Louis praises Pete and Piotr in defeat

Elvin King

IPSWICH Evening Star Witches promoter John Louis had praise for Pete Simmons and Piotr Swiderski after his team kept themselves on course for a Craven Shield final spot last night.

The Witches currently top the group with three points - with one group meeting to come; at home to Peterborough on Thursday.

If they win that one, and Lakeside and Peterborough win their home meetings when they meet, the group will be decided on race points difference - and Ipswich are currently ahead of Lakeside.

Louis said after a rare night when a couple of races were held in a snow shower: “Our new team manager Pete Simmons is someone who gets stuck in and talks to riders.

“His man management skills are something we have not had before because his predecessor Mike Smillie was more of a technical person.

“And Piotr (Swiderski) has given us an edge. He is so confident at the moment and is scoring freely.

“His signing has been a tremendous boost for us in a year when teams are much better balanced and the racing close.

“Twelve months ago you knew who the top four would be. This year you certainly don't.”

Simmons is looking for a big win on Thursday, saying: “It was important we kept it close last night.

“A big victory in the return against Peterborough will put us in the frame to make progress from our group.

“But we know it will not be easy with Hans Andersen a Foxhall expert.

“And we need Robert (Miskowiak) to be in good health.

“If he had been well last night and Jarek (Hampel) had not been restricted on one full ride on his number one bike we could have collected another three points.

“Piotr has now made big scores on four different tracks this season, and it looks as though he will become a heat leader when the new averages come out.”

Swiderski, a former Peterborough rider, said: “I used to see how Hans Andersen tackled the Peterborough bends, and the lines he took - and I followed suit last night.

“Hopefully I can keep this form going.”