The Leicester Lion Cubs have accomplished a busy spell of group constructing by appointing skilled heat-leader Ben Morley as captain, whereas additionally confirming the return of Eli Meadows and handing a full group place to 15-year-old Seth Norman.
Morley, 31, arrives with over a decade of Nationwide Growth League expertise and a repute as one of many stage’s most dependable starters. He averaged 8.38 throughout a late-season stint final yr and boasts a robust report across the Hydroscand Enviornment, Beaumont Park.
The previous Kent rider will now lead a youthful Lion Cubs aspect in 2026.
Talking to the membership’s official web site, supervisor Jen Crossland mentioned: “Ben was in contact with us once we heard that Kent wouldn’t be working this yr, which after all is a disgrace, and we mentioned we’d have an interest to speak as soon as the factors restrict was recognized.
“When it turned clear that we may use him, it was a wise transfer for us to make, particularly as we’d already seen how properly he fitted in when he guested for us dwelling and away towards Oxford.
“Clearly he’s probably the most skilled rider within the group by a good distance and we noticed in these conferences final yr how ready he’s to become involved in serving to out the youthful riders, which is so essential at this stage, and that made him the logical option to be captain.”
The Lion Cubs have additionally retained 21-year-old Meadows for a second season. After an damage setback halfway by means of 2025, he returned strongly and posted some eye-catching performances through the run-in.
Crossland added on the Leicester web site: “Eli is a rider who will profit from a constant run within the group, and he confirmed that when he got here again from damage, as a result of he picked up loads of essential factors.
“We’re happy to have the ability to give him the chance to proceed his progress, and he additionally fitted in rather well with everybody at Leicester so we’re trying ahead to working with him once more.”
In the meantime, one of many membership’s most acquainted younger faces is stepping up full-time. Fifteen-year-old Seth Norman, who has been a daily mascot and youth competitor at Leicester in recent times, strikes into the NDL aspect after impressing in a late-season alternative.
Norman, who has progressed by means of the British Youth Championship and transitioned to 500cc equipment, scored 9 and 9+2 within the season-ending double-header final yr to underline his readiness.
Crossland mentioned on the membership web site: “I feel everybody has loved watching Seth progress over the previous couple of years throughout his laps as mascot and in addition within the British Youth Championship.
“It was a particular second once we have been capable of convey him into the group for the ultimate assembly of final season, and he did the membership and himself proud.
“We’ve got a fantastic historical past of bringing proficient kids into the Lion Cubs group, and I’m positive Seth will take his alternative with each fingers.”
Norman completes a youthful 2026 line-up, with expertise anchored by skipper Morley and returning Tom Spencer.
Leicester have additionally confirmed they may proceed to stage Nationwide Growth League fixtures on Sunday afternoons on the Hydroscand Enviornment. Discussions over the total fixture checklist are ongoing, with dates topic to the Premiership schedule.
Alongside league racing, the membership are planning a possible NDL problem fixture and also will host a British Beneath-21 semi-final, with the date to be confirmed.
Leicester Lion Cubs 2026:Ben Morley 8.38, Freddy Hodder 8.32, Max Perry 7.82, Tom Spencer 6.38, Ryan Ingram 5.18, Eli Meadows 3.63, Seth Norman 2.00.
Complete: 41.71
Photos courtesy of Leicester Speedway
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