IPSWICH Evening Star Witches speedway supporters are on a winner this year.It will cost them less to watch their heroes in action in the Sky Sports Elite League.

By Elvin King

IPSWICH Evening Star Witches speedway supporters are on a winner this year.

It will cost them less to watch their heroes in action in the Sky Sports Elite League.

John and Chris Louis, co-promoters of a Witches club that

finished 12 points adrift at the foot of the table last season, have reduced admission prices from £13 to £12.

And this father and son duo are putting together a side that will surely represent value for money.

It has all been good news for fans of the Witches since the tapes came down on a miserable 2003 campaign.

With former skipper Chris Louis showing a keen appetite for success in his new post, there has been a succession of quality

signings.

And there is more than a hint that by the time the team is completed it will be strong and exciting enough to bring the good times back to Foxhall Stadium.

Scott Nicholls, Hans Andersen, Jesper B Jensen, Danny Bird and Kim Jansson have already signed on the dotted line, with Louis junior confirming that he is bang on target with the personnel

pencilled in last November to make up his side this year.

Two more names have to be added to complete the team, plus three extra signings to make the squad up to ten to cover for injuries and unavailabilities to 'floater' Bird and two reserves.

The strength of most other sides in the Elite League has been dramatically reduced following decisions made at last November's annual promoters' conference.

Coventry, for example, won nothing last year but have been forced to part with star riders Billy Hamill, Andreas Jonsson and Ryan Fisher.

Last season's champions Poole's strength has also been diluted.

The Witches have altered their admission policy this year with spectators now paying if they want a programme. In previous years a programme was included in the admission price.

This will cost £2 this season, but for many fans, those in groups and those not bothered, it will mean a saving on watching the action at Foxhall.

This year's concession prices stay at £9 plus £2 for a

programme and children under 15 are £3, with no programme.

Season tickets are still available at £250 for adults and £175 concessions. They will rise to £275 for adults and £195 for concessions on February 1.

On Saturday January 31, from 10.30am until 1pm, season tickets will be on sale at Foxhall Stadium.

Postal applications can be made to 7 Penshurst Road, Ipswich, IP3 8QZ, with cheques made payable to Ipswich Speedway Promotions. Include a sae and a passport photo.

n Mikael Max will stage his testimonial meeting at Wolverhampton on Sunday May 23.

Wolves promoter Chris Van Straaten is backing him to bounce back from a disappointing 2003 season and make it a year to remember.