Ipswich Witches gear up for King's Lynn derby
The 2021 Premiership season gets underway today (17 May)
Ipswich Witches are gearing up for the start of the 2021 Premiership season with a local derby today (17 May).
They take on the King's Lynn Stars away for their first race of the year, and in line with the easing of restrictions, will be joined by limited spectators once again.
The Witches had a positive season in 2019, reaching the final play-off at Foxhall Stadium against the Swindon Robins, which the visitors won on aggregate.
This year however, the Robins won't be competing in the Premiership due to ongoing building works taking place at Abbey Stadium.
That means only six teams will be competing for the title - Ipswich, King's Lynn, Peterborough, Sheffield, Wolverhampton and Belle Vue.
Joining the Witches for his debut, which coronavirus put a hold on last year, is three-times Speedway World Champion Jason Crump.
He said he's looking forward to riding for Ipswich, especially against his former club:
"I know how tough they King's Lynn can be and there's a lot of emotions. It will be the first meeting, proper league racing, that I've done in the UK for a number of years. So, a lot of emotions but really looking forward to getting out on the track, to be honest, and getting the season underway.
"You always put pressure on yourself as a professional to perform, but I'm looking forward to having a fun year with a good bunch of guys in this team."
18-year-old Drew Kemp is the Witches' Rising Star, part of a new programme being introduced in the sport, and is eager to show people what "he knows he can do" on the track.
The British Under-19 Champion said he's also keen to learn from the more experienced riders:
"They've got the experience and you can't buy experience. It's not just things on riding, it's little things off-track and looking at bikes, lines on the track. So, if I can take little things from them each week then there's no reason why, by the end of the year, hopefully I'll be just as good or beating them."
Ipswich Witches' Promoter is excited to be kicking off the season with a local derby and is confident they'll start the year on track.
Chris Louis said:
"I was lucky enough to ride in test matches for my country, riding grand prix all over the world. But I have to say the local derby's, for me, the adrenaline was running as high as any other meeting that I did. I always try to instill that in our side when we got to King's Lynn or Peterborough."
The Witches' first home clash at Foxhall Stadium sees Belle Vue visit on Thursday (20th May).