KENNETT SET FOR WITCHES RETURN

IPSWICH have moved to sign former British No.2 Edward Kennett who is set to return to official league racing next month for the first time since 2022.

Kennett, who had a spell with the Witches in 2019 which was their first season back in the top-flight, is coming in on a 28-day contract for Swedish racer Philip Hellstrom-Bangs  who has been ruled out with illness.

He plans to practice at Foxhall following the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership clash with Northampton on Thursday before making his debut against Sheffield on Thursday June 4.

Manager Paul Hurry said: “I have watched him on the grass for the last three or four years, and he has been a frontrunner. But now he wants something to focus on and to get back into speedway.

“If Philip is available after the 28 days, we can slot him back in. If Edward comes in and starts scoring points, we’ll have to reassess things. I am hoping he does score. Edward has been a really good rider in the past.

“I think he’s going to need a meeting or two to find his feet and get back in the groove of things. But when you look back at his history, he has all the credentials there to be another top British rider – as long as he focuses, keeps himself in shape and makes a few starts.

“He has promised me that he is going to look after his equipment and give it a good shot.”