Ipswich Witches 2026

[Gritblaster]

Aries, you have hit the nail on the head. Speedway has been a big part of my life for over 50 years and when/if Ipswich don't come to the tapes next year that will be it for me I'm afraid. Next nearest track Oxford or Lynn, both well over two hours away. Not the Christmas present I was hoping for tbh ... 

[RoundTheBoards]

2 hours ago, cowboy cookie returns? said:

Sheffield have proven that no one will make an offer for a speedway club, Louis has had no offers. What is he supposed to do run it until his dying day?

Why are you making this up?

As i understand it, Sheffield had several offers of interest.  That is what led the Bates' into deciding that they didn't want to sell up at all, and are instead thinking of bringing others in with them.

Ipswich had at least 2 firm offers for the club.  All Louis needed to do was to take the better offer.  No run off to Aussie.  Saying neither club had any offers is straightforward lying.

2 hours ago, Racin Jason 72 said:

chris is keeping a dignified silence atm 

One man's dignified silence is another man's cowardly hiding away.

If I were an Ipswich fan, I'd be very angry that my club could be lost.

[old bob at herne bay]

51 minutes ago, RoundTheBoards said:

Why are you making this up?

As i understand it, Sheffield had several offers of interest.  That is what led the Bates' into deciding that they didn't want to sell up at all, and are instead thinking of bringing others in with them.

Ipswich had at least 2 firm offers for the club.  All Louis needed to do was to take the better offer.  No run off to Aussie.  Saying neither club had any offers is straightforward lying.

One man's dignified silence is another man's cowardly hiding away.

If I were an Ipswich fan, I'd be very angry that my club could be lost.

2 offers that didn’t meet Louis’s expectations, we are told ?

Any ideas on what valuation you would give for Ipswich Speedway Ltd. ? Top 2 riders from 2025 unavailable, 2025 TM has retired, main sponsor from 2025 left the building ….. 

Maybe airfence , tractor and track prep gear worth a few bob , 

 

any ideas please ?

[IainB]

1 hour ago, Aries said:

Disagree I’m afraid Jason. Why couldn’t he reassure the supporters that there will be Speedway next year? The fact is, his latest interview a week or two ago, he couldn’t guarantee that when pushed. 
 

Why couldn’t he say that he wanted to sell the club (no problem, his choice), but if no buyer came forward in time, he’d continue to run it whilst a buyer could be found for the longer term? Just like the Bates’ have done at Sheffield??

Instead, he’s gone on local radio and caused unnecessary stress to a lot of loyal supporters, by not confirming there would be speedway next year, all whilst jetting off to sunny Australia for a nice sunny Holiday with family. 
 

Just before Christmas too, nice!

Anyone who has been a regular at Foxhall over the years, will know Margaret and her Daughter, Heather Lay. Two huge servants to Ipswich Speedway over decades. Working tirelessly selling draw tickets and helping running the supporters club over many many years.  
 

I caught up with Heather towards the end of the season and we had a chat. She was quite openly telling us that Margaret wasn’t in the best health these days and was struggling to get about. But she STILL makes a huge effort to attend Foxhall every meeting. She said if it wasn’t for her beloved Witches, she’s not sure she’d “still be here”.

I wonder how they’re feeling right now and looking forward to Christmas?

They won’t be alone either. For a lot of people, it’s not just something to do on a Thursday evening, it’s become a massive part of their lives going back decades. They’ll all be feeling worried sick that their Speedway is about to be taken away, just as Christmas is approaching. 
 

Look at the reception they got at the Town hall a few weeks ago. It’s was pi$$ing down, it was a lunch time, and was announced at short notice. And the people of Ipswich turned out in great numbers to celebrate, along with the Mayor. 
 

There’s great people who work at the club, most voluntarily, loyal sponsors who have backed him to the hilt financially, and of course, a core of loyal supporters. All been left totally in the dark and wondering what on earth is going on. 
 

I can only imagine how annoyed fans of Wolves, Arena/Lakeside , Peterborough, Swindon, amongst many others must feel, who have seen their speedway taken away from them due to track unavailability, see another club potentially not running despite a viable club and available track just sitting there. 
 

Ok, it may well break in the next days/weeks that he’s successfully sold the club on, OR, he’s staying and will continue to run it, but that won’t change the fact that he’s handled this very poorly. 
 

