YOUNG Dane Mikael Nielsen is a surprise name in tonight's 16-Lap classic.A recommendation from former Coventry star Jon Jorgensen, Nielsen will have an opportunity to stake a place in the Witches set-up in 2007 if he impresses.

By Mike Bacon

YOUNG Dane Mikael Nielsen is a surprise name in tonight's 16-Lap classic.

A recommendation from former Coventry star Jon Jorgensen, Nielsen will have an opportunity to stake a place in the Witches set-up in 2007 if he impresses.

Poles Jarek Hampel and Tomasz Gollob both used the 16-Lapper as a way of trying out Foxhall ahead of joining the Witches, and Nielsen has much to gain from a good performance tonight.

Meanwhile Mark Loram may never have won the Ipswich 16-Lapper before, but he hopes to put that right tonight.

The marathon race, always a grand spectacle at Foxhall Stadium at this time of the season, takes place tonight (7.30pm), and Loram will start the meeting one of the favourites.

Still recovering from a virus that laid him low at the Elite League Riders' Final at Poole on Sunday, Loram is hoping to feel better by tonight.

He knows he will stand little chance in the 16-lap, eight-rider final, if he is not feeling well.

“The 16-Lapper is a bit of a tradition at Ipswich and I've ridden in it a few times,” Loram said.

“I should have won it one year, but my bike packed up on the last lap, but I haven't ridden in it for a few years.

“I hope I feel a bit sharper than I do now because although I feel well enough generally, riding a speedway bike takes a bit more out of you. And 16 laps certainly will.”

The 16-Lapper is as popular a meeting now as it ever was, although current holder of the title Chris Louis misses out in a field that contains plenty of youth.

Tobi Kroner and Steve Boxall lead the youngsters' charge from the Evening Star Witches side of things. And Eastbourne's exciting Lewis Bridger will also be in the field.

Loram, Kim Jansson and Robert Miskowiak also represent Ipswich.

A 12-lap consolation race will also be in operation, but it is the 16-lap, eight-rider final the fans come to see and they are rarely disappointed.

Tonight's field

Mark Loram, Kim Jansson, Robert Miskowiak, Tobi Kroner, Leigh Lanham, Adam Skornicki, David Howe, Adam Shields, Davey Watt, Chris Holder, Mikael Nielsen and Lewis Bridger.