King's Lynn Stars owner buys two new clubs

Ambitious King’s Lynn Stars owner Buster Chapman has bought two new speedway clubs for 2019.

The British Speedway Promoters’ Association (BSPA) chairman has concluded deals to purchase arch-rivals Ipswich Witches and also the Peterborough Panthers.

Both Ipswich and Peterborough will compete along the King's Lynn Stars next season after moving up to the Premiership following several seasons in the Championship.

Chapman now owns three of the seven clubs competing in the SGB Premiership in 2019.

It has been announced that Ged Rathbone will remain at the East of England Showground as promoter as will Chris Louis at the Foxhall Stadium.

Speaking about his acquisition of the Panthers, Chapman said: “I am delighted to be commercially supporting this great club as it transitions to the Premiership.

"Ged and his team will still be running the club. We are very excited for all who are connected with this great club."

Chapman is also excited to be working with Louis as the Suffolk side make the move back to the top division after eight seasons in speedway's second tier.

“Chris and Julie share our passion for British speedway and we are delighted to commercially support this great club as it transitions back to the Premiership,” said Chapman.

“Chris and his team will still be running the club. We are very excited for all connected with this great club that has been running for 68 years.”

Ritchie Hawkins will continue in his role as team manager of Ipswich, but Peterborough trophy-winning team manager Carl Johnson has hinted that he will not be part of the new set-up in 2019.

The BSPA confirmed the make-up of the Premier League as: Poole, King’s Lynn, Belle Vue, Swindon, Wolverhampton, Peterborough, Ipswich following the 2018 AGM.