(SPEEDWAY 1)

DAKOTA North has joined Ipswich - with the Foxhall club completing their team by re-calling three members of their 2011 line-up.North links up with the Witches after spending this year at Somerset, and he will be joined by the returning Taylor Poole, Morten Risgaer and Mat Tresarrieu.Director of Speedway Chris Louis said: “Dakota has been on my radar ever since his 21 point haul at Foxhall last season and after speaking with him it took me no time at all to decide he was the right man to complete the side.“By adding two talented new youngsters and a rider as determined as Dakota to last year's squad we have assembled a team very capable of improving on last year’s third place.”

(SPEEDWAY 2)

JAIMIE Pickard has agreed terms to remain with Stoke for a second season in 2012.Pickard formed a potent partnership with former Potters number one Simon Lambert and added over two and a half points to his starting average this year, and the club’s management believe the youngster is capable of adding to his 6.87 starting average.Promoter Dave Tattum said: “I’m delighted to welcome Jaimie back for the 2012 season. Jaimie had a formidable partnership with Simon, and we saw them score many maximum heat wins with many of them coming in the opening heat which always gives the rest of the team a boost, especially away from home. “He came on superbly for us last season and I’m confident he will continue that progression here next season as he is a very determined young man.”

(SPEEDWAY 3)

REIGNING New Year Classic champion Lee Smart is looking to send out a message to promoters when he defends his title at Newport on January 2.Smart started this year with victory at Queensway Meadows but missed a large part of the season after suffering serious burns in a crash whilst riding for Plymouth at Berwick. 2010 winner Steve Boxall has also been added to the line-up.Smart said: “I think some people, including promoters, seem to think I have retired or something.“Well I haven’t, and I aim to show them I am good and ready to be back in full-time action in March – all I need now is a team place. Winning it last year was brilliant and I don’t aim to give up my title easily!”