Ipswich Witches
The Ipswich Witches are a professional motorcycle speedway team based in Ipswich, Suffolk, England, competing in the top-tier ROWE Motor Oil Premiership.[1][2] Founded in 1951 at the purpose-built Foxhall Stadium, the club races on a 285-metre track and is known for its team colors of blue, white, black, and yellow.[3][2] The team's early history saw it operate continuously from 1951 until a hiatus from 1965 to 1969, after which it was revived with a smaller track under new promoters Joe Thurley and John Berry.[3] Over the decades, the Witches have achieved significant success in British speedway, securing league championships in 1975, 1976, 1984, 1998, and 2025, along with multiple Knockout Cup victories in those eras.[3][4] The club faced financial challenges in 1996, narrowly avoiding closure through a community-led campaign, and has since maintained a strong local following at Foxhall Stadium.[3] Notable figures include promoter John Berry and riders like the Louis family, with Chris Louis—son of former champion John Louis—leading the team in recent years.[5][3] In a landmark achievement, the Witches ended a 27-year title drought by clinching the 2025 Premiership with a 46-43 victory in the second leg for a 93-86 aggregate win over the Leicester Lions in the playoff final, marking their first championship since 1998.[5][6] This success, celebrated by hundreds of fans in Ipswich despite rainy conditions on Halloween 2025, highlighted the team's resilience amid past injury setbacks and underscored the deep community ties that have sustained the club since its inception.[5] Currently sponsored by the Tru7 Group, the Witches continue to develop young talent through initiatives like the Tigers Academy and prepare for the 2026 season.[1]Club overview
Formation and identity
The Ipswich Witches speedway club was founded in 1950 by a group of local enthusiasts in Suffolk, England, who sought to establish motorcycle speedway racing in the area.[1][3] The club's inaugural meetings took place at the newly purpose-built Foxhall Stadium that year, beginning with practice events and exhibitions on October 25, 1950.[7] Initial efforts faced challenges in securing a suitable track, as early events were postponed due to weather and logistical issues, delaying full operations.[8] The club held its first competitive meeting on May 14, 1951, against Yarmouth, and entered the Southern League in 1952 as its first official league season.[9][10] This marked the transition from exhibition events to structured league competition, though securing entry into national leagues proved difficult amid the post-war recovery of British speedway.[11] The nickname "Witches" was adopted in 1952, drawing inspiration from Ipswich's rich local folklore and its historical association with 17th-century witch trials in East Anglia, where hundreds faced persecution during England's largest witch-hunt in 1645.[12][13] The team's colors—blue, white, and black—reflect this identity and are prominently featured in branding.[2] The club maintains an official website at ipswichwitches.co and active social media presence on platforms like Twitter (@ipswichspeedway) to engage fans.[1][2] As of 2025, the organizational structure is led by co-promoters Chris Louis and Ritchie Hawkins, with Ritchie Hawkins also serving as team manager and Danny King as captain.[14][5] This setup provides stable leadership, building on the club's foundational efforts to sustain speedway in Ipswich.[15]Home stadium
Foxhall Stadium, located in the Foxhall area on the outskirts of Ipswich, Suffolk, England, serves as the home venue for the Ipswich Witches speedway team. The stadium first hosted speedway racing with a formal opening ceremony on October 25, 1950, marking the beginning of its long association with the sport.[9] The speedway track is an oval measuring 285 metres in circumference with a shale surface, designed to facilitate high-speed motorcycle racing. The track record was 55.0 seconds for a single lap, achieved by rider Emil Sayfutdinov during a Premiership meeting on August 10, 2023.[16][17] Foxhall Stadium accommodates up to approximately 10,000 spectators for speedway events, featuring concrete terracing, two 1,500-seat grandstands along the back straight, and floodlighting to support evening fixtures. Safety infrastructure includes a steel cable fence above armco barriers surrounding the track, ensuring rider protection during races. The venue also supports multi-purpose operations, hosting stock car, hot rod, and banger racing events alongside speedway.[18][19] Owned and maintained by Spedeworth Motorsports since its early years, the stadium has undergone periodic upgrades for operational and safety standards, including a significant track widening project completed in early 2010 to improve racing flow and reduce collision risks.[18][20]History
