LEICESTER have completed their National Development League team for 2024 with the signing of former British Youth Champion Sonny Springer.
Having turned 15 last month, Springer will race in the NDL for the first time and will become the latest in a series of riders to be given their debut in league racing by the Lion Cubs.
Springer is a rider for Godden Engineering and has come through the British Youth system, becoming 125cc Champion in 2020 in a series which came down to a dramatic decider at Belle Vue involving three other contenders – Max Perry, Ben Trigger and Ace Pijper.
That year also saw him win the Scunthorpe Summer Series, and he had already served notice of his potential with fifth place in the International 125cc event at Zolder in 2019 which featured eight British riders, the majority of whom are now UK league regulars.
Springer then moved up to the 250cc category, securing fifth and third place finishes in the British Youth Championship, before riding a 500cc machine for the first time at Iwade in August 2022.
His opening BYC year at 500cc level was a most useful learning experience and he picked up podium finishes in rounds at Redcar (second), Birmingham and Workington (third) this summer as he looked to prepare for his NDL entry in 2024.
Lion Cubs boss Dave Howard said: “After Sonny’s great efforts in the 500cc British Youth Championship in 2023, 2024 gives Sonny his first year of NDL racing.
“I’m sure he will show us what he can do and progress well during the 2024 season for the Lion Cubs, and it’s a pleasure to have Sonny in the team.”
With the Lion Cubs’ team for 2024 now complete, the club would like to place on record their thanks to the three departing members of this year’s line-up – Dan Thompson, Max Perry and Ashton Boughen.
All three made an outstanding contribution with Dan having been with the Cubs since their league entry in 2019, Max taking huge strides in his two years in the team, and Ashton enjoying a remarkable debut campaign.
The three riders have all secured team places in the Premiership and/or Championship for 2024 and we wish them all the very best.
LION CUBS 2024: Joe Thompson 9.08, Tom Spencer 5.78, Max James 5.70, Arran Butcher 4.69, Vinnie Foord 3.81, Luke Crang 3.61, Sonny Springer 3.00.
