is an obvious pick and Danny is the current track record holder there, which is quite something, so he is very good around the Showground. For this round it was quite an easy choice.

“We will have to improve on our team riding from our last fixture. Danny and Doyley are very experienced and will get something worked out. Team riding nowadays on the modern bikes is a lot more difficult than it used to be but at their level they should be capable of it.

“The line-up is very strong; all six teams look like they have strong pairings out so it should be a cracker of a meeting and the boys will need to be on top of their game.”

THE LINE-UP

The nature of the competition means it is a high-quality field at Peterborough with the league’s top riders clashing every heat. Current Premiership league leaders Belle Vue have Warsaw Grand Prix winner Max Fricke partnered by club captain Brady Kurtz with Great Britain’s Speedway of Nations winner Tom Brennan as their ‘Rising Star’. Sheffield are unbeaten in 2022 and have Grand Prix rider Jack Holder alongside current British champion Adam Ellis with Connor Mountain their ‘Rising Star’. Wolves have captain Sam Masters and Ryan Douglas representing them with Joe Thompson completing their line-up. King’s Lynn have skipper Josh Pickering, Richard Lawson and Jack Thomas in their ranks whilst hosts Peterborough have elected to go with Michael Palm Toft and Chris Harris for their home round of the competition with Max Clegg standing in as their ‘Rising Star’.

AWAY DAYS

Facilities include a 2200 capacity grandstand, grass banking on the back straight, fast food outlets on the grandstand side of the track and a licensed bar. For travel information head here.

For more information about the club head to Peterborough’s official website.

Henry Chard

Digital Media Manager at Ipswich Speedway

RACEDAY REPORT: IPSWICH 43–47 SHEFFIELD – PREMIERSHIP (H)

Posted on 16th May, 202216th May, 2022,

By Henry Chard

MEETING SPONSOR

THE SCORES

IPSWICH 43: Jason Doyle 14+1 (Paid maximum), Erik Riss 5, Danny King © 5, Ben Barker 3, Troy Batchelor 4+1, Broc Nicol (g) 3+1, Danyon Hume (RS) 9. Team Manager: Ritchie Hawkins

SHEFFIELD 47: Chris Harris (g) 9+1, Craig Cook 7+2, Tobiasz Musielak 5+1, Kyle Howarth © 10, Adam Ellis 9+1, Stefan Nielsen 4+1, Connor Mountain (RS) 3. Team Manager: Simon Stead

REFEREE: M. Bates

PREMIERSHIP TABLE

Team	Meetings	Points
Belle Vue	4	11
Sheffield	2	6
Ipswich	3	6
Wolverhampton	2	3
King’s Lynn	2	1
Peterborough	3	0

THE STORY

The ‘Tru Mix’ Witches suffered their first loss of the Premiership season as they fell to a narrow defeat against Sheffield on Monday night at Foxhall.

The hosts suffered a late blow ahead of the fixture, losing Paul Starke to injury and the visitors were also without their number one Jack Holder following his crash at the Grand Prix last weekend. It was the Suffolk side that started brighter though, and they raced into an eight-point lead after two races. However, the away side managed to chip away at that lead as the tie went on and the scores were level with two heats to race before the Tigers struck a maximum in the penultimate race and that was enough to hand them victory. Jason Doyle was in sublime form and top scored with a paid maximum of 14+1.

Erik Riss and Doyle flew from the gate in heat one to record a 5-1 and that was repeated in heat two by Danyon Hume and guest Broc Nicol as the Witches built up a healthy lead early on in the meeting. It looked like being three maximums from three in heat three as Ben Barker led and was joined by skipper Danny King, but Barker unintentionally edged his partner out wide which allowed Kyle Howarth into second and King was then a faller late on in the race whilst in third, with the heat awarded as a 3-3. Adam Ellis got the away side’s first heat win of the night in heat four ahead of Hume and Troy Batchelor who kept Connor Mountain at the back to preserve the eight-point lead.

