SOARING season ticket sales have given Ipswich Evening Star Witches an early boost for the 2007 speedway campaign.Sales have already topped a quarter of the 2006 total figures, and they have never previously been so high at this time of year.

By Elvin King

SOARING season ticket sales have given Ipswich Evening Star Witches an early boost for the 2007 speedway campaign.

Sales have already topped a quarter of the 2006 total figures, and they have never previously been so high at this time of year.

Mark Styles, the Witches season ticket co-ordinator, said: “There has been a fantastic response.

“We have only held one sale at Foxhall Stadium, and I have never known business like it before.

“And this was before news that the Witches had signed exciting young Pole Marcin Rempala.

“Perhaps the most pleasing aspect of the whole scenario is that a quarter of the tickets sold are for people who have not had season tickets before.

“A steady stream of applications are coming in through the post and this week has been busy when in previous years Christmas has caused a lull.”

Styles looked at the reasons for extra interest in watching a club that have failed to light up the Elite League in recent seasons.

He said: “It is a good deal with obvious savings on buying tickets cut-price before the end of January.

“And unlike most other clubs a programme is included for every meeting in our season ticket sales scheme.

“I could not be more optimistic about the coming season - and it looks as though supporters feel the same.

“The key to Ipswich being a success in 2007 is finding the right replacement if Piotr Protasiewicz does not return to Foxhall.”

So far Ipswich have confirmed three riders for 2007 - skipper Chris Louis, Mark Loram and Rempala - with young German Tobi Kroner expected to stay at reserve with a 3.00 point average.

The Witches hope to be in a position to confirm their complete line-up not too long into the New Year, with asset Daniel King a doubtful starter because of a possible move to the No. 2 berth at Peterborough.

WITCHES season tickets for 2007 will be on sale at Foxhall Stadium on Saturday, January 27 from 10am to 1pm.

Until January 31 they can be purchased for £295 adults and £235 for concessions, which includes a programme each meeting.

They can be obtained through the post by sending a cheque made payable to Ipswich Speedway Promotions, a stamped addressed envelope and a passport-style photograph to Ipswich Speedway, c/o 7 Penshurst Road, Ipswich IP3 8QZ.

WITCHES rider Robert Miskowiak has sent supporters a Christmas wish via the Evening Star.

The 23-year-old Pole sent the following message: 'Witaj Star readers. To all speedway fans from Ipswich, a merry Christmas and all the best in the coming year 2007. Best wishes, Robert Miskowiak, Pozdrowienia.'