In my opinion! Obviously. 

1,000,000% this 👆

Spot on!

[RoundTheBoards]

5 minutes ago, old bob at herne bay said:

2 offers that didn’t meet Louis’s expectations, we are told ?

Any ideas on what valuation you would give for Ipswich Speedway Ltd. ? Top 2 riders from 2025 unavailable, 2025 TM has retired, main sponsor from 2025 left the building ….. 

Maybe airfence , tractor and track prep gear worth a few bob , 

 

any ideas please ?

Maybe balance sheet plus 3 x yearly profits?

Companies house balance sheet shows £3.5K.   (There are no riding assets anymore, I think someone said the air-fence needed replacing soon).   Louis seems to want out because he feels it's no longer profitable.  So 3 x nothing is nothing.    So £3.5k plus whatever goodwill valuation you put on owning the name.

In short, something is worth what someone is prepared to pay for it.  So, if there are 2 offers that exceed my £3.5k, take the best one.

[RoundTheBoards]

2 hours ago, Aries said:

Disagree I’m afraid Jason. Why couldn’t he reassure the supporters that there will be Speedway next year? The fact is, his latest interview a week or two ago, he couldn’t guarantee that when pushed. 
 

Why couldn’t he say that he wanted to sell the club (no problem, his choice), but if no buyer came forward in time, he’d continue to run it whilst a buyer could be found for the longer term? Just like the Bates’ have done at Sheffield??

Instead, he’s gone on local radio and caused unnecessary stress to a lot of loyal supporters, by not confirming there would be speedway next year, all whilst jetting off to sunny Australia for a nice sunny Holiday with family. 
 

Just before Christmas too, nice!

Anyone who has been a regular at Foxhall over the years, will know Margaret and her Daughter, Heather Lay. Two huge servants to Ipswich Speedway over decades. Working tirelessly selling draw tickets and helping running the supporters club over many many years.  
 

I caught up with Heather towards the end of the season and we had a chat. She was quite openly telling us that Margaret wasn’t in the best health these days and was struggling to get about. But she STILL makes a huge effort to attend Foxhall every meeting. She said if it wasn’t for her beloved Witches, she’s not sure she’d “still be here”.

I wonder how they’re feeling right now and looking forward to Christmas?

They won’t be alone either. For a lot of people, it’s not just something to do on a Thursday evening, it’s become a massive part of their lives going back decades. They’ll all be feeling worried sick that their Speedway is about to be taken away, just as Christmas is approaching. 
 

Look at the reception they got at the Town hall a few weeks ago. It’s was pi$$ing down, it was a lunch time, and was announced at short notice. And the people of Ipswich turned out in great numbers to celebrate, along with the Mayor. 
 

There’s great people who work at the club, most voluntarily, loyal sponsors who have backed him to the hilt financially, and of course, a core of loyal supporters. All been left totally in the dark and wondering what on earth is going on. 
 

I can only imagine how annoyed fans of Wolves, Arena/Lakeside , Peterborough, Swindon, amongst many others must feel, who have seen their speedway taken away from them due to track unavailability, see another club potentially not running despite a viable club and available track just sitting there. 
 

Ok, it may well break in the next days/weeks that he’s successfully sold the club on, OR, he’s staying and will continue to run it, but that won’t change the fact that he’s handled this very poorly. 
 

In my opinion! Obviously. 

Nail totally hit on the head.

[Byker Biker]

I believe it was inevitable that some would turn against Chris if there appeared to be little progress or positive news.

This isn't the first time he has threatened to sell or withdraw from one of the leagues to the other when faced with certain challenges. In truth Ipswich for many, many years has had extremely good benefactors behind the scenes which has allowed the business to develop and bring some of the world's best riders to Foxhall consequently Ipswich fans have been very lucky to enjoy stability of management and ownership. Times have changed significantly with clubs (like any small business) facing horrendous costs which has placed an even greater reliance on "benefactors" / sponsorship. We all know that in reality this is unsustainable and without a credible plan the sport will continue to lose participants. Why on earth should any business owner put everything at risk?

Chris will have made a living out of Speedway, not a fortune or an adequate return for the risks or money utilised, for years his life has been Ipswich first, second, third and so on - he's not my cup of tea but if he's come to his senses don't be too hard on him. Just think how much better things would have been if some, not all, of his BSPL colleagues did likewise.

