Scott Nicholls had treble success with Coventry in 2007

Scott Nicholls is rejoining Ipswich Witches on loan for the rest of the season to replace Jarek Hampel, who has dropped out of the Elite League.

Ipswich-born Nicholls had originally decided against riding in the league in 2009, but has changed his mind.

Meanwhile, Hampel has cited the sport's recent decision to change the play-off system as his reason to quit British racing for this campaign.

Ipswich have also replaced Piotr Swiderski with Troy Batchelor.

Ipswich team manager Pete Simmons says he is disappointed, but understands Hampel's decision.

However, he is keen to welcome Nicholls back to Foxhall.

"The chance to work with such an exciting rider as Scott is something that I am really looking forward to," he said.

"He has not performed to his best this season but I am very confident that a move closer to home is what he needs to put things right."

Outgoing Hampel has been riding for three teams across Europe every week this season, and admitted the effect on his health also played a role in his decision to quit.

"I have been struggling with a virus over the last three weeks, and when the BSPA decided to move the goal posts mid-way through the season as far as the play-offs were concerned, I decided it would have to be Britain that I dropped."

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