Magnus Karlsson, who made a massive impact on his arrival at Leicester last season, has been granted a testimonial in recognition of his ten years’ service to British Speedway. The youngest of three racing brothers, Magnus made a stunning debut for the Lions by reeling off five wins against Sheffield and ended the season as the number one rider at the club.
Leicester’s season will open with Karlsson’s testimonial meeting on Saturday 17th March and the Lions heat leader is very pleased to start the build-up for his big day by announcing that Nicki Pedersen, the three-time World Champion, is the first to accept an invitation to appear at Beaumont Park. Denmark’s multi-national champion said: “I’ve known Magnus and his brothers for so many years and I ride together with Magnus in the Swedish League. I did last year and will again this year. He invited me if I was interested so that he could get some good names into his meeting, so it’s nice to help and it also helps me to get as many meetings as possible before the first Grand Prix.
“I haven’t been to Leicester but I have been on to YouTube and seen some videos, it looks great. It looks like a proper speedway track. I look forward to it, it’s always good to come and try a few things for the start of the season, and also have a great day for Magnus.”
Magnus added “Nicki’s a really nice guy off the track you know, always comes and talks. He’s easy to talk to and I’m very happy he’s doing my meeting.” Riding for the Lions has been a new lease of life for the thirty year old Swede who first rode in the UK for Edinburgh in 2002. He went on to say: “I haven’t enjoyed speedway this much for many years. I love riding at Leicester and with the team we have this year we should be able to move up the table a bit and not be at the bottom! I haven’t finally decided on the format of my meeting yet, it will depend on the riders available.”
The inclusion of Nicki Pedersen, a true world-class performer, is sure to make the event an attractive fixture to launch the second season of racing at Beaumont Park in what will be the first official appearance of a Speedway Grand Prix World Champion on Leicester’s track.
