Club chairman Richard Coleman will address fans, sponsors and local media at 7pm after reaching an agreement which the club says will open “considerable opportunities” for the Witches moving forward.

While details of the announcement remain under wraps, the club is keen to share the news directly with the Witches community before it is released more widely.

The event will take place at Foxhall Stadium, with The Diner open from 6.30pm and a cash bar available. Supporters will also have the opportunity to put questions directly to Coleman following the announcement.

The news comes during another successful season for the Witches, who continue to compete at the top end of the Rowe Motor Oil Premiership and are preparing to face Belle Vue in league action on Thursday evening.

With the club describing the development as one that will create significant opportunities for the future, fans will undoubtedly be speculating on what the announcement could involve ahead of Wednesday night’s gathering.

Supporters wishing to attend are invited to be at Foxhall Stadium for the 7pm announcement.

Feature Image courtesy of Ipswich Speedway

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The club had originally announced Kennett on a 28-day contract, with Hellstrom-Bangs set to return once the temporary deal had ended. However, after reviewing the situation, the Witches have opted to keep the reserve berth available in the hope that Hellstrom-Bangs will soon be fit enough to resume racing.

Kennett had opportunities to take part in practice sessions at Foxhall and Lydd in recent days, but after further consideration Ipswich have decided against activating the move.

Redcar rider Jake Mulford will instead guest for the Witches in Thursday’s Rowe Motor Oil Premiership clash against Sheffield.

Witches chairman Richard Coleman explained the reasoning behind the decision:

“Had we gone ahead with Edward’s signature, it would have ruled Philip out of the team for the full 28-day period.

“Given that he has now been absent since the beginning of May, we are keen to help him resume racing as quickly as possible to ensure he is in the best possible form for the crucial summer months and has time to get accustomed to the Premiership tracks.

“We signed Philip in the belief that he could be a real trump card for us at reserve, and we still believe there is plenty more to come from him this season.

“We were also somewhat surprised that Edward did not take the opportunity to practise at Foxhall last week and missed a further opportunity at Lydd on Sunday. This prompted us to reflect on the move, and we have gone with Jake Mulford as a guest against Sheffield to cover for Philip. We thank him for stepping in.

“We wish Edward all the best as he makes his return to the sport with Oxford, and we are pleased to see him back on track with them.”

The Witches are now awaiting further updates on Hellstrom-Bangs’ condition and hope to learn soon whether the Swede is ready to make his long-awaited return to the side.

Feature Image courtesy of Ipswich Speedway

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The result sees Ipswich progress from the Southern Section and set up a final clash with defending cup holders Leicester.

Northampton made a strong start to the meeting, racing into a 15-9 lead after the opening four heats, including back-to-back 5-1s which put the visitors firmly in control early on.

Ipswich responded well, turning the meeting around with a series of heat advantages to move into the lead and eventually build a ten-point cushion during the middle stages of the contest.

The Foxes fought back strongly in the latter part of the meeting, reducing the deficit and ensuring a close finish, but Ipswich held on to secure the win by four points.

Polish rider Tobiasz Musielak led the way for the home side with 12 points, including three race wins, while skipper Danny King added nine paid ten. Philip Hellstrom-Bangs also impressed, claiming his first race win in British speedway on his way to five paid six.

For Northampton, Jaimon Lidsey topped the scoring with 13 points after a string of impressive rides, while Kye Thomson also reached double figures with 10+1.

Ipswich team manager Paul Hurry felt his side showed resilience but admitted there is still room for improvement.

“We all feel, and every one of them said, ‘There is still something we need to work on.’ Everyone went away thinking they are still chasing that goal, which is good,” he said.

“Team spirit is good, and everyone is happy. But everyone is still feeling there’s a little bit missing at the moment. We’ll see what happens and keep working on it. But onwards and upwards – we’re into a cup final! It was only our second home meeting, so to achieve that is really good.

“We can’t become too complacent. Now we move on to the league. This is when the serious business starts.”

Hurry also highlighted the early conditions as a factor in the slow start.

“The track was a little bit wetter to start with. The boys just thought the track was going to be grippier than it was. But no excuses – it’s the same for everyone. It’s our home track, and once the boys got dialled in, they made improvements.”

