A thrilling new chapter awaits the Ipswich Witches, champions of the Rowe Motor Oil Premiership, as they embark on an exciting journey with their fans at the forefront. Mayfield, the parent company of the prestigious FIM Speedway World Championships, has officially acquired the club, bringing a fresh era of promise and passion.
Mayfield proudly announces the completion of its takeover, with the Suffolk-based club now under its stewardship. The company has purchased the Ipswich Witches from the legendary Chris Louis, a rider who led the team to league titles in 1998 and again as a promoter in 2025. With Louis deciding to part ways after one of the club's most successful seasons, Mayfield seized the opportunity to step in and secure the future of this iconic team.
But here's where it gets intriguing: this acquisition comes hot on the heels of Mayfield's recent takeover as the global promoter of the FIM Speedway World Championships. It's a double-whammy of speedway dominance, and the company is eager to showcase its expertise and passion for the sport.
Joining forces with Ipswich's management team is co-promoter and general manager Andrew Chisholm, who has a proven track record in the sport. Chisholm, alongside former Ipswich rider and European Grasstrack champion Paul Hurry, will lead the club's operations. Hurry, a member of the Autocycle Union (ACU) Track Racing Commission, steps into the role of team manager, replacing the esteemed Ritchie Hawkins.
As a company deeply rooted in motorsport heritage, Mayfield is thrilled to deepen its involvement in UK speedway. Their commitment to the sport is evident in the words of Coleman, who emphasizes their belief in speedway's potential. "It's a fantastic product, fast-paced and intense, perfectly tailored to modern audiences. Yet, we feel it hasn't always been given the spotlight it deserves. We're passionate about securing its future in the UK, and we're honored to take on the custodianship of Ipswich."
Coleman continues, "This club is more than just a business; it's an institution with a rich history and a dedicated community. We understand the weight of this responsibility and are eager to write the next chapter in Ipswich's story."
However, the road ahead is not without its challenges. Coleman acknowledges the late arrival of Mayfield in the 2026 season, a time when other clubs had already assembled their teams. Despite this, they believe they have crafted a competitive squad, and their immediate focus is on stabilizing the club and laying the foundations for long-term success.
"I want to thank the supporters for their patience during this period of uncertainty. Their loyalty is a testament to the club's spirit, and we aim to repay their faith by building a stable and ambitious future for Ipswich Speedway."
The full fixture list for the Rowe Motor Oil Premiership and details about season tickets will be released shortly. Mark your calendars for March 26th, as the club's press and practice day promises to be an exciting preview of what's to come.
And this is the part most people miss: the true power of speedway lies in its ability to unite communities and inspire passion. With Mayfield at the helm, the future of Ipswich Speedway looks brighter than ever. But what do you think? Is speedway's potential being fully realized? Share your thoughts in the comments; we'd love to hear your opinions on this exciting development!
