IPSWICH Evening Star Witches have confirmed the signing of 21-year-old German speedway rider Tobi Kroner.He will ride in a reserve berth for the Foxhall Stadium-based club and starts the 2007 campaign with an assessed 3.0 average.

By Elvin King

IPSWICH Evening Star Witches have confirmed the signing of 21-year-old German speedway rider Tobi Kroner.

He will ride in a reserve berth for the Foxhall Stadium-based club and starts the 2007 campaign with an assessed 3.0 average.

Kroner will base himself again just outside Stowmarket with Ipswich heat leader Mark Loram, and he will use the workshop of the 2000 world champion.

The signing of Kroner, pictured, who came into the Ipswich side half way through last season and impressed with his professionalism and commitment, gives Ipswich more than seven points to play with to complete their team with their seventh rider.

Although there are a few riders around of this standard still without a club, this virtually rules out a return to Foxhall for Daniel King.

With his under-five average he is set to fill the number two berth at Peterborough.

Chris Louis, the Ipswich rider/manager, said: “We are delighted to have Tobi back as he proved last year that he has what it takes to make an impact in the Elite League.

“We have been in touch with both Karol Zabic and Niklas Klingberg, but they have both decided not to ride in England this year.

“Karol had some differences with his Swedish League earlier this month but they have been settled and he feels riding in Poland and Sweden will be enough.”