LEICESTER are delighted to confirm top Australian star Max Fricke will remain with the club as No.1 next season.
Fricke was the big marquee signing for the Watling JCB Lions when they were elevated to the Sports Insure Premiership last winter, and he quickly justified that billing with a string of impressive performances.
In fact, he was only out of double figures on three occasions throughout the league campaign and after a couple of meetings to get to grips with his home circuit, he produced some magnificent displays at the Pidcock Motorcycles Arena, Beaumont Park, including back-to-back maximums against Belle Vue and Peterborough during an incredible 14-race unbeaten spell at home.
And there was a memorable six-ride showing at Wolverhampton where Fricke raced to a 15-point maximum and then teamed up with Richard Lawson for a 7-2 in the match-clinching Super Heat after the clubs drew 45-45.
Team boss Stewart Dickson admits completing the signing of his No.1 was top priority – and says there could be even more to come in 2024.
Dickson said: “It’s a big signing for us. We were desperate for Max to come back, and he was desperate to come back as well.
“We’re very pleased that he’s coming back to Leicester, and I’m sure he’ll lead from the front once again from the No.1 position.
“The fact that he was happy to come back was very important, he said it was the only place he wanted to go, and that’s always pleasing to hear.
“On an average of 8.98 he is officially the league’s third-top rider, and it’s a big season ahead for him because in my opinion to get to the next stage he has to go beating the likes of (Jason) Doyle and (Emil) Sayfutdinov, the two who are above him in the averages, and talking their scalps on a more regular basis.
“If he can do that, then he could be even better for us next season, but the main thing he is a high-quality performer, very professional in everything he does, and we’re delighted he’s coming back.”
The Lions expect to have another deal in place prior to Sunday’s Open Day at Beaumont Park (midday start) which will feature on-track practice, pits tours, display bikes, Track Shop and catering, with 2024 season tickets on sale.
