LEICESTER have moved for former Plymouth racer Eli Meadows who becomes their fourth signing for next season’s National Development League campaign.
Meadows, 20, made his NDL debut with the Devon club in 2022 which was his only previous season at that level, but it is his progression this year especially which has brought him to the Lion Cubs’ attention.
He rode for Birmingham Buffaloes in the Midland Development League, where in 22 rides across seven matches he dropped just three points in total, and his 11.45 average was the highest of any of the regular riders in that competition.
And the Worcestershire-born rider admits he’s now in a far stronger position to make the step back up to full-time NDL racing.
He said: “I’m very excited to be back in the NDL next season, I wasn’t ready for it before and it showed in my performances.
“But after having a good amount of time in the MDL I feel like I’ve got a lot of confidence in myself now and I can’t wait to get the season started, especially with the league champions.
“I think my improvement was a combination of having more experience and also better equipment, because me and dad both invested heavily in my equipment last winter.
“I also rode a lot last winter and had a lot of help from Paul Hurry and Sam Hagon, and I was also back to having fun!
“Leicester is a track I’ve always enjoyed riding and racing at, and I believe we have a very good chance next year and I hope to contribute as many points as possible.
“I practiced at Leicester recently and I hope to have a few more practices and amateur meetings before March. This winter I’ll be mostly playing golf and also working a few practice days in there too.”
Meadows joins Ben Trigger, Ryan Ingram and captain Max James as confirmed Lion Cubs signings for 2025, with the remaining riders to be announced in the coming days.