Early years (1950s–1960s)
The Ipswich Witches speedway club was established in 1950 with the construction of Foxhall Stadium specifically for motorcycle speedway racing. The first competitive meetings took place in 1951, starting with an opening event on May 14 against Yarmouth that drew approximately 11,000 spectators, marking the beginning of strong local support in Suffolk.[9] Early riders such as captain Sid Clark, Johnnie Chamberlain, and Tich Read helped build the team's foundation, while crowds regularly exceeded 5,000 during the initial seasons, fostering a dedicated fan base in the region.[9] The club entered competitive league racing in 1952 by joining the Southern League, the third tier of British speedway at the time, where they competed in a 10-team division and finished in eighth place after a challenging debut season that included matches against teams like Swindon Robins and Long Eaton Archers.[21] Key performers in the 1950s included Syd Clarke, Junior Bainbridge, Tich Read, and Peter Moore, who provided stability amid inconsistent results; the team oscillated between divisions, dropping to the Southern Area League by 1959 and finishing fifth there.[3] A significant boost came with promotion back to the top-flight National League for the 1960 season, where the Witches achieved a respectable fourth-place finish, bolstered by riders like captain Split Waterman.[22] The following year, in 1961, they maintained their position in the National League, ending sixth overall.[23] The 1962 season proved disastrous, with major signing Olle Nygren sidelined by illness from the start and the tragic death of rider Jack Unstead in a crash against Southampton on April 13, contributing to a last-place finish and mounting financial pressures from declining attendances.[3] These difficulties led to the club's withdrawal from league competition after that year, resulting in a hiatus from 1963 to 1968 as Foxhall Stadium shifted to stock car racing in 1965.[3] Speedway returned in 1969 under promoters Joe Thurley and John Berry, who constructed a smaller track inside the stock car circuit; the team rejoined the British League with emerging local talent John Louis among the riders, signaling renewed commitment to the sport in Ipswich.[3]Golden era (1970s–1980s)
The Ipswich Witches returned to competitive speedway in 1970 after a period of lower-division struggles, securing the British League Division II Knockout Cup that year by defeating Reading Rovers in the final on aggregate score.[4][24] The following season, 1971, saw the team repeat as Knockout Cup champions, again in Division II, with a decisive victory over Coatbridge Scuntons by an aggregate of 92–64, marking a resurgence driven by riders such as John Louis and Peter Bailey.[4][25] These early triumphs in the knockout competition established the Witches as a rising force, building momentum for greater achievements in the top flight. Under the guidance of promoter John Berry, who took over in 1969 and revitalized the club, the Witches achieved consecutive British League championships in 1975 and 1976.[3][26] The 1975 title was clinched with a strong lineup featuring captain John Louis, Australian star Billy Sanders, and local talents Tony Davey and Kevin Jolly, culminating in a dramatic final-day victory over Belle Vue Aces.[3] In 1976, the team not only defended the league crown but also completed a double by winning the Knockout Cup, defeating Wimbledon 96–86 on aggregate in the final, solidifying their dominance during this period.[4][3] The Witches' golden era peaked again in 1984 with a league and Knockout Cup double, their third league title overall.[4] Led by Billy Sanders and featuring emerging rider Chris Louis alongside Jeremy Doncaster and Kai Niemi, the team overcame a challenging season to secure the championship by a narrow margin over Reading Racers.[3] The Knockout Cup was won against Belle Vue Aces with an aggregate score of 92–64, capping a triumphant campaign that drew record crowds to Foxhall Stadium.[4] Following the 1984 success, the Witches faced a sharp decline after 1985, exacerbated by the tragic death of key rider Billy Sanders, who took his own life that year, alongside mounting rider injuries and financial pressures that strained operations.[3] Promoter John Berry stepped down amid these challenges, leading to the club's relegation to lower divisions and a period of instability until a revival effort in 1988 under John Louis.[3]Relegations and returns (1990s–2000s)
