TOBI Kroner today revealed that he no longer has any fear.The 22-year-old German is a vital member of the Ipswich Evening Star Witches speedway team continuing to make rapid progress this season.

Elvin King

By ELVIN KING

elvin.king@archant.co.uk

TOBI Kroner today revealed that he no longer has any fear.

The 22-year-old German is a vital member of the Ipswich Evening Star Witches speedway team continuing to make rapid progress this season.

He has been the most consistent rider behind the outstanding Piotr Swiderski in the Witches Elite League side this year - and he says there is more to come.

The man who has made the reserves' race his own at Foxhall Stadium this season, saw his form dip when he moved up into the team proper for a while.

He appeared to lose his confidence, but he now says that is a thing of the past.

“It was all about what number I had on my back,” he said. “I don't know why but it affected my ability to win races.

“But having analysed the situation I am certain I have overcome those demons.

“Whatever number in the team I race from now on I am sure I can score well.”

And Kroner had more good news for Witches fans amid speculation that Ipswich are in the process of strengthening their side.

“Two or three English tracks used to worry me,” added Kroner. “I used to struggle to get round them.

“But now I am happy to ride anywhere and sit at the starting tapes confident of scoring points.”

Kroner is appreciative of the backing he receives with Orwell Motor Cycles supporting his crusade to reach the top in his chosen sport.

“Ray Walters is a great help and with all the support I am receiving I am looking ahead with plenty of optimism.”

Tonight Kroner and his team-mates make the trip to Manchester to race Belle Vue Aces, with Kroner back in the body of the team.

With Piotr Swiderski out with a broken hand, rider replacement is used for the flying Pole, with Rory Schlein guesting for Chris Louis.

It seems more and more likely Schlein will become a Witch either today or tomorrow after a weekend merry-go-round of riders that has seen Ryan Sullivan and Karol Zabik sign for Peterborough and Jesper Monberg (formerly Jensen), sign for Wolverhampton.

With Hans Andersen now at Coventry, it leave one Bees rider without a club, and although not confirmed, that Bee is likely to be Schlein, who is turn will fit into Ipswich's team nicely.

Tonight's teams

Belle Vue: 1 J Crump, 2 R/R, 3 C Gjedde, 4 B Forsberg, 5 J Screen, 6 N Simmons, 7 P Hougaard.

Ipswich: 1 R/R, 2 T Kroner, 3 J Hampel, 4 R Miskowiak, 5 R Schlein, 6 S Johnston, 7 C Schramm

Caption: FRONT RUNNER: Ipswich Evening Star Witches speedway rider Tobi Kroner has the backing of Ipswich businessman Ray Walters of Orwell Motorcycles. Picture: STEPHEN WALLER