“IPSWICH Witches fans know their speedway and I know what they'll expect of me.”So says Ipswich Evening Star Witches new man Mark Loram - speaking today for the first time about his dramatic move to the Foxhall club.

By Mike Bacon

“IPSWICH Witches fans know their speedway and I know what they'll expect of me.”

So says Ipswich Evening Star Witches new man Mark Loram - speaking today for the first time about his dramatic move to the Foxhall club.

The 35-year-old Stowmarket-based rider's signature has caused a real buzz around Foxhall Stadium since it was announced last week, with Witches promoter John Louis admitting season ticket sales have been “more than encouraging” since the announcement was made.

The former 2000 world champion is a popular and exciting racer but he is fully aware Witches fans are some of the best and most knowledgeable in the business. They won't be fooled.

“Witches fans know their speedway and I know what they expect of me,” he said.

“Being back at Ipswich, which is pretty well my local club, means there will be a bit more pressure on me to produce the goods,” he said.

“I think I know the Ipswich public well enough. They like their riders to be real triers, as well as get the results. Of course they want to win every meeting, especially at Foxhall. But if they see a rider giving it his all, they appreciate that.

“I remember when I used to watch Ben Howe at Ipswich, he put so much into every race, and the crowd loved him. All I can say is that Ipswich fans will know every time I go out to race for the Witches; it will be nothing less than 100 per cent.”

That is something Witches fans probably know already, Loram being a renowned racer. But he admits he needs to do better than last season when his average floated around the eight-point limit for much of the campaign.

“Quite honestly I just wasn't getting myself motivated enough at Arena Essex last season,” he continued.

“Everyone knows my opinions of the people at Arena, who are simply great, many who I've known since my Hackney days. It was never an issue to leave Arena because of the way I was being treated or the people around me.

“But I was not happy about my form and I needed a bit more pressure than I was getting at Purfleet and I think Ipswich, which is one of the biggest clubs in British speedway, with fantastic support, will give me that pressure.

“I hope I can bolster Ipswich away from home as well as Foxhall. I like to feel I'm a bit of an all-rounder, home and away.”

Loram is due a testimonial this season and it may be that he would stage it at Ipswich. The majority of Witches fans would likely turn out to support a rider who has always entertained wherever he has ridden. But the amiable Loram doesn't want to cause any problems if he were to have his testimonial at Foxhall.

“It is no secret I'm due a testimonial,” he said.

“But I don't want to tread on anyone's toes and I certainly don't want people to think I've joined Ipswich to have a testimonial. Quite honestly, I'd rather give it a miss if it caused hassle, because I've come to Ipswich to race for the club.”