Following the successes of the 1980s, the Ipswich Witches faced challenges that led to their relegation to the National League for the 1989 and 1990 seasons.[27] Under promoter John Louis, who had taken over in 1984, the club initiated a rebuild centered on nurturing emerging talent to restore competitiveness at lower levels. This approach emphasized developing young British riders alongside strategic signings, laying the groundwork for progression through the divisions. The Witches steadily climbed back, competing in British League Division One from 1991 to 1994 before returning to the top tier via the Premier League in 1995–96.[27] By 1997, they had joined the newly formed Elite League, marking a full resurgence to elite competition. The pinnacle of this revival arrived in 1998, when the team clinched the Elite League championship, also securing the Knockout Cup for a domestic double.[4] Swedish superstar Tony Rickardsson was instrumental, winning 15 of his 26 rides and simultaneously claiming the individual Speedway World Championship while riding for Ipswich—the club's first such titleholder.[28] The 1998 triumph sparked widespread celebration, including a civic parade through Ipswich that highlighted the club's renewed prominence and community support. Financially, the victory aided stabilization efforts under Louis's leadership, enabling sustained investment in operations amid the sport's evolving structure.[4] Entering the 2000s, the Witches maintained solid mid-table form in the Elite League, finishing 3rd in 2000 and 4th in 2001, buoyed by consistent performances from a balanced squad.[29][30] The club prioritized youth development during this era, integrating academy prospects to build long-term resilience and complement international stars, ensuring steady contention without the volatility of earlier decades.Contemporary period (2010s–present)
Following their consistent performances in the 2000s, the Ipswich Witches faced a significant setback in November 2010 when they voluntarily demoted to the Premier League (second tier) for the 2011 season, citing financial and competitive challenges in the Elite League.[31] The club spent the next eight seasons in the lower division, rebuilding their squad and infrastructure while adapting to the more accessible level of competition, which allowed for a focus on developing British talent alongside international recruits. This period culminated in a strong 2018 campaign in the SGB Championship, where the Witches secured promotion back to the top flight through the play-off system, marking their return to the SGB Premiership for 2019 after an eight-year absence.[32] Upon re-entering the SGB Premiership, the Witches adapted to the league's stricter rider average limits and heat declaration rules by strategically recruiting international riders to complement their core British lineup, enabling them to meet the higher performance demands while maintaining team cohesion.[33] The 2019 season saw them finish fourth in the regular standings and reach the play-off final, demonstrating resilience despite a challenging adjustment to the top-tier format. However, the 2020 season was entirely cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, preventing any competitive action and forcing the club to focus on financial stability and rider retention amid widespread uncertainty in British speedway.[34][35] The resumption in 2021 brought a fifth-place finish in the Premiership, providing a solid foundation as the team continued to integrate global talent and refine tactics under promoter Chris Louis.[36] In 2022, the Witches achieved a notable success by winning the Premiership Pairs Championship after the final round was cancelled, with their accumulated points securing the title in a truncated competition.[37] The following year, 2023, marked further progress with victory in the Knockout Cup, defeating Sheffield Tigers 97-83 on aggregate in the final to claim their first major silverware since returning to the elite level.[38][39] Under team manager Ritchie Hawkins, appointed in 2022, the Witches built on this momentum through targeted international recruitment and adherence to evolving Premiership regulations, leading to a dominant 2025 season.[40] They clinched the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership title with a 46-43 victory over Leicester Lions in the second leg of the Grand Final on October 9, 2025, securing a 93-86 aggregate win and ending a 27-year drought since their last championship in 1998.[41][42] The victory was celebrated publicly on October 31, 2025, with a civic event at Ipswich Town Hall, drawing hundreds of fans despite rainy conditions.[5] This resurgence highlighted the club's effective adaptation to the Premiership's competitive landscape, blending experienced leadership with high-caliber overseas riders to restore their status as a top-tier contender. The club mourned the passing of longtime promoter and former rider John Louis on April 5, 2024, at age 82, who had led the team to multiple titles during his tenure.[43]Achievements
Team honours
