Arch Stanton

Weather looks fine for Monday’s P&P so that’s handy. Riders can get a few good laps in and the new lads can gain some valuable experience of their new home track. Can remember the last few P&P’ have been a washout.

If no changes were allowed during the season I’d agree with you, but I’d be hugely surprised if both Lynn and Ipswich finish the season with the team they started with. Both clubs will most likely have more scope than others for positive changes once new averages kick in. Then its a case of catch up and 4th place will do, then once there it’s game on. Seen it happen so many times before in both leagues. Lynn for example, could bring in Iversen mid season for a reserve and then its a whole new ball game. A few big away wins and you’re back in the mix.

I don’t think we have a great team at Ipswich this year and I’m in agreement with the majority that we’ll struggle unfortunately. (Not stopping me looking forward to the season mind). But, I have to be honest Lynn is one fixture I’m confident of winning certainly at home at least.

Well, fortnight today we’ll hear the roar of the bikes around the Heath again as it’s press and practice day. The season is nearly upon us and I’m really looking forward to it.

So who IS sponsoring the Panthers this year? Looks the most expensive team of all three of Busters teams, but I guess it doesn’t really matter? Lynn have new sponsors, Ipswich have Tru Plant putting their cash back in, so I guess it’s all for one and one for all

Maybe they had a close working relationship with Ged and were expecting that to continue? Would possibly add fuel to the existing rumour that Ged is no longer involved. Might have nothing to do with it of course but you have to wonder. Been one turbulent winter this one! Just seems like one balls up after another and we’re all waiting for next weeks instalment. Whats the odds that the next move is to release another “expensive” rider due to “unforeseen circumstances” i.e the withdrawal of a major sponsor

Chris didn’t know who was in our group either did he

Tru Plant/Tru7.com and Guy Nicholls continue their sponsorship of the Witches https://ipswichwitches.co/tru-plant-continue-title-sponsorship/ Excellent news obviously but a few interesting little titbits in that article. Firstly, from the wording it seems like if we’d have remained in the second tier he/they wouldn’t have sponsored us? And secondly, the last paragraph names the riders they are helping out this year. Makes it a little more surprising (and disappointing) that a deal couldn’t be done to get Doyle at Foxhall this year

Oh I don’t know, I quite liked our 98 team with Rickardsson, Gollob and Chris Louis in it

Same. It’s been such a strange winter with a lot to take in and there’s been a fair few up and down emotions but now the dust has settled and the season is nearly upon us, I’m very much looking forward to it. From an Ipswich perspective, I don’t think we have a great team but that’s not stopping me from looking forward to the season. I’m really interested to see how the Pole takes to Foxhall as he is a rider I’ve not yet seen. Enjoyed the Ipswich/Panthers meetings in the Championship and I’m looking forward to these meetings again in the top flight. Will also be good to see old favourites like Hans Andersen back at Foxhall too.

Totally agree. 3 point increase isn’t fanciful in the slightest. One of the major disappointments in Ipswich moving up a league was missing out of having Drew on a 2 point average. After being title favourites for just about every year we were in the second tier and managing to cock it up sometimes due to chronic luck, but sometimes underachievement, it’s ironic that we move up just when we could possibly have had our best chance yet! Having any rider that is capable of increasing their average by around 3 points will automatically give you a big advantage. Sheffield must be delighted we moved up a league! Our loss is very much their gain and I look forward to seeing him progress this year.

I do think he’ll pop up somewhere during the season when injuries inevitably hit, but I’m honestly not surprised in the slightest that nobody has gone with him from the off.

Oooh exciting...

Not sure tbh. His average dropped from 7.48 in 2017, to 6.64 last year. To be fair, shouldn’t be expecting anything else really as the bloke is now in his 40’s! Not convinced too many see Nicholls as a must have signing any longer at this stage of his career and with all due respect, the second tier is probably right for him now. I personally have no idea on his monetary demands, but there were one or two on the Ipswich thread a while ago saying that Ipswich couldn’t get near to a suitable offer for him, even the word “insulting” was thrown around. Maybe his demands are unrealistic to where his current standing in the sport are these days? Again I have absolutely no idea, just repeating speculation. Having said that, I’d think there’s a fair chance we’ll see him pop up somewhere during the season.

Spot on. It really is bizarre and all they’re doing is pi$$ing off the dwindling support they still have left.

Wolves Peterborough Poole Swindon Belle Vue Ipswich Lynn I might edit this if Lynn’s team turns out different from the one proposed on here. Actually no I won’t I’ll leave them last regardless

Seen this a few times and it’s starting to grate to be honest. The fact is, it’s Ipswich that won’t have Tungate back, NOT that Tungate won’t ride for Ipswich. The rider himself has publicly said he’s asked Chris Louis and Ritchie Hawkins about a team place, and received no reply. He’s simply not welcome back at Ipswich. Good luck to him at Peterborough though. As I said earlier, makes Peterborough stronger. Tungate will be in the 7-8 average range, Harris will drop to 6-7. IMO.

I know a few are disappointed about Harris as they enjoyed watching him during his last stint, but I honestly believe Panthers will be better off as a team with Tungate rather than Harris. Harris will drop somewhere in the 6-7 bracket, whilst Tungate will stay similar to his current average IMO. I also think once dialled in, Tungate will fly around the Showground just like he did at Belle Vue. The track will suit him.

We do have a May bank holiday afternoon fixture though against Lynn so looking forward to that one.

I keep forgetting we HAVE moved up Sue! I keep looking at our line up and thinking we’ve got a cracking Championship team and have a great chance of lifting silverware

Harris done ok at Foxhall last year. Wasn’t brilliant, but he isn’t brilliant anywhere these days. The problem this team has is heat winners. I can see plenty of second and thirds and few last places particularly at home, but there doesn’t look anywhere near enough heat winners there. I can see many many 1-5 reverses in heats 13 and 15. That’s an 8 point swing in the scores in the last 3 heats and that’s where we’re going to have a big problem IMO.

I really really hope that’s the team. We might not finish bottom after all

Totally and utterly wrong I’m afraid.

I wasn’t expecting anything else..