LEICESTER have made Grand Final hero Ellis Perks the third returning rider for their Championship title defence.
Perks was one of the big improvers for the Watling JCB Lions in 2019, raising his starting average from under four to 6.40 whilst creating British Speedway history by winning league honours at all three levels of the sport.
And his ride to clinch the title at Glasgow will never be forgotten as Perks overhauled both Kyle Bickley and Sam Jensen in the penultimate race to secure the Lions’ triumph, just when the Tigers sensed a dramatic comeback was on.
Perks will start the new season with a place in the Lions’ middle-order, on a discounted figure of 6.24, and he joins Ryan Douglas and Ty Proctor as confirmed signings.
Boss Stewart Dickson said: “Ellis was very much the hero at Glasgow, but it was his overall season really, and he’s only going one way as far as I’m concerned – and that’s up!
“He made huge strides in 2019, and I don’t see any reason why he can’t do the same again next year.
“The race wins he got in the National League gave him confidence – it really worked for him, and he was getting more laps in than anybody else around the Leicester track, which was beneficial to both the Lions and the Cubs.
“He was awesome around our home track, and I fully believe he can push for a heat-leader berth in 2020. He’s very dialled-in at Leicester.
“There were one or two other clubs interested in him, which you have to expect to happen, but he wants to remain loyal, and we’ve stayed loyal to him. I’m delighted to have him back.”
Lions expect to name further signings, including new incoming riders, as the week continues.
