The Leicester Lions are closing in on finalising their 2026 team after confirming that Great Britain racer Kyle Howarth will return to the Watling JCB Lions.
A former Lions captain during the club’s Championship era, Howarth rejoined Leicester in the Premiership last season following a long and successful spell with Sheffield, where he was honoured with a Testimonial. His return proved an effective one, as he enjoyed a strong campaign at the Hydroscand Arena, Beaumont Park.
Howarth finished the season as the Lions’ top bonus points scorer, forming a productive partnership with Ryan Douglas, and he also played a key role in Leicester’s dramatic play-off semi-final victory over his former club. The 9-point haul in the second leg against the Tigers underlined his importance to the team.
Speaking on the Leicester Lions website, Howarth said he was pleased with how the season unfolded and felt settled working again under team manager Stewart Dickson.
“I was really happy with last season,” he said. “It was a change for me being with Leicester in the Premiership, but I know how Stewart works and what his expectations are of the riders he picks.”
Howarth admitted his average did not fully reflect his contribution, particularly during a spell of rider replacement, and acknowledged a dip in form late in the regular season before regaining momentum in the play-offs.
“I was happy with the points I was scoring but then I had a bit of a blip towards the end of the season just before the play-offs,” he explained. “I just went off the boil, maybe a bit of fatigue kicked in, but then I managed to pick it up in the play-offs and the Final.”
A popular figure with the Leicester supporters during his previous spell at the club, Howarth once again built a strong rapport with the fanbase last season, something he puts down to his all-action riding style.
“Fans want to see out-and-out racing,” he said. “I’m 100 per cent from the get-go and that’s what fans like.”
Howarth also highlighted his affinity with the Beaumont Park circuit and welcomed the opportunity to continue with the Lions in 2026.
“It was nice that Stewart wanted me back in the team,” he added. “He knows what I can do and what I can bring to the table.”
Howarth joins Ryan Douglas, Sam Masters, Dan Thompson and Nick Morris in Leicester’s top five for 2026, with Dan Gilkes set to line up as Rising Star. One further rider is still to be confirmed to complete the Lions’ Premiership line-up.
Feature Image courtesy of Leicester Speedway