Northampton manager Chris Adams was encouraged by his team’s performance despite the defeat, saying on the club’s website:

“Once again there were lots of positives during the night. We’re still trying to find our form a little bit, but there are some very encouraging signs,”

“Jaimon again did a brilliant job at No.1, and I thought Kye had a fantastic night at reserve.

“But all in all Ipswich are pretty strong at home, so I have to say to come away with a four-point loss, I’m happy with that performance.”

Ipswich will now prepare for the Knockout Cup Final against Leicester, while Northampton take positives into the return fixture between the sides next week.

Ipswich Witches 47 Northampton Foxes 43

Images courtesy of Ipswich Speedway

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The Witches have been acquired by Mayfield, parent company of the FIM Speedway World Championships, and the new management team, led by co-promoters Richard Coleman and Andrew Chisholm and team manager Paul Hurry, have assembled a team packed with strength in depth as they bid to build on the club’s 2025 title triumph – their first league championship success since 1998.

Fans in Suffolk welcome home one of Foxhall’s favourite sons as record seven-time British champion Scott Nicholls returns to the Witches one-to-seven for the first time since 2010 in what the 47-year-old admits may be his final season in the sport after over three decades on the bike.

Skipper Danny King, double FIM Speedway of Nations world champion Tom Brennan and Essex-based rising star Jason Edwards all return from Ipswich’s 2025 Rowe Motor Oil Premiership title-winning side.

They are joined by 2019 Ipswich star Richard Lawson and Polish racer Tobiasz Musielak, with Swedish sensation Philip Hellstrom-Bangs making his British league debut as he joins Edwards in a promising reserve duo.

Nicholls is excited to be back at the club where he rose to stardom, playing a starring role in their unforgettable 1998 Elite League treble-winning season alongside the likes of speedway legends Tony Rickardsson, Tomasz Gollob and Chris Louis.

He said: “I haven’t raced for them since 2010, and I didn’t realise it was that long ago actually. But it was the place where I grew up and watched the sport and all my heroes as a kid.

“I haven’t set anything in stone – I am not that type of person – but I have tentatively said that this will be my last season, so it all fits right really.

“After a number of guest appearances over the years, going back as a fully-fledged Witch will be good. It was where my career really started and I had my testimonial. Who knows? Maybe I will have my farewell meeting there, which would be pretty cool.

“Mayfield is taking over. Richard and Andrew seem like really nice people, and they will put their spin on the club. In some ways, it will be like going back to an old house that you lived in, but after it has been redecorated.

“I dare say there will be some new faces involved, but there will still be a lot of familiar faces there too. I know the track, I know the people, and I spent a big chunk of my life there. I lived in Ipswich up until I was in my 30s. I can’t wait to be back and see everyone again.”

Hellstrom-Bangs is excited for his British debut season as the former Swedish Under-21 champion, SON2 silver medallist and SGP2 star bids to take the next step in his promising career.

He said: “I am really looking forward to it. I have been looking for a UK club and when Ipswich called me, I was really glad.

“They made me an offer and we have been talking a lot. It seemed like a good deal, and I can’t wait to come to the UK and race. I think the Ipswich track will fit me pretty well. It’s small and tricky, but I like grippy tracks, as everybody knows. I’m a good outside rider.

“I would like to score the points for the team and be a good rider that everyone can believe in. I want to show the fans what I can do, and how good I am. I want to give them everything they are expecting and be the crazy rider that I am on the dirt line.”

New Ipswich co-promoter Coleman is pleased with a new-look Witches side, assembled amid Mayfield’s takeover talks in recent months. He said: “As I mentioned in my open letter to fans on Saturday, it’s almost impossible to replace Jason Doyle and Emil Sayfutdinov.

“But the side we have assembled for 2026 has plenty of strength in depth. We have riders who are vastly experienced as heat leaders in British speedway and a fantastic blend of youth and experience.

“Tom, Danny and Jason are all excited to be back after a fantastic season in 2025, and we are hugely grateful to them for hanging on for us, despite the uncertainty over the club’s plans for 2026 at the time. Their loyalty has given us the chance to build a side with real strength in depth.

“We are also excited to welcome our newcomers. Richard is in the form of his career and Tobiasz is a three-time Premiership winner. We are delighted to give Philip his chance to impress Britain. He displayed huge potential in SGP2 and SON2, the World Under-21 Championship events, and I’m sure his all-action style will make him a Foxhall favourite.

