MICKIE Simpson will be back in Leicester colours next season after agreeing a return to the club’s National Development League side.
Simpson showed great progress in his debut campaign of 2021 when he came into the Lion Cubs’ line-up in June after a slightly delayed start due to wrist and finger injuries.
He was initially thrust into the No.2 position but picked up his first race win in his fourth appearance at Eastbourne, and then came on strong on the closing weeks of the season with a productive run of results at reserve.
Simpson collected eight points in the home draw against Kent, and then added 7+2 in the reverse fixture at Central Park and seven in the final meeting against Belle Vue – both of the latter two also including race victories.
It means the 17-year-old will go into the 2022 season on a starting average of 3.62, which is set to place him in the top five of the line-up and give him the opportunity to put a year of learning to good use.
Boss Dave Howard said: “After the great progress Mickie made to end the 2021 season, scoring consistently and winning races, there was never a doubt that we wanted him in the team again.
“With that year of NDL experience behind him, Mickie has the ability to raise his average substantially in 2022 and give the team some real second-string strength.”
Simpson joins Tom Spencer and new signing Connor Coles as confirmed Cubs starters so far, and the club expect to make a further announcement prior to the New Year.
