Ipswich newcomer Vinnie Foord is targeting a “breakthrough” season with the Tru7 Group Witches as he takes on the No.7 spot for 2027.
With every Rowe Motor Oil Premiership club required to select one British under-21 rider from a list of Rising Stars, Foord has been snapped up by the Suffolk side.
He joins Speedway GP star Dan Bewley, 2017 Speedway GP world champion Jason Doyle, skipper Danny King and his new reserve partner Will Cairns at Foxhall in what’s shaping up to be a strong 2027 side.
The 20-year-old already has four league victories to his name – winning a Championship treble with Poole in 2024, as well as enjoying National League titles with Leicester in 2022 and 2024 and Edinburgh in 2026.
Foord can’t wait for his Premiership debut season in 2027, and he’s determined to make it count in what will be his first and only year as a Rising Star as he turns 21 in July.
He said: “Hopefully I can try and make it my breakthrough year. With the under-21 rules in the Premiership, this is sort of my last chance at it – and also my first chance.
“I really have to push hard and get into the main body of the team. I need to be strong-minded and good enough on the bike.
“It’s going to be a big challenge. But I feel racing in the Premiership is definitely a step in the right direction. I have to build up a good average as I come out of the Rising Star position and, hopefully, I can give myself a chance of a spot in 2028.
“I would like to win the league with both my Championship and Premiership clubs, but it’s not as easy as that sometimes. I just want to improve my average, improve as a rider and develop myself a bit more.”
Born in Hailsham, East Sussex, Foord has ridden at a number of Ipswich team manager Paul Hurry’s training schools. He can’t wait to join forces with his old coach at Foxhall.
He said: “I haven’t worked alongside Paul at a team, but I have known Paul for quite some time now. I have done some of his training schools, so I get on really well with him. He has given me endless tips – too many to sit here and list. He has been a massive help to me.”
Foord is confident a stellar Witches side will give him plenty of support as he bids to get to grips with Foxhall and Premiership life.
He said: “I have been to the track a few times. I had a practice there last season, and I did a guest booking for Ipswich in 2025. I like the track, and the team looks really strong as well. I’m sure if I am struggling, the guys will be able to help out. I’m really excited for that. I am sure I can learn a lot from them.
“It looks like a league winning team, without a doubt. I haven’t seen many of the Premiership teams for next season, but compared to past years, it’s strong.”
During his Championship debut season with Poole two years ago, Foord gained an endearing reputation for his never-say-die, all-action style. While he’s two years older and wiser, he still plans to thrill the Foxhall faithful.
He said: “I’m a little bit calmer than I was and I stay on the bike more. But I am hopefully still going to be just as exciting.”
The remaining two members of the 2027 Tru7 Group Witches side will be revealed next week.