Teenage star Connor Mountain never felt his chance with Ipswich had gone, even after he broke his back in a track crash at Birmingham in July.

The King’s Lynn-based 19-year-old had been given a chance in the Witches team for 2016 by director of speedway Chris Louis and was doing quite nicely – a paid six points against Berwick at Foxhall Heath on his debut for the club was a good start.

But two weeks later his season came crashing down to earth with that crash at Birmingham that left him with terrible back injuries and metalwork in his body that will be with him for life.

It was season over for Mountain – but he’s back in 2017 for the Witches, with Louis obviously seeing enough of the teenager to give him a chance from the start next year.

“There is never a good time to crash, but having just been given a chance by Ipswich, I suppose it was bad timing,” Mountain said.

“In saying that, I never thought I wouldn’t get another chance. I want to ride in the Championship and I was delighted when Chris (Louis) called.

“I enjoyed my meetings with Ipswich and now I have a chance to get going with them at the start of the season – as you can imagine I can’t wait.”

So, how is his injury coming along?

“My back has two rods and four screws in, they will be in there always,” Mountain said.

“My physio has said that I’m ahead of where I should be at this stage.

“I’ve just finished the hydrotherapy and now I’m on physio.

“My back isn’t giving me too much pain, so I can’t wait to get back on a bike as soon as possible in the New Year.

“Riding for Ipswich is a great chance for me and I really enjoyed it the few times I rode last season.

“I felt no pressure from Ritchie Hawkins (team manager) and Chris – all they wanted to do was help me with my progress.

“Rory Schlein had a similar back injury to me a little while ago, so we are in the same boat – and we’ll be fine.”

Mountain, like Danyon Hume, will start the season on a 2.00 average at reserve.

There is little doubt it will be a tough baptism for both Witches youngsters and until they settle down not too much should probably be expected of either.

Foxhall fans liked what they saw on track from both Mountain and Hume in the meetings they raced in Witches colours.

Their progress will be watched with anticipation.