LEICESTER’S preparations for the new Premiership season have been boosted by the news Josh Bates will be racing.
Yorkshireman Bates, a double British Under-21 Champion, has been dealing with personal issues and informed the club he was set to retire before Christmas.
But the good news is he will be in Watling JCB Lions colours when the tapes rise on the new campaign.
He has issued the following statement:
I would like to clarify my position for the 2018 season.
I can confirm I will be racing for Leicester in the Premiership and Sheffield in the Championship as I originally planned.
It’s fair to say I have had some personal issues to deal with which I have struggled to handle and it’s not for me to really go into the private details.
I would simply like to thank all my family, friends, sponsors and supporters for standing by me during this difficult time.
I have been back on a bike and I simply love riding Speedway. I would be foolish to throw all that away now.
I have good people around me who can support me and enable me to simply ride the bike and score as many points as possible for my teams.
I wish Speedway fans everywhere a very Happy New Year and look forward to a successful season, for Leicester, Sheffield and I hope British Speedway in general.
The hard work continues here and now as I build up to March.
Josh.
