Witches finalise line-up

Hampel: Back on board (Pic Fotospeedway.pl)

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Ipswich Witches have confirmed finalised their 2009 plans after confirming deals with five more riders.

Piotr Swiderski and Danny King were already confirmed as Witches for next year, now they have been joined by the returning Jarek Hampel and Tobi Kroner, and new arrivals Leigh Lanham, Dawid Stachyra and Darcy Ward.

Hampel is number one again, whilst German Kroner will be entering his fourth successive season with Ipswich.

Ipswich-based Lanham returns to the club after a number of seasons with Lakeside.

23-year-old Pole Stachyra will start at reserve where he will be joined by exciting Australian prospect Dary Ward - who will be doubling up with his role at King's Lynn in the Premier League.

Delighted

Witches boss Pete Simmons is delighted with how his VII has come together.

"It's great to have Jarek back again in 2009 leading the team and with Piotr and Danny backing him up I'm sure we have a very solid looking top three," he said.

"Tobi and Leigh are two riders who again should be looking to improve their averages in 2009. Dawid comes in on an assessed average of 4 points but I know he will be very keen to up this and progress into the team proper as soon as he settles into the Elite League.

"I am also delighted to have Darcy on board as he is obviously a hot property and has a big future in the sport. I am again looking for a top four finish in 2009 but hope with the revised play off system in place we can improve on last year's disappointing finish to what was an enjoyable first season for me."