IPSWICH Evening Star Witches skipper and rider manager Chris Louis is banking on Tobi Kroner coming up with the business in the 2008 speedway season.“He is the best reserve in the Elite League,” said Louis today - with the shale sport season revving up in less than three weeks.

Elvin King

By ELVIN KING

elvin.king@archant.co.uk>

IPSWICH Evening Star Witches skipper and rider manager Chris Louis is banking on Tobi Kroner coming up with the business in the 2008 speedway season.

“He is the best reserve in the Elite League,” said Louis today - with the shale sport season revving up in less than three weeks.

And Louis, who is keenly awaiting his 20th consecutive year connected to the Witches, is also looking to Jarek Hampel to make just as big an impact at the other end of the team.

Having looked around the rest of Elite League Louis added: “I don't see another team stronger than us.

“We have a trump card in Jarek Hampel with a six point average, and a reserve rider in Tobi Kroner, who can clean up at the bottom end.

“I know Jarek is going to knuckle down on his return to English racing, and he has the capacity to improve his average considerably.”

Louis, who is not riding league speedway on the continent this season, is looking ahead to a much better Witches campaign than 2007.

“I am happy on two fronts,” he said. “Firstly, the league looks as though it will be much more even, which is miles better than last season when four teams stood out from the start and had things virtually all their own way.

“That could not happen again, and did the sport no favours. And secondly, I am anticipating a much better year for Ipswich.

“We have a side that has the ability to improve right through the side.”

Steve Johnston jetted into the country today raring to go after helping Coventry win the title last season.

He has his kit ready for the big off and said: “I'm looking forward to meeting up with the rest of the guys. The team looks good to me.”

And Louis, 38, added: “Steve enjoyed riding with us in his previous time at Foxhall.

“And I am sure he will again.

“He is like the rest of us. As he proved last season with Coventry - if you are relaxed in your environment and surroundings you will do well.

“Robert Miskowiak can beat the likes of Jason Crump around Foxhall, and I know he is keen to gain his big breakthrough this year by becoming more consistent.

“Piotr Swiderski sees his spell at Ipswich as being a major part in his progression up the ladder. Unlike Peterborough, you can learn much more about track craft at Foxhall.

Chris Schramm makes up the side with an assessed three point average with the Witches beginning their campaign with home and away challenges against fierce Norfolk rivals King's Lynn.