[cowboy cookie returns?]

2 hours ago, RoundTheBoards said:

Why are you making this up?

As i understand it, Sheffield had several offers of interest.  That is what led the Bates' into deciding that they didn't want to sell up at all, and are instead thinking of bringing others in with them.

Not making anything up.

Sheffield had interest but no offers were forthcoming. They have now decided to seek other investment which appears to have been forthcoming.

In Ipswich’s case it’s not about investment, Louis had all that he needed.

For whatever reason he has decided speedway is no longer for him & therefore isn’t going to risk his future on it anymore.

 

[cowboy cookie returns?]

3 hours ago, Aries said:

Why couldn’t he reassure the supporters that there will be Speedway next year? The fact is, his latest interview a week or two ago, he couldn’t guarantee that when pushed. 
 

Why couldn’t he say that he wanted to sell the club (no problem, his choice), but if no buyer came forward in time, he’d continue to run it whilst a buyer could be found for the longer term? Just like the Bates’ have done at Sheffield

How can he reassure the supporters?

For whatever reason something radical changed between the end of October & mid November that meant that he didn’t that he could or wanted to run Ipswich anymore.

The statement put out when he announced it was going up for sale was clear enough. He isn’t running Ipswich in 2026 if a buyer can be found then it will carry on.

He can’t guarantee he’ll find a buyer & as Louis isn’t going to run it in 26 no chance of being able to provide guarantees.

Unlike the other promoters Louis doesn’t have other businesses that he can offset loses against. 
 

Louis seems to have put his family & financial security above running Ipswich speedway in a climate that could see him sustain losses that he can’t afford. 
 

Because of that he has my support because no one else on here would take a major gamble like that with no other income stream.
 

 

[Racin Jason 72]

3 hours ago, Aries said:

Disagree I’m afraid Jason. Why couldn’t he reassure the supporters that there will be Speedway next year? The fact is, his latest interview a week or two ago, he couldn’t guarantee that when pushed. 
 

Why couldn’t he say that he wanted to sell the club (no problem, his choice), but if no buyer came forward in time, he’d continue to run it whilst a buyer could be found for the longer term? Just like the Bates’ have done at Sheffield??

Instead, he’s gone on local radio and caused unnecessary stress to a lot of loyal supporters, by not confirming there would be speedway next year, all whilst jetting off to sunny Australia for a nice sunny Holiday with family. 
 

Just before Christmas too, nice!

Anyone who has been a regular at Foxhall over the years, will know Margaret and her Daughter, Heather Lay. Two huge servants to Ipswich Speedway over decades. Working tirelessly selling draw tickets and helping running the supporters club over many many years.  
 

I caught up with Heather towards the end of the season and we had a chat. She was quite openly telling us that Margaret wasn’t in the best health these days and was struggling to get about. But she STILL makes a huge effort to attend Foxhall every meeting. She said if it wasn’t for her beloved Witches, she’s not sure she’d “still be here”.

I wonder how they’re feeling right now and looking forward to Christmas?

They won’t be alone either. For a lot of people, it’s not just something to do on a Thursday evening, it’s become a massive part of their lives going back decades. They’ll all be feeling worried sick that their Speedway is about to be taken away, just as Christmas is approaching. 
 

Look at the reception they got at the Town hall a few weeks ago. It’s was pi$$ing down, it was a lunch time, and was announced at short notice. And the people of Ipswich turned out in great numbers to celebrate, along with the Mayor. 
 

There’s great people who work at the club, most voluntarily, loyal sponsors who have backed him to the hilt financially, and of course, a core of loyal supporters. All been left totally in the dark and wondering what on earth is going on. 
 

I can only imagine how annoyed fans of Wolves, Arena/Lakeside , Peterborough, Swindon, amongst many others must feel, who have seen their speedway taken away from them due to track unavailability, see another club potentially not running despite a viable club and available track just sitting there. 
 

Ok, it may well break in the next days/weeks that he’s successfully sold the club on, OR, he’s staying and will continue to run it, but that won’t change the fact that he’s handled this very poorly. 
 

In my opinion! Obviously. 

