The new promoter of the Ipswich Witches says he "believes deeply in the sport of speedway" after a takeover of the Premiership title holders.
Mayfield, parent company of FIM Speedway World Championships, has purchased the club from Chris Louis, who announced he would be selling the team at the end of a historic 2025 season - 27 years on from winning their last title when he was a rider.
The founder of the Witches' new owner, Richard Coleman, says his company is "genuinely excited to become custodians of Ipswich."
"We believe deeply in the sport of speedway," said Coleman, who has named former Witches rider Paul Hurry as the club's new team manager, after title-winning boss Ritchie Hawkins left at the end of last season.
"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."
Uncertainty surrounding the future of the club - as well as the sport as a whole - has meant its line-up for the forthcoming season is yet to be confirmed.
But Coleman said he believes the team of riders put together while the sale went through over the winter "will be capable of competing".
Details of its line-up are set to be confirmed on Monday.
Coleman and Hurry will be joined by co-promoter and general manager Andrew Chisholm on the management team.
“I want to thank the supporters for their patience during a period of uncertainty," added Coleman.
"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.”
In an open letter to fans of the club, Coleman addressed the concerns over the future of the speedway.
He said: "I will always be frank, open and honest with you. This should be viewed, perhaps, as more of a rescue deal than an out-and-out acquisition.
"During this process, there wasn’t really a credible alternative other than Mayfield.
"Our main concerns were also not regarding Ipswich, but the league as a whole and the current situation with speedway in the UK.
"I know this winter has been torrid for you as loyal supporters of the club, and it would be so easy to be disillusioned with the sport in the UK in general.
"As I said, this is a rescue deal in many ways, but we need you to help us make this work; we need you to show up at the turnstiles; we need you to purchase the season tickets, and we need you to tell your friends and family about this great sport and club.
"We have huge respect for the long, illustrious history of Ipswich Speedway and its people. Many think it is crazy to invest in British Speedway, but I need you to believe in me as I believe in you."
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