Leicester Lions have completed their 2026 team build with the return of former triple British Under-19 Champion Drew Kemp.
The 23-year-old has been part of the Watling JCB Lions set-up since their return to the Premiership in 2023, with last season marking his first full campaign with the club. Drafted in at short notice on the eve of press day, Kemp answered the call of team boss Stewart Dickson and went on to produce his strongest top-flight season to date, adding almost a full point to his average.
Kemp will begin the 2026 campaign at reserve alongside Rising Star Dan Gilkes, a pairing the club believe can offer significant strength under the revised points limit.
Speaking to the Leicester Lions website, Kemp said:
“I’m looking forward to being back at Leicester. I had a fairly good year last year, although I won’t make any secret that I made plenty of mistakes.
“But Stewart has given me the opportunity again this year, and I really wanted to come back to Leicester to rectify those things. I know I can do that.
“Obviously coming second in the last two years isn’t ideal, but this year I really want to win a league title with Leicester, and it would be very good for the club.
“We came away with the KO Cup last year, which I think was deserved, and we were unlucky in the Grand Final. I think this year we can definitely come out on top.
“The team that has been put together is really good and has strength in depth, which I think is important after a few rule changes. By the time March comes around we’ll be all guns blazing.”
Kemp will head into the new season full of confidence and race sharpness, currently competing in Argentina’s 12-round national championship series. He has reached the Final in six of the seven meetings staged so far, with the campaign running until mid-February.
Again speaking to the Leicester Lions website, Kemp added:
“Racing out here is only going to help my career for next season. I want to start the year race-fit from winter racing and I think it’s going to help me 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).
Total: 36.88
With team building now complete, the club have also thanked those riders who will not return in 2026. Former captain Max Fricke departs for King’s Lynn after three standout seasons in Lions colours, while Luke Becker and Joe Thompson also move on following their contributions during a successful 2025 campaign.
Leicester secured their first top-flight silverware with KO Cup success last year and reached another Premiership Grand Final, and the club have wished all departing riders the very best for the season ahead.
Feature Image courtesy of Leicester Speedway