“It’s also a joy to welcome Scott back to Foxhall for the first time in 16 years. If this does prove to be his final season, it’s only fitting that he spends it at Ipswich. I’m sure he will be determined to go out on a high in his hometown.

“After a long winter of waiting for news about the club, we were keen to share news of the side that Andrew and Paul worked hard to assemble in the weeks and months while we concluded Mayfield’s acquisition of the club.

“This was at a time when the other four teams in the league had pretty much already built their teams. Despite that, I feel we have a well-balanced side, and I really hope fans will get behind the Witches class of 2026.”

Words and Image by Ipswich Speedway

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Mayfield can today confirm that it has purchased the Suffolk side from Ipswich legend Chris Louis, who won league titles with the Witches as a rider in 1998 and again as a promoter in 2025.

With Louis opting to sell the Witches following one of the greatest seasons in the club’s history, Mayfield looked at the opportunity to purchase the club late last year.

The acquisition comes just months after the Silverstone-based company took over as global promoter of the FIM Speedway World Championships.

Coleman is joined on the Ipswich management team by co-promoter and general manager Andrew Chisholm, who was responsible for the project when Mayfield served as an award-winning local organiser of the FIM Speedway GP of Great Britain – Cardiff on behalf of Warner Bros. Discovery Sports in 2023 and 2024. Chisholm has won multiple championships in other motorsport disciplines working alongside Coleman.

Former Ipswich rider and European Grasstrack champion Paul Hurry – a member of the Autocycle Union (ACU) Track Racing Commission – will serve as the club’s new team manager, replacing title-winning boss Ritchie Hawkins.

As a company steeped in motorsport heritage, Mayfield is excited to step up their involvement in speedway in the UK .

Coleman said: “We believe deeply in the sport of speedway. At its core, it is a fantastic product – fast, intense and perfectly suited to modern attention spans – but it has not always been promoted or presented in the way it deserves. We care enormously about the future of the sport in the UK, and we are genuinely excited to become custodians of Ipswich.

“This club is far more than a business. Founded in 1951 and winners of five top-flight league titles, Ipswich is an institution with a proud history and a passionate community behind it. We feel the weight of that responsibility and are honoured to play a part in its next chapter.

“For various reasons, I have not been able to speak publicly while we worked hard behind the scenes to secure the club’s future. We arrived very late in the process for the 2026 season – at a time when other clubs had already assembled their teams, which made building a competitive squad particularly challenging. Despite that, we believe we have put together a line-up capable of competing, and our immediate priority now is to stabilise the club and put in place the foundations for long-term success. We look forward to sharing the full one-to-seven on Monday.

“I want to thank the supporters for their patience during a period of uncertainty. They deserved clarity sooner, and I would have preferred to communicate earlier, but that was not possible while negotiations were ongoing. Their loyalty has not gone unnoticed, and we are determined to repay that faith by building a stable, ambitious future for Ipswich Speedway.”

The full Rowe Motor Oil Premiership fixture list and details about season tickets will be released very soon. The club’s press and practice day will take place on March 26, with more information to follow in due course.

Words and Feature Image by Ipswich Speedway

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“First of all, please let me apologise that this update is coming a day later than promised. I am now in a position to add a little more detail to the club’s position and preparation for the new season. I am sure you can appreciate it has been a difficult time for fans of all clubs as we wait for the confirmed makeup of the 2026 Premiership and its fixtures. The club sale had been stalled due to the renewal of the stadium lease with our Landlords Spedeworth taking longer than expected but which has now been signed. This means that the sale of the club can now be completed, and this is expected to happen over the next couple of weeks. However, the team behind the takeover have been working nonstop to ensure that the Witches will be ready to race in early April. I have worked closely alongside them to introduce them to the club’s sponsors, officials and staff to ensure a seamless transition. They are nearing completion of the 2026 team and have five confirmed team members with the final two nearing completion. I can appreciate how frustrating it is for everyone but just wanted you all to know that preparations behind the scenes are well advanced and on course to provide yet more thrilling entertainment in the season ahead. Thank you for your patience.”

