LEICESTER Lion Cubs kick off the busiest phase of their WSRA National Development League campaign when they host Buxton at the Hydroscand Arena, Beaumont Park on Sunday (3pm).
The Lion Cubs have won all three of their matches so far this season, although only one of them has been in the league.
Now they head into a run which will see them race four times in a fortnight and offers them the chance to set down their own marker in response to the fine form being shown by Edinburgh in the first half of 2026.
The Lion Cubs will go into Sunday’s meeting with Buxton high on confidence having already beaten the Bulls home and away in challenge matches earlier in the season.
However, it will be a different Bulls team on track on this occasion as skipper Jack Smith is back having missed their previous visit, and the Peak District side have also tempted Jack Roberts back into the sport after an absence of nearly two decades, and he could well be a key figure at reserve.
Despite no team racing for a month, the majority of the Leicester riders have been keeping busy, with Freddy Hodder taking pride of place with his first-ever maximum at senior level when he sensationally went unbeaten for Glasgow at Oxford in the Championship last week.
Tom Spencer returns after missing the previous Buxton encounter with injury, but the Lion Cubs will be without Max Perry who is racing in Pardubice this weekend in an SGP2 qualifier.
Rider replacement will be in operation with all riders except skipper Ben Morley eligible to take an extra outing.
Manager Jen Crossland said: “The team has been working together exactly as we hoped it would, and there’s been some great improvement from several riders which is what it’s all about at this level.
“But I do think it’s safe to say this will be a tougher match than the last time Buxton were here, especially with them having brought in Jack Roberts at reserve.
“We’ll be looking to keep things going and remain unbeaten this season, and the riders really do appreciate the support they receive.”
Gates open at the Hydroscand Arena at 1.30pm on Sunday, with a reminder that Lions season ticket holders can gain admission for just £7.
LEICESTER: Ben Morley, Tom Spencer, Max Perry R/R, Ryan Ingram, Freddy Hodder, Eli Meadows, Seth Norman.
BUXTON: Alfie Bowtell, Jack Shimelt, Luke Harris, Arran Butcher, Jack Smith, Ryan Ashcroft, Jack Roberts.
