Leicester Lions are on the look-out for a new sponsor after Rapid Solicitors were taken over.
The new owners confirmed that they had decided against continuing into a second term of a two year deal which has left the club now looking for a new team sponsor on the eve of the 2015 season.
“In any takeover or merger there are bound to be changes that happen which is only natural as new people see things differently as to how a business is run and where the budget is to be allocated but the news still came as a shock” explained the owner and promoter David Hemsley.
“We had hoped to have gained more prime-time media exposure for Rapid Solicitors through televised matches featuring Leicester. That would have showcased their name to large viewing audiences as the company name is resplendent on our riders’ race suits and advertising panels around the stadium but disappointingly only one of our fixtures was filmed last season. Whilst we do not have any influence over the filming schedule of Elite League speedway matches we made sure that wherever possible Rapid Solicitors was promoted by means of carrying their name in media press releases, website advertising, stadium signage, merchandising and the company name was emblazoned in a prominent position on the team race-wear. However, we are grateful for the support Rapid Solicitors gave us during 2014 and hopefully as a club we gave back to them value for their investment” added Hemsley.
Leicester’s administrative team have not stood still in trying to secure new sponsorship since learning about Rapid Solicitors decision to discontinue with the sponsorship arrangement. “We have been actively canvassing the business community to see if there is interest in becoming one of our main sponsors but so far the response has been disappointing to say the least.”
Speedway returned to Leicester following a lengthy period when the sport lay dormant. On the back of a swell of interest from former fans the project was driven with the help of local people, who, coupled with a strong community interest the dream became a reality.
“When we opened in April 2011 after twenty-eight years in the wilderness it was heralded as one of Leicestershire’s sporting success stories of its day and whilst we have a good many small to medium sized business partners who pledge their support to Leicester Speedway year on year an opportunity now presents itself to become involved as a major sponsor of the team. For those who are not too familiar with what Speedway is all about it is a family orientated sport and our fan base positions us as one of the top major sporting attractions in the County. Gate receipts alone these days are not enough for any sporting discipline to survive and grow and therefore I would be only too pleased to hear from companies who may be interested in learning more about what we can offer them in way of publicity and promotion of their products by becoming a sponsor of Leicester Speedway.”
In the meantime, as the club is currently without a team sponsor, Leicester Speedway will carry the names of two very worthy charities on the team’s new Kevlar race suits this season. Loros (Hospice care for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland) will be displayed on the front of the team racing apparel and the back of the suits will carry ‘When You Wish Upon A Star,’ a charity that specialises in making dreams come true for children with life threatening illnesses.
