FOXES MAKE DOUBLE CHANGE
FORMER British Champion Adam Ellis is joining Northampton Foxes as part of a double team change for the final phase of the club’s debut Premiership season.
The 30-year-old is an established GB international who took the national crown in 2021, and he makes a return to British racing after being with champions Ipswich last year.
Ellis will be joined in the Foxes’ line-up by exciting 18-year-old Australian Mitch McDiarmid as the club casts an eye ahead to the future.
McDiarmid currently races for Oxford in the Championship and is also a regular in the SGP2 (World Under-21 Championship) series.
The club have been in contact with treble World Champion Tai Woffinden, who recommends McDiarmid as a rider with huge potential for the years ahead.
Both Ellis and McDiarmid will make their Foxes debuts at Ipswich on Thursday (August 6) before appearing at the Shaleway for the first time against Belle Vue on August 13.
The Foxes have mutually agreed to part company with Matej Zagar, who has struggled to hit top form since his return from the broken ankle he suffered in a crash at Belle Vue back in May.
Also making way is Troy Batchelor, who is currently sidelined with a knee injury having missed meetings for both Northampton and Workington over recent days.
Co-promoter Paul Hunsdon said: “We talked with Matej after the Sheffield meeting last week and reached a mutual agreement for him to stand down with immediate effect.
“He hasn’t scored the points that either he or the club were hoping for since his injury, but we thank him for his efforts and he leaves with our best wishes.
“We’ve been in contact with Adam for some time. He’s a tried and tested rider who has been looking to return to the Premiership, and we’re pleased to be able to make it happen.
“He’s demonstrated a very professional approach in all the conversations we’ve had to date, and we’re looking forward to welcoming him into the team.
“The reason we’re replacing Troy is because we have an opportunity to give Premiership experience to Mitch, who is highly recommended by Tai, and we all feel this is the right time to take that course of action.
“Tai has spoken to both myself and team manager Chris Adams regarding Mitch, who he believes has a very bright future in the sport.
“Mitch is very much looking forward to it and from our side there are no expectations being placed on him, because this will be a tough step up, but we know his potential and he’ll be giving it absolutely everything.
“Troy is currently on the sidelines with a knee injury as we know, and we aren’t sure when he’ll be returning to action.
“With six matches remaining this year this is a chance for us to look to the future, and we want to do that with riders who are fully committed to Northampton Speedway.”
Ellis joins on a 6.07 average from his season with Ipswich in 2025, whilst McDiarmid’s average is converted from the Championship with Oxford and he will come in for the Foxes on a figure of 3.44.
New averages for August will also see Niels-Kristian Iversen take over at No.1 for the trip to Ipswich on Thursday, with the remainder of the riding order to be confirmed in due course.