AUSTRALIAN star Nick Morris is staying with Leicester for their big move up to the Premiership next season.
Morris has spent the bulk of the last two years at No.1 for the Watling JCB Lions in the Championship, whilst also racing in the top-flight for Wolverhampton.
He had a hugely impressive home record in 2022 with a string of maximums at the Paul Chapman & Sons Arena, and his retention at the higher level gives the Lions further strength, especially as he comes in as the fourth-ranked rider based on starting average.
Morris ended the season on 6.48 in the Premiership, and that’s a figure he is expected to increase next year.
Team boss Stewart Dickson said: “First and foremost we’re thankful to Wolverhampton for giving us the opportunity to keep Nick at Leicester.
“I’m sure he’d tell you himself that it was a tough decision because Wolves are a very professional club who looked after him well, but we made him clear that we wanted him to stay with us.
“He’s the track record holder around the Paul Chapman & Sons Arena, and with the new ruling in play for the aggregate bonus point, he was one rider that we very much wanted to keep, and we’re very pleased that we’ve managed to do so.
“I’ve had a look back to his scores from when he was riding for Swindon, and it’s clear that Nick should not be a six-and-a-half point rider in the Premiership, and we’ll be working to get him back up.
“His home form certainly isn’t an issue, and what we’ll be working on is his consistency on the away tracks.
“Nick isn’t coming here to be a second-string at Leicester next season, rest assured about that. On the average that we’re getting him at, I think he’s the one that can move up the averages, which is something that all team managers look for.”
The Lions now have Morris confirmed along with Max Fricke, Richard Lawson and Chris Harris, which leaves 8.86 points remaining for the final two members of the top six, with a Rising Star also to be added.
*LEICESTER have reintroduced ‘kids for a quid’ admission – after taking on board feedback from supporters.
Children aged 16 and under will now be admitted to all meetings for just £1, as the club look to make it easier for families to attend.
Supporters are reminded of the Season Ticket Open Day at the Paul Chapman & Sons Arena this Sunday (December 4) between midday and 2pm.
