Ipswich promoter Chris Louis has announced plans to sell the 2025 Premiership champions, admitting “some things no longer align for me, and unfortunately it is time to step aside.”
Louis spent almost his entire riding career with the Witches, playing a key role in their 1998 Elite League treble season alongside Speedway GP legends Tony Rickardsson and Tomasz Gollob.
Since hanging up his kevlars, he has served as team manager, director of speedway and now promoter, culminating in him leading the club to Premiership glory this season.
British speedway is currently in limbo after British Speedway Promoters Limited’s annual meeting was postponed until January. There are concerns over the future of the Premiership, which has just five clubs as it stands following Birmingham’s closure and Oxford’s decision to opt out and focus on their Championship and National League sides for 2026.
In the final line of his statement announcing his departure from Foxhall, Louis admitted: “Some things no longer align for me, and unfortunately it is time to step aside, but I leave the club and the sport with so many great memories that will last forever. Thank you.”
Announcing his intention to hand the Witches to a new promoter, an emotional Louis said: “It is with a very heavy heart that I have to inform our fans that I will be stepping down from the club ahead of the 2026 season. Following a meeting on Thursday, I have informed my fellow Premiership promoters of my intention to sell the club.
“The Ipswich Witches have been a part of my entire life, from running around the trees on the terraces with a Coke can on my left foot, to being a proud member of the side including winning the title in 1998, through to promoting the side and another title in 2025.
“Through the great times and the tough times, the riders, fans, sponsors, staff and my wife Julie have been right behind me. There are too many to name here, but we did it together and that’s what has made my time with the Witches so very special.
“Every conversation that I have had to inform those people in the club of my decision has been with a tear in my eye. They have all been so supportive and I consider each and every one a friend. I will be working tirelessly over the coming months to ensure that I leave the club in safe hands.”
Louis took over the reins from his father John ‘Tiger’ Louis – a Witches great as a rider and promoter, who passed away last year. He added: “Dad and I have put in 77 years between us, and it has been a privilege to continue the Tiger’s legacy. I hope, perhaps, through the Tiger’s Academy, I can continue in the sport in the future.
“I want to thank every rider that has represented the Witches in my time, either riding with, or for me. There have been so many of you that have given your all for the club, but I have to mention Danny (King) and Ritchie (Hawkins), who have gone above and beyond and supported me throughout.”
He added: “I also want to thank every sponsor that has been so loyal, not only to the club, but to me personally. You have all played such a big part and I have to give another special mention to Guy Nicholls not only for his support through the Tru7 Group but also his help and advice. You will never know what a big part he has played in our most recent success.
“Thank you to everyone that has put so many hours into making our club what it is. I wish I could mention you all by name and I will endeavour to add more detail in the coming weeks.”
Louis confirms co-promoter and team manager Ritchie Hawkins will also depart the Foxhall club. He added: “Ritchie will also be stepping aside, but he has asked me to thank you all for your support and he will be sending his own message soon.”