SPEEDWAY: Kim Jansson today promised Ipswich Evening Star Witches speedway fans a cracking 2007.The 25-year-old Swede signed his contract with the club for next season at the weekend, and joins Mark Loram, Chris Louis, Marcin Rempala and Robert Miskowiak as confirmed Witches starters.

By Elvin King

SPEEDWAY

KIM Jansson today promised Ipswich Evening Star Witches speedway fans a cracking 2007.

The 25-year-old Swede signed his contract with the club for next season at the weekend, and joins Mark Loram, Chris Louis, Marcin Rempala and Robert Miskowiak as confirmed Witches starters.

With Ipswich pledging to bring the good times back to Foxhall Stadium after a number of years in the

doldrums, many fans expected to see sweeping changes.

But it is not going to happen with 2006 team members Daniel King, Tobi Kroner and even Piotr Protasiewicz in line to possibly complete the team.

Jansson was not seen as such a

certain starter after failing to cure a habit of making vital unforced errors.

He said: “After upping my average every full season with Ipswich, 2007 is the campaign when I want to move up to a heat leader position.

“I am seeking an improvement of at least 2.5 points on my current average - and I hope to maintain this right throughout the season.”

Jansson, who has dyed his hair black, went on: “I have been

discussing my Ipswich deal for four weeks, and it is great to get it all settled.

“I have good sponsors in Sano UK and Parkside Transport, but need a new mechanic as Mark Scopes has announced his retirement after 11 years in the Witches pits.”

Jansson is expected to be captain of his local Swedish team in Gothenburg - Kaparna - where Louis has also signed, making a return to the Swedish League for the first time since injuring his back.

Jansson, who will be again riding for Stal Gorzow in the Polish Second Division, will be returning next month to put the finishing touches to his Ipswich equipment.

He has been working with his father since the end of the season preparing houses and flats for refurbishment in Sweden.

Last night he left for a holiday in Madeira.

Speaking of the re-signing of 23-year-old Pole Miskowiak, Ipswich rider/manager Chris Louis said: “Robert showed outstanding form in the early part of his Ipswich career.

“He then became a little inconsistent. Towards the end of last season he rode to a very high standard and we will be looking to him to push during his third year with us.

“He is a rider of outstanding potential and 2007 will be the time when he needs to deliver.”