Feature Image courtesy of Ipswich Speedway

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“I appreciate it has been a whirlwind couple of months since we clinched our first Premiership title in 27 years! I am now in a position to update everyone on the club’s position, since announcing that the Witches were up for sale back in November. I vowed to leave the club in safe hands and that is why it has taken me this long to announce that a sale has been agreed, subject to contract. The sale is now going through due process and until that is complete, I am unable to name the new custodians of our great club. I can promise that there is no better person to take the Witches forward and I am truly excited for what the future holds. Work is well underway to build a team capable of competing to retain the title. I would like to thank you all for your patience and look forward to being able to make a full detailed announcement in the coming weeks.”

Feature Image courtesy of Ipswich Witches

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The full statement, which will send shock waves through the sport and, of course, Ipswich is below:

“It is with a very heavy heart that I have to inform our fans that I will be stepping down from the club ahead of the 2026 season. Following a meeting on Thursday I have informed my fellow Premiership promoters of my intention to sell the club.

“The Ipswich Witches have been a part of my entire life, from running around the trees on the terraces with a Coke can on my left foot, to being a proud member of the side including winning the title in 98, through to promoting the side and another title in 2025. Through the great times and the tough times, the riders, fans, sponsors, staff and my wife Julie have been right behind me. There are too many to name here, but we did it together and that’s what has made my time with the Witches so very special. Every conversation that I have had to inform those people in the club of my decision, has been with a tear in my eye. They have all been so supportive and I consider each and every one a friend. I will be working tirelessly over the coming months to ensure that I leave the club in safe hands.

“Dad and I have put in 77 years between us, and it has been a privilege to continue the Tiger’s legacy. I hope, perhaps, through the Tiger’s Academy I can continue in the sport in the future. I want to thank every rider that has represented the Witches in my time, either riding with, or for me. There have been so many of you that have given your all for the club, but I have to mention Danny (King) and Ritchie (Hawkins), who have gone above and beyond and supported me throughout. Ritchie will also be stepping aside but he has asked me to thank you all for your support and he will be sending his own message soon.

“Every sponsor that has been so loyal, not only to the club, but to me personally. You have all played such a big part and I have to give another special mention to Guy Nicholls not only for his support through the Tru7 Group but also his help and advice, you will never know what a big part he has played in our most recent success. Thank you to everyone that has put so many hours in to making our club what it is. I wish I could mention you all by name and I will endeavour to add more detail in the coming weeks. Some things no longer align for me, and unfortunately it is time to step aside, but I leave the club and the sport with so many great memories that will last forever. Thank you.”

Feature Image and Words courtesy of Ipswich Witches

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Thousands of fans packed into the Suffolk venue to witness history, as Ipswich held their nerve through a tense and incident-filled meeting to lift the league title — their first since 1998.

The night was far from straightforward for the Witches, with the second leg of the Grand Final filled with drama, restarts, and disqualifications in the early heats. Both sides traded blows in the opening stages, with Leicester determined to overturn their narrow deficit from the first leg.

Ipswich finally began to assert control in the middle of the meeting, earning a 4-2 in Heat 8 and then a vital 5-1 in Heat 9 courtesy of Tom Brennan and guest Keynan Rew, extending their overall lead to 11 points on aggregate.

However, the Lions refused to back down. Led by skipper Max Fricke and the in-form Ryan Douglas, Leicester fought back and ensured the tie went right down to the wire — with the overall outcome only settled in the final race.

Ipswich needed a finisher in Heat 15 to clinch the title, and the tension inside Foxhall reached fever pitch as Douglas crashed out on the third lap, confirming a 46-43 victory on the night and a seven-point aggregate win for the Witches.

Jason Doyle top-scored for Ipswich with 10 points, while Fricke (13) and Douglas (9) led the scoring for Leicester, each taking three race wins apiece.

An emotional Ritchie Hawkins, the Ipswich team manager, paid tribute to the fans and everyone involved with the club after finally ending nearly three decades of waiting for the title.

“It was an amazing night for everyone involved at the club,” said Hawkins. “We had a massive crowd in — thank you to everyone who came to support. We have won it for them and all the local sponsors.

“We have terrific support here and we have waited a long time for this moment. I am so proud to be part of a team that have managed to bring a trophy back.

“The meeting was another close affair, which we expected. Leicester battled hard and they are a superb team, and it wasn’t a surprise to me at all how close it was.

“I felt we needed to win at Leicester. I hope it was a great Final for everyone watching, and we are buzzing to come out on the right end of it.”

