LEICESTER Lion Cubs are back in National League action as Stoke visit the Paul Chapman & Sons Arena on SUNDAY (4pm).
Supporters are reminded that the meeting has been pushed back by one day from its original date due to the all-English Champions League Final on Saturday.
The Roger Webster Lion Cubs have enjoyed an excellent start to life in the third tier, with a home win over Belle Vue and KO Cup progress from their quarter-final tie with Mildenhall.
And showing a clear emphasis on youth progression, the Leicester team on Sunday includes three of the country’s most exciting 15-year-old prospects.
Former mascots Dan and Joe Thompson have already adapted well to National League racing, and they are joined in the side this week by Jordan Palin – the winner of the opening two rounds of the British 500cc Youth Championship, and a double-figure scorer at Leicester for his regular club Belle Vue recently.
Palin makes a guest appearance for the Cubs as the home side have two riders on the sidelines – Jamie Halder following his crash on opening-day, whilst Luke Ruddick serves out the conclusion of a mandatory nine-day absence for concussion.
Palin guests for Halder, whilst Ruddick’s absence is covered by rider-replacement, with all team members except No.1 Ellis Perks eligible for an extra ride.
Stoke await their first victory of the National League season and bring in impressive Kent youngster Anders Rowe to guest for skipper Tom Perry, who is on European grasstrack duty.
The Potters also include in-form duo Connor Coles and recent signing Joe Lawlor, and have hopes of making their own play-off challenge this season.
They lost at home to Kent, but did pick up a useful away point at the Isle of Wight where they led for much of the meeting.
Leicester co-promoter Neil Machin said: “Dave Tattum and Adam Isherwood have assembled a team full of potential, with a couple of journeymen who will expect to score points on Sunday.
“As always, both teams will fancy their chances to secure the league points and a very entertaining meeting is in prospect.”
Admission prices are £12 adults and £10 concessions with children aged 16 and under going free. Sunday’s action gets underway at 4pm.
LEICESTER: Ellis Perks, Ryan MacDonald, Luke Ruddick R/R, Jordan Palin, Danyon Hume, Dan Thompson, Joe Thompson.
STOKE: Anders Rowe, Shelby Rutherford, Joe Lawlor, Luke Priest, Connor Coles, Corban Pavitt, Joe Alcock.
