Ipswich-born speedway ace, Joe Jacobs, has retired from the sport.

The 24-year-old made a big impact when joining the Witches midway through the 2016 season, doubling up with Belle Vue in the Elite League. He has also ridden for Mildenhall Fen Tigers.

However, he surprisingly couldn’t find a team berth in 2017 after a successful 2016, and has so far not found one again in 2018.

“After a lot of consideration, I have taken the difficult decision to retire from speedway racing,” Jacobs said.

“Speedway has been a big part of my life for 10 years and at 24 years of age I need to consider my future career and have decided it is time to make a clean break and explore other options.

“To continue in speedway I need to be riding in both the Premiership and Championship for speedway to work financially for me. I have been in discussion with a number of clubs but know this is not going to be possible now for the start of the season.

“After last season, where I only had a one month contract mid-year and a few open meetings, I don’t want to be again sitting and waiting for the possibility of team changes during the 2018 season that may or may not come my way. This uncertainty is not fair on my sponsors or on my current employer, so I have made the positive decision to move on from the sport.

“Speedway has been really good for me. I have had the opportunity to travel and have met a lot of great people in and around the sport. I would like to thank my sponsors, many of whom have been with me for most or all of my racing career.

“I would also like to thank all of the promoters and management teams that I have worked with over the last ten years.”