Leicester manager Stewart Dickson was full of praise for both teams after his side narrowly missed out on championship glory. Despite being runners-up for a second consecutive season, the Lions showed grit and determination throughout, pushing Ipswich all the way to Heat 15.

“You will always look back at certain things over the two meetings, but I’m very proud of the team that we stuck at it and we kind of took it to Heat 15,” said Dickson.

“We were seven points down on the night and we showed great energy and determination to come back, and you can say ‘what if this never happened,’ like when we were away on a 5-1 in the first race which would have been a perfect start and one you dream of!

“Last year we deserved to lose; this year, I think it was there for us if we wanted it, and we never grabbed it, which will make it difficult over the next couple of days.

“But that’s sport, and we’re not losers, we’re runners-up, and well done to Ipswich. They will get the plaudits and rightly so — they will celebrate and enjoy their night — but I’m very proud of my team for getting to the Final two years running.

“I was desperate not to roll over and lose 55-35 tonight, and the guys kept it going and did their best. We’ve had a good season, it just could have been a great season!”

While Leicester were left to reflect on what might have been, the night belonged to Ipswich — a club and community that have waited nearly three decades to see their team stand at the summit of British Speedway once again.

As fireworks lit up the Suffolk sky and the crowd roared in celebration, the Witches’ long wait was finally over — Ipswich are champions of the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership.

The full scorecard is bel0w:

Feature Image courtesy of Ipswich Speedway

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Feature Image courtesy of Phil Mcglynn – Ipswich Speedway

The Witches had to overcome the early loss of Adam Ellis, who crashed out of Heat 3 after a collision which also saw the Lions record a 5-1 to move four points ahead. Despite that setback, Ipswich responded superbly, with two maximum heat wins of their own to take the lead.

The scores were level at 27-27 midway through the meeting, but Ipswich then strung together a series of strong rides, taking four 4-2 advantages in five heats to establish a useful cushion going into the closing stages.

A dramatic Heat 15 provided a tense finale. The previously unbeaten Emil Sayfutdinov was disqualified for bringing down Leicester’s Ryan Douglas, and the home pair of Douglas and Max Fricke combined for a 5-1 to cut the final margin to just four points.

Sayfutdinov led the Ipswich scoring with 11 + 1, while Tom Brennan added 9 from key heat wins. The reserves were also instrumental, with Dan Thompson and Jason Edwards contributing a combined 14 (paid 17) points to cover for the injured Ellis.

Ipswich team manager Ritchie Hawkins praised the determination of his riders:

“It was a brilliant performance from the team tonight, I am so proud of them. We battled so hard all night – it was a big hit losing Adam so early on but all six men stepped it up.

“It was tough play-off speedway, and we didn’t get much of the rub of the green with decisions, but everyone kept their heads and contributed. It is nice to get a lead and get our noses in front, but everything is up for grabs on Thursday.”

Hawkins highlighted the importance of key moments:

“Emil started us off brilliantly in Heat 1 and it was a superb performance from him. Danny’s win in Heat 5 was really needed and he got that 5-1 with Emil just when we lost Adam, which was really important. Jason was superb, and Dan was amazing again at Leicester.”

For Leicester, Max Fricke top-scored with 12 points, and Douglas backed him with 11 + 1, their late 5-1 offering some hope ahead of the return leg at Foxhall Stadium on Thursday.

Lions boss Stewart Dickson admitted on the clubs website that his side had been beaten by the better team on the night:

“It’s four points, and it could have been a lot worse – it could have been 12 if they’d got a 5-1 in Heat 15. I’ll not sugarcoat it, we’ve lost the home leg and that’s something I wanted to avoid. But they are a good team, and now we need to go there on Thursday and almost do the impossible.”

Dickson acknowledged Ipswich’s strength in depth and also extended his best wishes to the injured Ellis:

“We’ve won there before, and Sheffield won there a couple of weeks ago, but it’s going to be a big task, and if I was in their position I’d be a lot happier than the position we’re in. We wish Adam Ellis all the best. It looked a nasty crash and I hope he’s okay – he’s a nice lad – and it shows you how good they are that they covered well for him with their reserves.”

Ipswich now hold a four-point advantage heading into Thursday’s decisive second leg at Foxhall, where the 2025 Premiership title will be settled.

Full Official Scorecard

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