The Ipswich Witches have achieved significant team success in British speedway, amassing a collection of league titles, knockout cups, and other major trophies that highlight their competitive prowess across divisions and eras. These honours reflect periods of dominance, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s, with a resurgence in recent years establishing them as a top-tier force.League Championships
The Witches have won the premier division league championship five times, demonstrating sustained excellence at the highest level. Their inaugural top-flight title came in 1975, driven by strong performances from captain John Louis and key squad members like Les Collins and Billy Sanders.[4] They successfully defended the crown in 1976, again with Louis anchoring the lineup alongside reinforcements such as Ivan Mauger.[4] The 1984 victory marked a return to glory, bolstered by riders including Hans Nielsen and Steve McKeown.[4] In 1998, the team clinched the Elite League title under the guidance of Tony Rickardsson and Mark Loram, contributing to a treble that season.[4] Most recently, in 2025, they ended a 27-year wait for Premiership honours with a dramatic Grand Final win over Leicester Lions, led by Emil Sayfutdinov and Jason Doyle's pivotal heat leadership.[5][42]Knockout Cups
The Knockout Cup has been a cornerstone of the Witches' silverware, with eight victories showcasing their knockout pedigree. Early successes in the second division included triumphs in 1970 and 1971, where emerging talents like Louis and Gerald Skinner played crucial roles in building team momentum.[4] Tier-one wins followed in 1976, 1978, 1981, and 1984, the latter part of another double with the league title, featuring Nielsen's consistent scoring.[4] Additional top-flight successes came in 1998, as part of the treble, and in 2023, when they defeated Sheffield Tigers in the final at Foxhall Stadium, with Sayfutdinov and Doyle again central to the aggregate turnaround.[39][4]Pairs Championships
The Witches have excelled in the Pairs Championship format three times, emphasizing rider partnerships. The 1976 win highlighted synergy between Louis and Sanders in a high-stakes division one event.[4] They repeated the feat in 1977, with Louis and Sanders forming a formidable duo.[4] In 2022, they were declared Premiership Pairs champions after strong showings across rounds, including efforts from Keynan Rew and Charles Wright, despite the final event's cancellation.[37][44]Other Major Trophies
Beyond leagues and cups, the Witches captured the Four Corners Cup (also known as the Four-Team Championship) in 1977, with Louis and Mauger driving the victory in this invitational competition.[3] They also won the Craven Shield in 1998, completing the treble that season.[4] These accolades, alongside rider synergies in collective efforts, underscore the club's historical impact on British speedway.Individual achievements
Several Ipswich Witches riders have achieved significant individual success in speedway, particularly in British and world championships, while contributing to the club's competitive edge. Billy Sanders, who rode for the Witches from 1972 to 1980, won the British League Riders' Championship in both 1975 and 1976, establishing himself as one of the top performers in the league during that period.[45] He also secured the British League Pairs Championship in 1976 and 1977 alongside teammate John Louis, highlighting their partnership in individual and paired events.[45] John Louis, a long-time Witches rider from 1970 onward, claimed the British Speedway Championship in 1975 and followed it with the British League Riders' Championship in 1976, both accomplishments attained during his tenure with the club.[46] His son, Chris Louis, who spent 19 seasons with Ipswich primarily from 1989 to 2008, won the World Under-21 Speedway Championship in 1990 and later captured the British Speedway Championship in 1998 and 2000, marking him as a dominant force in individual competitions.[47] Chris Louis also holds the club record for the most appearances, underscoring his enduring impact on the team's individual legacy.[47] In the late 1990s, Swedish rider Tony Rickardsson joined the Witches for the 1998 season and won the Individual Speedway World Championship that year, becoming the first rider to claim the title while actively competing for Ipswich.[48] More recently, Emil Sayfutdinov, who rode for the club from 2023 to 2025, maintained a high world ranking as the former number three in the FIM Speedway Grand Prix series, achieving multiple podium finishes and contributing to his personal tally of GP victories during this period.[49] Sayfutdinov's performances included strong heat leadership at Foxhall Stadium, aligning with the club's tradition of recognizing top individual scorers in key matches.[50]Riders
