LEICESTER youngster Joe Thompson will continue as captain of the Lion Cubs next season.
Thompson raised his National Development League average from 6.48 to an impressive 8.52 in 2021, whilst also racing for the senior Lions side in the Championship.
And that figure would have been nearly half a point higher had it not been for the removal of results against Eastbourne, who withdrew from the league in August, as Thompson had scored a superb 17 from six rides in the Cubs’ victory at Arlington.
He was involved in some of the best racing of the season at the Paul Chapman & Sons Arena, including winning an epic Heat 15 battle with Dan Gilkes and Ryan Kinsley in the home draw against Kent, and he rounded off the campaign with a six-ride paid maximum in the win over Belle Vue.
The additional track time provided by racing in the NDL is vitally important at this stage of his career, and there is set to be plenty of competition next year with strong riders being lined up to appear at the top-end for several clubs.
Thompson took over as skipper midway through 2021 when Joe Lawlor made the decision to take time out of the sport, and he impressed in the role despite being aged just 17 himself.
Cubs manager Dave Howard said: “It’s great to have Joe back to captain the Lion Cubs again.
“Joe will be one of the leading lights in the whole NDL and will form a formidable top end for the Cubs as he leads the team into 2022 with the aim of challenging at the top end of the table once again, as well as for Individual and Pairs honours.”
Thompson, Connor Coles, Tom Spencer and Mickie Simpson are the names announced by the Lion Cubs so far, and more news is expected in early January.
In the meantime, Leicester Speedway would like to wish all supporters, staff and sponsors a Happy New Year and we look forward to seeing you back at the Paul Chapman & Sons Arena in the spring.