The Tigers hit back in heat five as guest Chris Harris won and Craig Cook joined him at the front for a 1-5 after passing King. Ellis made the start in heat six, but Doyle dived under the Sheffield man going into the third turn of the opening lap and took the win with Riss picking up a point in third for a heat advantage. Howarth won heat seven ahead of Batchelor and with Nicol a faller at the back it meant Tobiasz Musielak picked up third despite a fall of his own on the final turn which he recovered from to cross the line. Hume’s impressive evening continued with a win in heat eight, but Riss suffered mechanical issues meaning a shared heat which left Ipswich four points to the good.

Ellis was a winner in heat nine ahead of King as Stefan Nielsen held off Barker for third for a 2-4 but that was cancelled out in heat 10 as Doyle won again and Howarth got the better of Riss for second meaning a 4-2 to Ipswich. The scores were level after heat 11 though as Cook and Harris teamed up for a maximum. Heat 12 was stopped as Hume fell at the end of the opening lap and was excluded. Musielak won the re-run as King had to work hard to see off Nielsen for second but a heat advantage to Sheffield edged them two points ahead with just three to race.

Heat 13 didn’t get past the first turn as Harris hit the deck, but all four riders were called back for another go. The Witches duo of Doyle and Batchelor were looking good for a 5-1 in the re-run, but Harris managed to get past Batchelor and split the home pair meaning it was all level again on the night. The decisive blow was struck in heat 14 as Howarth and Nielsen recorded a 1-5 to put the Tigers four points in front. Doyle completed his paid maximum with a win in heat 15 but despite a good start Batchelor was unable to join his teammate at the front meaning it was Sheffield took victory.

REACTION FROM THE BOSS

Ipswich ‘Tru Mix’ Witches team manager Ritchie Hawkins reflects on Monday’s defeat to Sheffield.

“It was a disappointing result, and we simply were not strong enough throughout the side. We had too many riders not quite on it. Sheffield punished us for our mistakes, and they are a good team. We were not better than them tonight, they deserved the win. Without performing anywhere near our best we weren’t far off their standard though.

“Paul has had x-rays on his wrist, and they didn’t find any breaks so hopefully the ligament damage will improve quickly. We missed him because he has been going really well and it is good that it is the start of the season because hopefully, we are getting all these illnesses and injuries out of the way early doors. Troy was suffering from illness tonight and was also carrying an injury from a crash the other night. At the moment every week we have someone ill or riding ill, or riding injured so hopefully we can get everyone fit soon.

“Danyon was great, he came into the team and did really well at Wolverhampton. His improvement tonight compared to two weeks ago was massive. He certainly warrants his place in the team, and he has been a delight to have in the side. He was one of two riders who will go away really happy tonight.

“Doyley was superb, he is making a good partnership with Erik at two. I think Erik didn’t have a bad night, he had an engine blow up which is completely out of his hands, but they have made a very strong partnership at one and two. We weren’t strong enough in the middle order tonight but after the start we have had, with an away win on the board already, it’s not a disaster.

“It will be a tough one against Wolves next time out, but we need to get a win to get back on track in the league and it won’t have been a terrible start to the league campaign if we can do that. I’m certainly not panicking, there is so much more to come from these boys, if we can cut out these errors and get everyone fit.”

RN EUSTON RIDER OF THE NIGHT

Doyle was RN Euston’s choice after completing a paid maximum from five rides.

WHAT IT MEANS

The Witches draw their first blank of the season whilst the Tigers make it two wins from two in the league and pick up three points on the road.

UP NEXT

A ‘Tru Mix’ Witches pairing travels to Peterborough for the first round of the Premiership Pairs on Monday 23^rd May.

Henry Chard

Digital Media Manager at Ipswich Speedway

RACEDAY PREVIEW: SHEFFIELD – PREMIERSHIP (H)

Posted on 11th May, 202216th May, 2022,

By Henry Chard

All the details ahead of our Premiership fixture with Sheffield.

WHEN & WHERE

The ‘Tru Mix’ Witches host the Sheffield Tigers at Foxhall Stadium on Monday 16^th May in a Premiership fixture that starts at 7.30pm.

