Ipswich Witches star Lewis Kerr is full of anticipation and has no worries ahead of his return to the track later this month.

Kerr, 25, who suffered serious head injuries that left him in an induced coma after a track crash while riding for Newcastle at Peterborough last August, gets back on a speedway bike for the first time since, as the Witches head to Lonigo, in Italy later this month for a weekend practice session.

He has always said he has no fear about racing again after a crash that left him critically ill. But now that time is weeks away.

“I have no apprehension about riding again,” he said.

“I can’t remember anything about the crash or anything about the week before the crash. So, it really is just like starting the new season again for me.

“I’m aware how big the crash was, but I feel no different than I ever have about going into a new year.”

Kerr has been working hard on his fitness in what has been a prolonged lay-off.

He has been biking regularly and admits he is raring to go.

“I feel really fit and strong and everything this season for me seems better prepared because I have had so much time off,” he said.

“I’m hoping Ipswich will see the benefit. We have a strong team on paper and in Danny King probably have the Premier League’s No.1 rider.

“I can’t wait to get going and get in some practice.”

The Witches travel to Italy later this month, with only Nico Covatti, who is riding in Argentina, unavailable. Team boss Ritchie Hawkins is also going along.

The new season at Foxhall starts on Thursday, March 17, with a visit from Scunthorpe in the League Cup.