Cairns becomes the Suffolk side’s required under-21 rider, joining Speedway GP icon and former Belle Vue teammate Dan Bewley at Foxhall, along with club captain Danny King and 2025 title winner Jason Doyle.

The 17-year-old has emerged as one of world speedway’s biggest talents, having qualified for the FIM Speedway Under-21 World Championship (SGP2) series this year, as well as winning bronze in the 2024 FIM Speedway Youth World Championship (SGP3) event in Gorzow.

Cairns won league titles with both Premiership club Belle Vue and Cab Direct Championship side Poole in 2026, and he will continue to double up with the Pirates next year.

He hopes to bring his winning touch to Ipswich in 2027, and Cairns admits the chance to hone his skills on Foxhall’s tight and technical track, which is being revamped for next year, was an opportunity he couldn’t refuse.

Will Cairns in action (Image: Ipswich Witches)

He said: “I have always been intrigued by what goes down in the Witches camp. It’s a club that I have always wanted to ride for.

“I grew up wanting to ride for Belle Vue. I became a Colt for two seasons and then I progressed into the Aces side. It was a very difficult decision for me to move away from Belle Vue, but I think I am just doing what’s going to be best for my career.

“The Foxhall track played a big part. I don’t go the best around Ipswich, and I think there is going to be a big step forward in me calling Ipswich my home track. It’s going to be good.

“I will be at No.6 next season, so it will be a little bit of a tougher job for me. I am excited by the team they have put together, and I think I can progress there.”

Cairns concluded: “I think we’ve pulled together a brilliant side. We are well in contention for winning the league next year.”