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BEN Barker is to lead Ipswichs Premier League challenge next season having been named as the Witches new No.1.Barker joins from Plymouth and will also be switching Elite League clubs from Birmingham. The Foxhall side have made a further new signing by swooping for 16-year-old sensation Adam Ellis in a loan deal from Lakeside.Witches co-promoter Chris Louis said: I am very pleased to welcome the Premier Leagues top number one on board for next year. Ben consistently scores big points wherever he rides and is just what we need to head our team in 2013.Adam is another very exciting rider, albeit at a much earlier stage in his career, and unfortunately he didnt appear on our radar early enough for us to sign him. He is contracted to Lakeside but it will still be exciting to work with a young rider that has so much natural talent and potential for the future.

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ISLE Of Wight favourite Ben Hopwood is a confirmed starter for the Smallbrook club in the National League next season.Hopwood was voted Islanders Rider of the Year in 2012 and club bosses have moved quickly to retain his services, despite the lengthy journey he faces to home meetings from his home near Manchester!Co-boss Chris Hunt said: Ben wanted to be back here next year and we, and Im sure our fans, very much wanted him to be back. Our thanks go to Rye House Premier League promoter Len Silver for readily agreeing to extend his loan to us.Many people overlook the fact that he's still only 21 years of age, hes a real bubbly character and most importantly Im confident that he has the ability to add a couple of points to his 6.16 average next season and subsequently go on from there.