SPEEDWAY: Ipswich Evening Star Witches are gearing themselves up for a successful future. This year they are going to run four races for junior riders after most matches at Foxhall Stadium.

By Elvin King

IPSWICH Evening Star Witches are gearing themselves up for a successful future.

This year they are going to run four races for junior riders after most matches at Foxhall Stadium.

Witches director Magda Louis said: "We want to build up a crew of talented youngsters, who will have the chance to develop into our Elite League team."

Because of restrictions on the use of their stadium Ipswich cannot enter a team in the Conference League or run training schools.

The riders will enter a championship with eight riding each week. After two heats there will be a main and consolation final. Points will be accumulated and a winner will be crowned at the end of the season.

"The Evening Star survey completed by so many fans last November showed a need for this type of second-half action," added Mrs Louis. "Nick Barber from our track shop, his father Colin and brother Jonathan are supporting the venture."

The first junior racing will take place on March 21 after the home Elite League match against Wolverhampton, and budding riders are asked to contact Ipswich speedway as soon as possible.

THIS week's Speedway Star carries a six-page review of the Ipswich Evening Star Witches 2001 season.

A SURE sign that speedway is getting back in the big time is the staggering six-figure profit announced by Premier League Workington this week.

Comets owner Tony Mole, who brought the sport back to Derwent Park in 1999, makes no apologies for publicising the fact.

He admitted: "It's a tough task to keep bettering yourself but that's what we have been able to do so far. Our crowds have consistently averaged over 2,000."

Sky Sports Elite League Poole are another club doing well. They have agreed three-deal sponsorship deal worth six figures over three years.

THOUSANDS of speedway fans from all over Britain will be making the pilgrimage to High Beech this weekend for the annual dirt-track birthday party sponsored by Vintage Speedway Magazine.

The event, commemorating the birth of speedway racing in Britain on a cinder track behind the King's Oak Hotel on Sunday, February 19, 1928, is free and attracts speedway stars old and new, giving fans the chance to chat with their heroes.

The all-day event starts at 11am on Sunday, February 10. Further details from Vintage Speedway Magazine, phone: 01780 410394 and 01296 630404.