Current squad
The Ipswich Witches' 2025 squad adheres to the SGB Premiership's seven-rider lineup requirement, featuring a blend of experienced international heat leaders and homegrown British talent to drive their competitive edge. This international mix, including riders from Russia and Australia alongside a core of British competitors, contributed significantly to the team's successful campaign, culminating in their first Premiership title since 1998.[51][52] Heat leaders Emil Sayfutdinov and Jason Doyle anchored the top of the lineup, delivering consistent high scores throughout the season despite prior injuries from 2024—Doyle's shoulder issue and Sayfutdinov's August crash—which were managed effectively to ensure full participation in all 20 meetings. Sayfutdinov, the Russian star and former world number three, topped the team averages at 8.21, while Australian world champion Doyle followed closely at 7.86, both serving as primary scorers in key heats. Recent signing Tom Brennan, a British rider acquired from Poole Pirates, slotted in as a strong mid-order contributor with a 7.23 average, bolstering the squad's depth after the previous season's injury setbacks.[53][52][54] Captain Danny King, a British stalwart, provided leadership and reliability from the number four position with a 6.67 average across 87 rides, guiding the team through tactical decisions in their title-winning push. Supporting him were fellow British riders Adam Ellis (6.07 average) and Dan Thompson (6.02 average), who offered versatile middle-order support in 85 and 93 rides respectively, while reserve Jason Edwards (3.85 average) filled guest and tactical roles effectively in 82 outings. No major injuries disrupted the 2025 season, allowing the full squad to compete cohesively and secure the championship.[53][52]| Rider | Nationality | Role | 2025 Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emil Sayfutdinov | Russian | Heat Leader | 8.21 |
| Jason Doyle | Australian | Heat Leader | 7.86 |
| Tom Brennan | British | Middle Order | 7.23 |
| Danny King | British | Captain/No. 4 | 6.67 |
| Adam Ellis | British | Middle Order | 6.07 |
| Dan Thompson | British | Middle Order | 6.02 |
| Jason Edwards | British | Reserve | 3.85 |
Notable former riders
John Louis, an Ipswich native, joined the Witches in 1970 and spent the majority of his career with the club, serving as a pivotal leader and captain during the 1970s.[55] He guided the team to British League and Knockout Cup titles in 1975 and 1976, topping the club's averages in those seasons.[55] Louis achieved individual success as British Champion in 1975 and placed third in the World Championship Final that year, earning three World Team Cup golds for England.[55] Retiring from riding in 1984, he transitioned to management as the Witches' promoter, stabilizing the club through turbulent periods.[56] Billy Sanders, an Australian prodigy signed by the Witches at age 16 in 1972, became a cornerstone of the team's golden era, riding primarily for Ipswich until 1980 and returning from 1983 until his tragic death in 1985.[57] He was instrumental in the 1976 league triumph, alongside British League Pairs titles in 1976 and 1977 partnered with John Louis.[57] Known for his aggressive style and fan appeal, Sanders finished third in the 1980 World Championship Final and contributed to two Knockout Cup wins in 1976 and 1978.[58] His legacy endures through annual tributes at Foxhall Stadium, highlighting his role in elevating the club's profile.[59] Chris Louis, son of John Louis, debuted for the Witches in 1988 and rode for the club almost exclusively through 2008, emerging as a 1980s and 1990s mainstay with consistent high-average performances exceeding 9 points per match in peak years.[47] He secured British Championships in 1998 and 2000, becoming the first father-son duo to claim the title after his father's 1975 win.[60] As a fan favorite for his determined riding, Louis later moved into management, serving as team manager in 2003 before becoming co-promoter, ensuring family continuity in the club's operations.[61] Swedish star Tony Rickardsson joined the Witches in 1991, riding intermittently through 1998 and forming a dynamic partnership with Chris Louis that propelled the team to the 1998 treble of league, cup, and Craven Shield honors.[62] During his tenure, he topped the British Elite League averages multiple times and became the club's first World Champion rider in 1998, scoring decisively in Grand Prix events.[28] Rickardsson's technical prowess and six career world titles, starting with that Ipswich-era victory, cemented his status as a transformative figure for the team. Jeremy Doncaster, a local talent, provided long-term stability for the Witches across three spells from 1982 to 1988, 1994 to 1997, and 2000 to 2002, often serving as captain and averaging above 8 points in his prime.[63] Renowned for lightning starts, he achieved third place in the 1989 World Final and was a key member of England's victorious 1989 World Team Cup squad, scoring 13 points as top rider.[64] Doncaster's versatility extended to grasstrack and longtrack successes, including European titles, but his enduring impact at Ipswich lay in his reliability during relegations and returns, fostering team cohesion as a beloved hometown hero.[65]Season records