MEETING SPONSOR

TEAMS

IPSWICH: 1. Jason Doyle 8.96 2. Erik Riss 5.08 3. Danny King 7.76 © 4. Ben Barker 4.84 5. Troy Batchelor 5.67 6. Broc Nicol (g) 4.47 7. Danyon Hume (RS). Team Manager: Ritchie Hawkins

SHEFFIELD: 1. Chris Harris (g) 8.87 2. Craig Cook 6.81 3. Tobiasz Musielak 6.21 4. Kyle Howarth 6.04 © 5. Adam Ellis 7.92 6. Stefan Nielsen 3.00 7. Connor Mountain (RS). Team Manager: Simon Stead

REFEREE: M. Bates

PREMIERSHIP TABLE

Team	Meetings	Points
Belle Vue	3	8
Ipswich	2	6
Sheffield	1	3
Wolverhampton	2	3
King’s Lynn	1	0
Peterborough	3	0

TICKETS

THE STORY

The ‘Tru Mix’ Witches take on the Sheffield Tigers at Foxhall Stadium on Monday evening as they look to continue their 100% winning start to the Premiership season. After starting the league season with a win over Belle Vue on home shale, Ipswich travelled to Wolverhampton and picked up another three points after a terrific performance on the road. Monday’s assignment is another tough one with the visitors unbeaten and living up to their pre-season billing of favourites for the title.

The hosts will again be without Anders Rowe with the ‘Rising Star’ rider still suffering from illness. Number eight and club asset Danyon Hume will take his place in the side at number seven having already made a couple of appearances this season. Ipswich will also be without reserve Paul Starke who has picked up a wrist injury, with Broc Nicol guesting in his place. Team manager Ritchie Hawkins has decided to stick with the riding order that has proved successful so far this season and Troy Batchelor will be keen to put on a good show at number five as he faces the side he rode for in 2021.

There were mixed fortunes at Foxhall last season against the Tigers, with Ipswich winning the first contest 51-39 last May before being defeated 41-49 later that year.

FROM THE BOSS

Ipswich ‘Tru Mix’ Witches team manager Ritchie Hawkins gives us his pre-match thoughts…

“Sheffield are the favourites for the league title in most people’s eyes and they have started the season unbeaten home and away, so they are living up to that billing at the moment. We are coming off of a great start to the league campaign as well though.

“It will be a stern test, but it is very important for us racing at home to carry on where we left off last week which I thought was a very good performance at Foxhall. We then had that terrific win at Wolves, so we have got to carry on that momentum and a great way to do that would be another victory against Sheffield.

“We will run with the same riding order as our last two victories, I don’t feel like I need to tinker with a winning side at the moment. Going into our last home meeting a lot of thought went into it and supporters have talked about it a lot since then, but it worked really well and worked superbly at Wolves too. During those two meetings I have become more and more content with it.

“Danyon will be at number seven, he has been knocking on the door and has impressed in his outings so far, I am really pleased for him. Hopefully Anders can come back from his illness stronger and get back to his racing when the time is right.

“We have shown over the past few meetings what we are about, and I hope everyone feels that they want to come out and support us on Monday.”

THE TIGERS

Sheffield are many people’s tip for the title in 2022 and it is easy to see why after their strong start to the season. The Tigers made the step up to the Premiership in 2021 and secured a spot in the play-offs in their first season at that level before falling short in the play-off semi-finals. This year the South Yorkshire side have started like a house on fire and have won all four meetings they have raced, including two wins on the road. Last time out they saw off reigning champions Peterborough at Owlerton in what is their only league fixture to date.

Grand Prix rider Jack Holder is absent at number one for the visitors having picked up an injury in a crash in Warsaw at the weekend and he is replaced by Chris Harris. There is plenty of back up in the main body of the side with current British champion and former Witch Adam Ellis at number five and Tobiasz Musielak is back in British speedway having won the title with Swindon in 2019 and he has already shown his quality this season, reeling off a 15-point maximum in their win over the Panthers. 2021 Witch Craig Cook knows Foxhall well and captain Kyle Howarth completes the main body of the side. At reserve there are two more familiar faces with Stefan Nielsen and ‘Rising Star’ Connor Mountain making their returns to Suffolk.

Henry Chard

Digital Media Manager at Ipswich Speedway