IPSWICH Witches team manager Peter Simmons is confident 2010 can be a successful year for the Suffolk side. After a well-run press and practice day, the Witches now get down to the job in hand of winning meetings on their newly-shaped track.

IPSWICH Witches team manager Peter Simmons is confident 2010 can be a successful year for the Suffolk side.

After a well-run press and practice day, the Witches now get down to the job in hand of winning meetings on their newly-shaped track.

And tonight (7.45pm) those hopes start with a challenge meeting visit of the Essex-based Lakeside Hammers.

While most Elite League clubs are now up and running, having had a fixture or two, the Witches have yet to get in any racing track time, their clash with Lakeside in Purfleet last week, postponed because of the weather.

But Simmons is hopeful the team can get straight to the point tonight in a manner they are set to continue in 2010.

“In my three years as team boss, this is by far the best starting line-up, I think I’ve enjoyed seeing,” Simmons said.

“There is always room for improvement, but I think this season we have a balanced side, and with an out-and-out number one in Scott Nicholls.

“I’m hopeful and confident we can have a good year.”

Simmons has been a driving force of a manager since he took over the mantle three seasons ago.

His no-nonsense approach may not be every rider’s cup of tea, but he is never scared to say his piece.

The tapes go up then at Foxhall this evening and a large crowd is expected to see the newly-shaped track.