Fully understand and accept your opinion Aries. 
like many others I’ve followed the club for 40 years and I feel like there has been a death in the family with the thought of no Ipswich speedway.  
during my life of ups and downs it’s always been my escape and enjoyment.  
like I said earlier I don’t know the full story and I imagine it will never fully be told. I don’t know if that’s a good or a bad thing tbh. 
fingers crossed we have some good news very soon and we can return to normal and follow the witches. 

[Bald Bloke]

5 hours ago, Aries said:

He’s hardly retirement age is he? 
 

Look, he gave an interview on local radio post play off success, stating that the hard work was already underway in building “another title winning side”. 
 

He was in a jovial mood after winning the league. 
 

There wasn’t a sniff of this happening and we’re talking only a few weeks ago. Let’s have it right here, he’s gotten the hump over something recent, probably the meetings running up to the original date of the AGM where things haven’t gone the way he wanted. 
 

Have they gone the way the other clubs/promoters wanted? Of course not! I’d bet NONE of them particularly want to run a five team league!! But they’re all prepared to battle through what is, to keep a Premiership going. All except the owner of arguably the most well supported, stable club in the Country. 

As you say, probably none of the other Prem promoters wanted just 5 teams, why would they, but they seem to have gone again in the hope that there might be a few teams come back, or something can be sorted for 27. None of them probably get the crowds Ippo does, certainly not at Lynn. It certainly seems like Louis has thrown his toys out of the pram over something.

His choice of course, but a surprising one imho.

 

 

 

[Hamish McRaker]

5 hours ago, Aries said:

He’s hardly retirement age is he? 
 

Look, he gave an interview on local radio post play off success, stating that the hard work was already underway in building “another title winning side”. 
 

He was in a jovial mood after winning the league. 
 

There wasn’t a sniff of this happening and we’re talking only a few weeks ago. Let’s have it right here, he’s gotten the hump over something recent, probably the meetings running up to the original date of the AGM where things haven’t gone the way he wanted. 
 

Have they gone the way the other clubs/promoters wanted? Of course not! I’d bet NONE of them particularly want to run a five team league!! But they’re all prepared to battle through what is, to keep a Premiership going. All except the owner of arguably the most well supported, stable club in the Country. 

I'm just thinking back to the points limit setting for the 2025 season, where if I'm reading correctly between the lines, there was a division between those wanting 40 and those wanting 39. In one corner was i think Birmingham plus another/s, in the other was Ipswich plus other/s. And the 40 limit was greatly advantageous for Ipswich, as it allowed them to have Brennan and keep the rest of the side mostly intact, and strong. 

So it would appear that Louis got his way, there, along with others, perhaps at the expense of others and maybe at the expense of a more competitive league?

However, I do accept what a huge favour he did the league and for the sport in the UK by bringing Sayfutdinov here, especially in his first two seasons when Emil would have put extra numbers on attendances everywhere, and I understand how much hard work he put in to make that happen 

[YeOldPitGate]

4 hours ago, old bob at herne bay said:

2 offers that didn’t meet Louis’s expectations, we are told ?

Any ideas on what valuation you would give for Ipswich Speedway Ltd. ? Top 2 riders from 2025 unavailable, 2025 TM has retired, main sponsor from 2025 left the building ….. 

Maybe airfence , tractor and track prep gear worth a few bob , 

 

any ideas please ?

This is the problem clubs are essentially worthless you are being asked to buy into a dying business model so the only likely buyers will be long term fans, it used to be that when a club was in trouble their would be several interested parties but with speedways ageing demographic a lot of the wealthy fans are now pushing up the daisies leaving an ever shrinking pool to possibly be the latest saviour of the club/s.

[Steve Irving]

3 hours ago, Byker Biker said:

I believe it was inevitable that some would turn against Chris if there appeared to be little progress or positive news.

This isn't the first time he has threatened to sell or withdraw from one of the leagues to the other when faced with certain challenges. In truth Ipswich for many, many years has had extremely good benefactors behind the scenes which has allowed the business to develop and bring some of the world's best riders to Foxhall consequently Ipswich fans have been very lucky to enjoy stability of management and ownership. Times have changed significantly with clubs (like any small business) facing horrendous costs which has placed an even greater reliance on "benefactors" / sponsorship. We all know that in reality this is unsustainable and without a credible plan the sport will continue to lose participants. Why on earth should any business owner put everything at risk?

