BOOSTED by a victory in their first 2007 meeting, Evening Star Witches' skipper Chris Louis is gunning for more success in the return meeting at Purfleet tonight.

By Elvin King

BOOSTED by a victory in their first 2007 meeting, Evening Star Witches' skipper Chris Louis is gunning for more success in the return meeting at Purfleet tonight.

He said: “If we cannot win the meeting we want to win the competition.

“We know it will be tough with two riders who will have seen nothing like the tiny Lakeside track before.

“It was a pleasing start with everybody giving a good account of themselves and nobody doing anything stupid.

“The new boys worked hard to get their set-ups right during the two days of practice and I am impressed by both.

“Zibi Suchecki has a style that will suit British racing while Marcin Rempala has a great pedigree.”

Louis has ace mechanic Mick Day in his corner this year and the Australian has worked for top riders Jason Crump - when he won his first world title - Hans Nielsen and Simon Wigg.

The Witches' skipper would like to see more young British riders come into the sport and said that Ipswich are planning to run in the Academy League in 2008.

“With strict time constraints at Foxhall Stadium it is just not possible to do it this year, but we have it on the agenda for 2008,” said Louis.

Team manager Mike Smillie will share his duties with promoter John Louis this season with Smillie unavailable for all away meetings - and some home ones - from the end of May until the middle of July because of work commitments.

Maximum man Loram says that he is aware of the difficulties facing Ipswich.

He said: “We know it will not be easy to make an impact this season with the side we have got.

“However, I have every confidence in the newcomers and we have

certainly had an encouraging start.

“I always am nervous at this time of the season despite doing this lark now for 20 years and it was pleasing to hit the button from the off.”

Tobi Kroner added: “I am better prepared this year and have some excellent backing. We are all looking ahead to the season.”

New Lakeside promoter Stuart Douglas, who was instrumental in changing the name of the Purfleet-based club from Arena-Essex, said: “We would not have been three points behind Ipswich with three races left last season.

“Our aim is to have exciting riders in every position - and this is just the start.

“We are very confident of beating Ipswich in the return meeting and give everybody a great night out.”