LEICESTER favourites Dan and Joe Thompson have the opportunity to win national silverware for the club at the Paul Chapman & Sons Arena on Saturday (7pm).
The 18-year-old twins represent the Lion Cubs in the National Development League Pairs, an event which brings together combinations from all eight sides in the third tier.
The Thompsons undoubtedly have the track experience necessary, and both are top performers at this level, but the nature of the format means any slip in the closing stages can be ruthlessly punished.
Scoring is on the 4-3-2-0 format, and the first job is to come through the group stages where the Cubs duo face Belle Vue, Berwick and Armadale. The meeting then concludes with two semi-finals and a Final.
Other top NDL performers in the meeting include Belle Vue duo Jack Smith and Harry McGurk, Kent’s Ben Morley, Jason Edwards of Mildenhall, Oxford’s Jordan Jenkins and Plymouth’s Adam Roynon.
Cubs boss Dave Howard confirmed the club’s choice of riders was based on the August averages, which saw the Thompsons both ranked just ahead of Connor Coles who has also enjoyed a terrific season.
Howard said: “With their ‘forever’ knowledge of the circuit and the great team riding they have produced in many Heats 13 and 15 for the Lion Cubs, this puts Dan and Joe potentially in a strong position to challenge for the Pairs crown.
“However, as we all know, with strong ‘Top 2’s’ in many teams, together with the Pairs format and scoring system, when it comes to the crunch end of the meeting absolutely anything can happen.
“I’m sure it will be an entertaining night for everyone to enjoy, and we hope the fans come out in force to back the twins, and hopefully we can win some silverware.”
Admission prices are £16 for adults, £14 for concessions and £1 for children (5-16) whilst under-16s with a paying adult are admitted free of charge.
The ticket office opens at 5.30pm and supporters should note that as Leicester Speedway are staging this event on behalf of British Speedway Promoters’ Ltd, season tickets are not valid on this occasion.
GROUP A
LEICESTER: Dan Thompson, Joe Thompson
BELLE VUE: Jack Smith, Harry McGurk
BERWICK: Luke Crang, Greg Blair
ARMADALE: Elliot Kelly, Tom Woolley
GROUP B
KENT: Ben Morley, Sam Woolley
MILDENHALL: Jason Edwards, Jack Kingston
OXFORD: Jordan Jenkins, Sam Hagon
PLYMOUTH: Adam Roynon, Rhys Naylor