Chris will have made a living out of Speedway, not a fortune or an adequate return for the risks or money utilised, for years his life has been Ipswich first, second, third and so on - he's not my cup of tea but if he's come to his senses don't be too hard on him. Just think how much better things would have been if some, not all, of his BSPL colleagues did likewise.

As far as I’m aware, he had no other job outside of speedway? So unless he made enough money out of his riding career to never work again (obviously not), then he simply MUST be earning a living out of Ipswich Speedway. Just like his Father John did before him.

Id also bet that the 5k+ attendance at 24? Quid a pop (no season ticket admission remember) for the play off final has nicely paid for his little Holibobs to the other side of the world!

[mikebv]

12 minutes ago, Steve Irving said:

As far as I’m aware, he had no other job outside of speedway? So unless he made enough money out of his riding career to never work again (obviously not), then he simply MUST be earning a living out of Ipswich Speedway. Just like his Father John did before him.

Id also bet that the 5k+ attendance at 24? Quid a pop (no season ticket admission remember) for the play off final has nicely paid for his little Holibobs to the other side of the world!

And, you would have to think, put the P+L account looking quite healthy...

However, no guarantee of the same this season, or any season, going forwards, so any potential purchaser would not be including those numbers in their bid..

And. No Emil and Doyle? Maybe sponsors money will drop too without the star names?...

And with the stars missing, and the same teams on repeat, maybe the average attendance could also be hit? 

Any buyer would probably need to be a fan with an outside business, and be happy to spend what is needed...

[old bob at herne bay]

To all the critics of Christopher Louis.

If you were presented with proposals that you believe would make your business unprofitable in 2026 ... and you were dependent on that business for your living , would you decide to 

(a) carry on with your business, and make a loss 

(b) sell the business and take a change of career

[Racin Jason 72]

4 minutes ago, mikebv said:

And, you would have to think, put the P+L account looking quite healthy...

However, no guarantee of the same this season, or any season, going forwards, so any potential purchaser would not be including those numbers in their bid..

And. No Emil and Doyle? Maybe sponsors money will drop too without the star names?...

And with the stars missing, and the same teams on repeat, maybe the average attendance could also be hit? 

Any buyer would probably need to be a fan with an outside business, and be happy to spend what is needed...

No tv money worth £60k and a new airfence is required probably approx £35k   So a deficit of ££95k before a wheel has touched the track. 
Prospective purchasers please form an orderly queue. 

[Aries]

8 minutes ago, mikebv said:

And, you would have to think, put the P+L account looking quite healthy...

However, no guarantee of the same this season, or any season, going forwards, so any potential purchaser would not be including those numbers in their bid..

And. No Emil and Doyle? Maybe sponsors money will drop too without the star names?...

And with the stars missing, and the same teams on repeat, maybe the average attendance could also be hit? 

Any buyer would probably need to be a fan with an outside business, and be happy to spend what is needed...

I’d say almost certainly terms would have to be renegotiated. No TV (yet) exposure either. On the flip side, those two missing would save an awful lot of cash. They were both apparently, very expensive so horses for courses.

[Steve Irving]

14 minutes ago, old bob at herne bay said:

To all the critics of Christopher Louis.

If you were presented with proposals that you believe would make your business unprofitable in 2026 ... and you were dependent on that business for your living , would you decide to 

(a) carry on with your business, and make a loss 

(b) sell the business and take a change of career

Your point would carry far more weight if he wasn’t alone and others were doing the same. But they’re not are they? There’s four other clubs in that division, all four are not as well backed as Ipswich, and all four don’t get the numbers through the gate that Ipswich do either. And yet all four are prepared to battle on to save Speedway in the top flight while Louis has bailed. Louis has seriously let down the people of Ipswich and the amount of people coming on here and defending him is bonkers!

[BluPanther]

25 minutes ago, Steve Irving said:

Your point would carry far more weight if he wasn’t alone and others were doing the same. But they’re not are they? There’s four other clubs in that division, all four are not as well backed as Ipswich, and all four don’t get the numbers through the gate that Ipswich do either. And yet all four are prepared to battle on to save Speedway in the top flight while Louis has bailed. Louis has seriously let down the people of Ipswich and the amount of people coming on here and defending him is bonkers!

The top flight is finished, nothing is going to save it...