Ipswich ‘Sackers’ Witches director of speedway, Chris Louis, pictured right, would love nothing more than to have Ben Barker back at Foxhall in 2014.

Ipswich ‘Sackers’ Witches director of speedway, Chris Louis, pictured right, would love nothing more than to have Ben Barker back at Foxhall in 2014.

Barker has, by his own admission, not enjoyed the very best of seasons. His average has dipped and he suffered a back injury late on.

But his all-action style, never-say-die effort and the way he interacts with the fans has made Barker a big Foxhall favourite – after just one season.

“Ben is perhaps more a menace to himself than anything else,” Louis said.

“But as the owner of a club, he’s a dream to have. He’s thoughtful with fans and always gives 110%.

“I’d be happy to work with him again.”

Barker is owned by Coventry however and with the league structure not set to be decided until later this month, nothing at Foxhall team-wise is set to be decided until then.

Louis admits all seven Witches who finished in the team in 2013 are in his plans for next year – “they have all been a pleasure to work with,” he admits.

Thursday night, however it’s individual action at Foxhall Stadium, with the 16-Lapper bringing down the curtain on what has been a good year’s racing on the Heath.

The gruelling marathon final involves eight riders racing over 16 laps. It’s completely unique in the world of speedway and is a great spectacle.

Tonight Louis has assembled a decent field despite Witches stars Rohan Tungate, Cameron Heeps, Adam Ellis and Leigh Lanham all being out injured.

Barker will be a favourite, but with the likes of Richie Worrall, Richard Lawson and Wolverhampton star Adam Skornicki, it won’t be easy for him.

Ipswich’s Morten Risager is quite capable of heading the pack, as is former Witch Kevin Doolan.

Children go free tonight if accompanied by a paying adult and a voucher from this newspaper. And it’s fancy dress, with a wizards and witches competition, which will be judged at the interval.

Tonight’s field

Ben Barker, Richie Worrall, Kevin Doolan, Ritchie Hawkins, Adam Skornicki, Morten Risager, Kyle Howarth, Richard Lawson, Rusty Harrison, Andre Compton, Nico Covatti and Chris Mills