Danyon Hume is hoping his friendship with fellow reserve Connor Mountain, off track, can reap rewards on it.

The two Ipswich Witches youngsters, Hume is 20, Mountain 19, have both been given their chance to ride for the Foxhall Heath side in 2017.

Hume, after an injury-hit finish to 2016 when he broke his collar bone, especially so.

“Thankfully the injury is all sorted now,” he said.

“It’s 100%. I’m working as a joiner in the winter and doing plenty of lifting, so I would know if things weren’t right.

“I’m in the gym now and I can’t wait for the season to start.

“I must admit I had hoped I would get a chance to race for the team this year, but when the call came from Chris Louis it was still a great feeling.”

Hume is part of the Poultec Scheme, which is helping young British riders on their way up in the sport. It is as much to do with diet and fitness as riding a bike.

Hume is one rider who has benefitted from his Poultec experience.

“It’s a great Scheme and it’s where I have become friendly with Connor (Mountain) – he is on it.

“We get on well and talk alot away from the track. So, we are good mates and hopefully we can look out for each other on the track, especially in heat two when we race together.”

The Witches are still putting the finishing touches to their Championship fixture list, as they begin their seventh season in the sport’s second tier.

Again, the Suffolk side have put together a competitive line-up and one that is being tipped by many in the speedway world to be one of the favourites for silverware this year.

“We have a very solid-looking top five,” Hume added.

“There are experienced and good riders in there.

“It is nice riding for Ipswich because you are never put under any pressure. I don’t like putting pressure on myself either. I ride better when I’m having fun.”

Hume certainly made a good impression on the Foxhall Heath faithful when he was given his opportunities last season.

An Ipswich asset, he will be riding for Birmingham again in the National League, as well as the Witches.

“I hope to boost my average in both leagues, and become the No.1 at Birmingham,” he added.