LEICESTER will have some of the sport’s top talent on show when they host a round of the National League Riders Development Series this Sunday (3pm).
With five of the current Lion Cubs and Watling JCB Lions Rising Star Sam Hagon involved along with 15-year-old William Cairns, son of club owner Paul, there is plenty of interest in the event which is expected to produce an entertaining afternoon of racing.
The meeting is one of a series of stand-alone events for third tier riders this season, replacing the more traditional NDLRC in order to open up more opportunities for youngsters.
One of the meetings has already taken place earlier in the summer, at Poole, and it was won by Hagon with Lion Cubs captain Joe Thompson in third place.
Thompson will be keen to turn the tables at the Pidcock Motorcycles Arena, Beaumont Park, and fellow Cubs riders Tom Spencer, Vinnie Foord, Max James and Sonny Springer are also included in the line-up.
There will also be reunion of the Cubs’ victorious 2022 campaign as Connor Coles, Max Perry and Mickie Simpson, who were all part of that league and cup winning team, also compete on Sunday, whilst the other fancied competitors include Oxford youngster Jody Scott, who has increased his average substantially this season.
The riders will compete over a standard 20-heat format with the result to be decided on those races with no Final, although any ties in the top three will be settled by a run-off. The winner is declared on the day with points not carrying into any other event.
The club would like to thank our meeting sponsors Natural Enzymes, along with Silkolene who will be presenting a goodie bag to all competing riders on parade, and Leicester Hose & Hydraulics who have gifted 3 x 5l of oil for the top three finishers.
There is plenty going on for supporters, with gates open from 1.30pm and early arrivals can test their reflexes against the ‘Beat the Starter’ machine at the main gate, with a prize for the fastest reaction.
At around 2.40pm, and during the interval, there will be demonstration rides on the mini track from youngsters Cruz Harris, JJ Falconer and Harley Lacey.
Normal NDL admission prices apply, and a reminder that Leicester Lions season ticket holders can gain entry for just £6.
LINE-UP: 1 William Cairns, 2 Kai Ward, 3 Joe Thompson, 4 Stene Pijper, 5 Mickie Simpson, 6 Max Perry, 7 Max James, 8 Connor Coles, 9 Senna Summers, 10 Sam Hagon, 11 Matt Marson, 12 Vinnie Foord, 13 Danny Phillips, 14 Sonny Springer, 15 Jody Scott, 16 Tom Spencer. Reserves: Jack Crewe, Joe Crewe.
*LEICESTER Lion Cubs’ away match at Edinburgh is to be re-arranged as the date of August 30 is now required for the Armadale side to race a Championship fixture.
The Lion Cubs return to NDL action next Friday (August 9) when they visit Middlesbrough.
