MAX James has become the fourth member of Leicester’s 2023 NDL team to secure a return to the Lion Cubs next season.
And the club have also swooped to sign the more experienced Luke Crang, a rider who is expected to substantially increase his average in 2024.
James came through the ranks at the Pidcock Motorcyles Arena, Beaumont Park, appearing as mascot for the Watling JCB Lions and then taking rides for the Cubs last year once he had turned 15 years of age.
His first full NDL season was very impressive as he achieved an average of 5.70 which included several meetings where he was paid for double figures – the highlight being a remarkable 15+1 score as the Cubs won at Edinburgh.
That performance was undoubtedly in the Monarchs’ minds when they handed him a team place for 2024 at Championship level, but he will continue his NDL racing with his local club.
Meanwhile Crang joins the Lion Cubs on a bargain 3.61 average after a 2023 season in which he was beset by mechanical issues and niggling injuries.
He began his career with Coventry back in 2013 but took several years out of the sport before returning after the pandemic in 2021, where he established himself as a heat-leader with Berwick.
Whilst his ’23 campaign with Workington did not go to plan, he is excited for the new challenge with the Lion Cubs and could well be a key figure in the team.
Cubs boss Dave Howard said: “Max made excellent progress with the Lion Cubs last season, and with also riding for Edinburgh in the Championship in 2024, I’m sure he will become a really strong rider in the Lion Cubs’ seven. I look forward to seeing him progress further in 2024.
“On his 2023 average of 3.61, Luke was a big grab for the Lion Cubs, with him telling me that he has invested in machinery to boost on from that average.
“Luke wants to progress to push for a Championship spot too in 2024, so it’s great to have him with the Lion Cubs.”
James and Crang join Joe Thompson, Arran Butcher, Tom Spencer and Vinnie Foord in the side, and the final signing – which will be another new face – will be announced before Christmas.
