(SPEEDWAY 1)

IPSWICH director of speedway Chris Louis says the club will gain a new lease of life from their move into the Premier League.Louis says the decision to leave the top flight was not taken lightly, but is optimistic that the Witches can flourish at their new level.He said: "We wanted to stay in the Elite League, of course we did, and we thought we had found a backer only a few weeks ago to help us achieve that."However, I'm delighted with what I've heard from Premier League promoters. I'm more excited about next season than I can remember for years, and I'm happy at the way it has all turned out."

 (SPEEDWAY 2)

SCUNTHORPE have applied to run a festive meeting on December 27 at the Eddie Wright Raceway.The Scorpions staged the Christmas Cracker last year and have earmarked the same date, although promoter Rob Godfrey says he is prepared to stand aside if another club wishes to run.He said: "I do believe it is something that should be shared around the tracks, so if any other club wants the meeting they can have it."I applied because no-one else, at this point, has applied for it. If no-one else wants it, we'll go for it again."