LEICESTER have pulled off the biggest signing in the club’s history by snapping up Slovakian sensation Martin Vaculik.
It’s a move which will make the rest of the Premiership sit up and take notice as ambitious club bosses look to mount a serious title assault in 2018.
And Watling JCB Lions co-promoter Neil Machin said: “This is a remarkable coup for everyone at Leicester Speedway.
“We need to place on record our thanks to former rider Simon Stead, he has worked closely with Martin all year, and helping to set this deal up.
“It’s just the type of signing to get the Leicester fans excited about and I’m sure it also gets the rest of the sport talking.”
Vaculik admits a move to Beaumont Park is just what his career needs at this stage.
He won the opening round of the 2017 FIM Speedway Grand Prix series in Slovenia with 16-points but finished ninth in the series and was handed a wildcard for next year.
Now he’s ready to take his career to the next level by racing in the UK.
“I’m pleased to be coming to Leicester,” he said. “British Speedway is the logical step for me to take now, it’s going to further my education as a rider.
“It’s going to give me new challenges with the different type of tracks out there and I’m looking forward to coming to British Speedway.
“I’m happy with how my 2017 season went but I am changing certain aspects and it’s all with the aim of making me a better rider.
“I want to thank everyone for their help and support in 2017 and now I am starting to look towards next year to take another step closer to my dream.”
It’s the latest piece of great news for the club after announcing a renewed two-year sponsorship agreement with Watling JCB at the final home meeting of the season.
Club bosses will attend the sport’s AGM in Tenerife later this month before making any further team plans.
