Louis defends Foxhall track staff

CHRIS Louis has defended the club's track staff after allegations that they are 'unbelievably unprofessional.'

Eastbourne skipper Davey Watt was reported to referee Paul Carrington after intentionally revving up his machine in front of Foxhall Stadium clerk of the course Keith Barton last Thursday.

Watt is set to be subject to a fine for his actions after he was delayed lining up at the tapes because his chain guard was deemed illegal at the start of heat 11.

“I have every faith in the ability of our staff,” said Witches rider manager Louis. “They do an excellent job every week and Keith was doing his duty at the time Davey became upset.

“When you are lining up at the tapes you are on edge and I can understand Davey's frustrations at being distracted. But his equipment was faulty and needed attention.”

After Watt's retirement in heat 11 the meeting swung Ipswich's way with two 5-1s and three 4-2s in the final five races leading to a 53-37 victory.

After missing the start Watt rode round to the centre green start area and twice revved up in front of Barton.

“I made an official complaint to the referee,” confirmed the long-serving Barton. “Stones could have struck me in the eye and I could have been blinded.

“Despite his frustration there was no excuse for Dave Watt to take it out on me.”

A furious Watt stormed: “It was unbelievably unprofessional. They berated and hassled me on the track as I was waiting to race.

“A second can mean the difference between first and last, and to top it all the start was unfair and it led to the downfall of our hopes of winning.

“If people question my actions my answer is that they only have to look at the events leading up to them to understand my frustrations.

“Speedway is my job and it is dangerous enough without being hassled like I was. The tape came off my chain guard, and some new tape was put on.”