League performances
The Ipswich Witches have competed in British speedway's top divisions since re-establishing in 1969, achieving multiple championships while navigating promotions and relegations across various league structures. Early success came with promotion from Division 2 to Division 1 in 1972, setting the stage for a dominant 1970s era where they secured back-to-back British League Division 1 titles in 1975 and 1976. This period of excellence continued into the 1980s with another Division 1 championship in 1984, though a fifth-place finish in 1985 led to their placement in the newly formed Division 2 for 1986.[3][66] Challenges in the late 1980s resulted in relegation to Division 2 after the 1988 season, but the club won promotion the following year, returning to the elite level and claiming the Premier League title in 1998 amid a treble-winning season. Sustained top-flight presence followed until financial and performance issues culminated in relegation after finishing last in the 2009 Elite League season. The Witches then spent a decade in the second tier (Premier League/SGB Championship), earning promotion to the SGB Premiership in 2018 ahead of the 2019 campaign through strong regular-season form.[3][67][68] In recent years, the team has shown resurgence in the Premiership, reaching the play-offs in 2019 (fourth in the regular season) and maintaining competitiveness despite the 2020 season's cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This culminated in their 2025 Premiership triumph, ending a 27-year wait for a top-flight league title via play-off victories over Belle Vue Aces and Leicester Lions after finishing second in the regular season table.[69][42][70] Key league performances are summarized below, highlighting championships, notable positions, and transitions:| Year | League | Final Position | Points Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | British League Division 1 | 1st | N/A | Champions[3] |
| 1976 | British League Division 1 | 1st | N/A | Champions (back-to-back)[3] |
| 1984 | British League Division 1 | 1st | N/A | Champions[3] |
| 1985 | British League Division 1 | 5th | 24 | Led to Division 2 placement in 1986[66] |
| 1998 | Premier League | 1st | N/A | Champions (treble with cups)[3] |
| 2009 | Elite League | 8th (last) | N/A | Relegated to Premier League[67] |
| 2019 | SGB Premiership | 4th | 42 | Play-off semi-finalists; promoted from Championship prior[71] |
| 2025 | SGB Premiership | 1st (play-offs) | N/A | Champions (regular season 2nd)[72][42] |
Cup competitions
The Ipswich Witches have achieved significant success in speedway's knockout and pairs events, with multiple titles in the Knockout Cup and Pairs Championship highlighting their competitive edge in tournament-style competitions. These victories often came against strong opposition, contributing to memorable campaigns separate from regular league fixtures.Knockout Cup Performances
The Knockout Cup, a premier elimination tournament in British speedway, has seen the Witches reach the final and secure wins on several occasions across divisions. Their triumphs include back-to-back Division 2 titles in the early 1970s and further successes in the top flight. In more recent years, they entered the competition and advanced through the rounds to claim the 2023 Premiership Knockout Cup.| Year | Division | Rounds Reached | Result | Key Opponents/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | Division 2 | Final | Winners | Defeated opposition in knockout stages to secure first cup title.[4] |
| 1971 | Division 2 | Final | Winners | Repeated as champions, dominating the tournament.[4] |
| 1976 | Division 1 | Final | Winners | Overcame challenging draws to lift the trophy.[4] |
| 1978 | Division 1 | Final | Winners | Strong performance in top-flight knockout.[4] |
| 1981 | Division 1 | Final | Winners | Overcame challenging draws to lift the trophy.[4] |
| 1984 | Division 1 | Final | Winners | Achieved a league and cup double in a standout season.[4][3] |
| 1998 | Premier League | Final | Winners | Part of treble-winning season.[4] |
| 2023 | Premiership | Semi-finals to Final | Winners | Trailed Sheffield Tigers 48-42 after the first leg but won 55-35 in the second leg at Foxhall Stadium for a 97-83 aggregate victory and first top-tier cup since 1998.[4][11] |