IPSWICH Witches promoter John Louis has fond memories of the Star of Anglia.

IPSWICH Witches promoter John Louis has fond memories of the Star of Anglia.

It was back in 1979, and at its first staging, Louis shot to victory, ahead of fellow world stars Ole Olsen (second) and Hans Nielsen (third).

Tonight at Foxhall, after a few years break, the popular individual event is back on the Witches calendar, albeit with a Premier League line-up.

And picking a winner won’t be easy, as Louis explains.

“I think three-quarters of this field could win and that’s what makes tonight’s event exciting,” he said.

“The Premier League has proved a refreshing change for me personally, and I know for many fans. The field we have put together all wanted to ride, couldn’t wait to accept the invite, and we think we have put together an exciting set of riders, many of the best right now in the Premier League.”

And reminiscing about that Star of Anglia win back in 1979, Louis laughed: “I didn’t realise I was that good, beating Olsen and Nielsen!.

“No, they were good days and I think it’s fair to say the better days are on their back at Ipswich, with the move into the Premier League.

“Quite honestly I haven’t enjoyed my speedway for the past few seasons. Riders here, there and everywhere. Airport runs, riders not being able to race, it all became too much to be honest.

“This season is so refreshing, riders can’t wait to race, they are all based here in England and I think the racing has been every bit of good. I’m really enjoying it all again and I know many of the fans are.”

Picking a winner could indeed be a tough task tonight. The ‘Sackers’ Witches are represented by captain Kevin Doolan, Taylor Poole, Chris Schramm and Jerran Hart.

Top PL Aussie stars Jason Doyle and Sam Masters are sure to be among the front runners, as well as local boy Leigh Lanham.

Olly Allen, who is plying his trade in the Elite League with King’s Lynn this season, and who rode for the Witches last year, is quite capable of a rostrum place, while Rye House star Jordan Frampton has impressed on his visits to Foxhall this season.

LINE-UP: Jason Doyle, Sam Masters, Kevin Doolan, Kozza Smith, Ricky Wells, Tyson Burmeister, Leigh Lanham, Jerran Hart, Jordan Frampton, Ritchie Hawkins, Chris Schramm, Taylor Poole, Alex Davies, Olly Allen