IPSWICH Evening Star Witches speedway promoter John Louis said today that the Elite League rule book should be ripped up if the result of his side's home defeat by Swindon is not amended.

By ELVIN KING

IPSWICH Evening Star Witches speedway promoter John Louis said today that the Elite League rule book should be ripped up if the result of his side's home defeat by Swindon is not amended.

Louis is in no doubt that Swindon were in the wrong to use Sheffield's Joel Parsons as a guest in a meeting 'won' 50-43 by the Robins on April 14.

“His average was too high, full stop,” stormed Louis. “Some people have said that Swindon may have exploited a loophole as the interim average for Joel was unintentionally delayed by the BSPA.

“But there is no loop hole to exploit. It went against what it says in the rule book.”

Louis has received a reply from Speedway Control Bureau manager Graham Reeve turning down Ipswich's initial protest.

“We have written back as we don't accept his findings,” said Louis. “If we accept what is said we might as well throw the rule book into the bin.”

And Louis has documented evidence from rider Shaun Tacey, who has confirmed that he was down to guest for Swindon until the late afternoon of the meeting.

Louis explained: “Shaun (Tacey) has e-mailed me a list of events as they unfolded on the afternoon of the meeting, and he was down to guest for Swindon until two hours before the start.

“And if he had have done, they would have been legal.”

Reports that Parsons was on his way to Foxhall when his 'higher' average was discovered do not hold any water with Louis, who has been in a similar situation and offered a rider a 'drink' to cover his costs and sent him back.

He had Bjarne Pedersen and then Scott Nicholls block bookings to replace Mark Loram last season, but had to switch after both riders had their interim averages introduced.

The explanation given by Reeve does not appear to ring true, and Louis has the full backing of the Ipswich club to continue to pursue what they see as a gross injustice.

Witches fans Ray Slegg has heard from British Speedway Promoters' Association chairman Peter Toogood after sending an e-mail complaining about the use of Parsons.

“He says he cannot get involved, and has swerved the issue,” said Slegg. “But the decision makes speedway a laughing stock and it is fast losing credibility with its fans.

N (SQUARE) TAI Woffinden, recommended to Ipswich Evening Star Witches by Australian-based former Witch Nigel Flatman three years ago, rider, is the 2008 British Under-21 champion after a brilliant display at Lakeside on Friday.

Woffinden, 17 and now a Wolverhampton asset, was beaten only by Lewis Bridger in the qualifying races, but led the Eastbourne man in the final before Bridger spun and crashed out on the third bend.