Simmons hopes to secure win off track

Elvin King

IPSWICH Evening Star Witches are back in action today - on two fronts.

After riding just one meeting in the last 31 days, they visit Belle Vue in an Elite League fixture that is being televised live by Sky Sports (start 7.30pm).

But, before then, the Ipswich hierarchy will be assembling at ACU headquarters in Rugby to argue their case in a special tribunal over Swindon's use of Joel Parsons as a guest against the Witches on April 14.

Promoter John Louis, rider/manager Chris Louis and team manager Pete Simmons have a strong case and Simmons said: “We will be very disappointed if we come away the losers.

“Decisions like this have not always gone Ipswich's way in the past. It has perhaps been a 'them and us' situation.

“But we aim to put that right as there is no doubt that Parsons' average was too high. We have a signed statement from Shaun Tacey confirming he was booked to ride for the Robins before being withdrawn late on.

“We are not just fighting for Ipswich speedway, but for the sport as a whole and a positive decision for us will benefit a number of other Elite League clubs as well.”

If Parsons' seven points are struck off, the meeting would become a draw after Swindon's 50-43 victory.

This in effect would give the Witches one more point and dock two off title rivals Swindon's total and give Ipswich's play-off hopes a considerable boost.

Rumour has it that Swindon, who have British Speedway Promoters' Association president Terry Russell as a co-promoter, feel they might win the case on a technicality with Ipswich not paying their appeal fee in time.

“We are prepared for all consequences,” added Simmons.

“At the end of the day the meeting referee should have been stronger and not allowed Parsons to ride.

“If we lose on Monday - and we don't expect to - then we can take the matter to a higher level and bring barristers into play.”