Since officially taking over the club this week Leicester Speedway’s new owner Damien Bates has made quick progress with the task of assembling a team to represent the Lions this season.
Swedish international Kim Nilsson and Josh Auty have been named as Leicester’s first signings for the 2017 Premiership campaign which starts in April. Nilsson has spent the last three seasons with the Lakeside Hammers and made great strides to finish the year with the third highest average in the team and he won the Essex club’s award for ‘Rider of the Year.’ In his last appearance at Beaumont Park in April Nilsson scored eleven points out of a possible twelve which turned out to be one of his best performances on an away track. Kim became available following the decision by Lakeside to drop down two divisions.
Nilsson said: “It’s a shame Lakeside could not continue in the top league as I expected to stay there to start with. I could not see any other option at the moment I was informed about their decision to move down until I got asked by Leicester if I wanted to ride there. From that moment it really felt like an opportunity for me to try something new. I had a great season at Lakeside last year but I think changing track and just do something different will help me to continue my progress in speedway. I am now really looking forward to ride for Leicester and do what I can to make sure the club reach their goals and put on a good show for the crowd.”
Auty is returning for a third season with the Lions during which time he has proved a popular rider with Leicester fans due to his all-action style and never give up attitude. The twenty-six year old from Mirfield, Yorkshire showed his worth to the team by scoring the most bonus points for Leicester and he ended the season with the highest match average on away tracks.
With five more places to fill more team news announcements are expected in the coming days as the Lions gear themselves up for the season under new ownership.
