Leicester Lions have accomplished their 2026 crew construct with the return of former triple British Below-19 Champion Drew Kemp.
The 23-year-old has been a part of the Watling JCB Lions set-up since their return to the Premiership in 2023, with final season marking his first full marketing campaign with the membership. Drafted in at quick discover on the eve of press day, Kemp answered the decision of crew boss Stewart Dickson and went on to supply his strongest top-flight season up to now, including virtually a full level to his common.
Kemp will start the 2026 marketing campaign at reserve alongside Rising Star Dan Gilkes, a pairing the membership imagine can provide important energy underneath the revised factors restrict.
Chatting with the Leicester Lions web site, Kemp stated:
“I’m trying ahead to being again at Leicester. I had a reasonably good yr final yr, though I received’t make any secret that I made loads of errors.
“However Stewart has given me the chance once more this yr, and I actually needed to come back again to Leicester to rectify these issues. I do know I can do this.
“Clearly coming second within the final two years isn’t splendid, however this yr I actually wish to win a league title with Leicester, and it will be superb for the membership.
“We got here away with the KO Cup final yr, which I believe was deserved, and we had been unfortunate within the Grand Ultimate. I believe this yr we will positively come out on high.
“The crew that has been put collectively is absolutely good and has energy in depth, which I believe is vital after just a few rule adjustments. By the point March comes round we’ll be all weapons blazing.”
Kemp will head into the brand new season stuffed with confidence and race sharpness, presently competing in Argentina’s 12-round nationwide championship collection. He has reached the Ultimate in six of the seven conferences staged thus far, with the marketing campaign operating till mid-February.
Once more talking to the Leicester Lions web site, Kemp added:
“Racing out right here is simply going to assist my profession for subsequent season. I wish to begin the yr race-fit from winter racing and I believe it’s going to assist me rather a lot.”
Watling JCB Lions – 2026
Ryan Douglas 8.12, Sam Masters 7.28, Nick Morris 5.89, Dan Thompson 5.87, Kyle Howarth 5.00, Drew Kemp 4.72, Dan Gilkes (RS).
Whole: 36.88
With crew constructing now full, the membership have additionally thanked these riders who won’t return in 2026. Former captain Max Fricke departs for King’s Lynn after three standout seasons in Lions colors, whereas Luke Becker and Joe Thompson additionally transfer on following their contributions throughout a profitable 2025 marketing campaign.
Leicester secured their first top-flight silverware with KO Cup success final yr and reached one other Premiership Grand Ultimate, and the membership have wished all departing riders the perfect for the season forward.
Characteristic Picture courtesy of Leicester Speedway
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