The Leicester Lion Cubs have completed a busy spell of team building by appointing experienced heat-leader Ben Morley as captain, while also confirming the return of Eli Meadows and handing a full team place to 15-year-old Seth Norman.
Morley, 31, arrives with over a decade of National Development League experience and a reputation as one of the level’s most reliable starters. He averaged 8.38 during a late-season stint last year and boasts a strong record around the Hydroscand Arena, Beaumont Park.
The former Kent rider will now lead a youthful Lion Cubs side in 2026.
Speaking to the club’s official website, manager Jen Crossland said: “Ben was in touch with us when we heard that Kent wouldn’t be running this year, which of course is a shame, and we said we’d be interested to talk once the points limit was known.
“When it became clear that we could use him, it was a sensible move for us to make, especially as we’d already seen how well he fitted in when he guested for us home and away against Oxford.
“Obviously he’s the most experienced rider in the team by a long way and we saw in those meetings last year how prepared he is to get involved in helping out the younger riders, which is so important at this level, and that made him the logical choice to be captain.”
The Lion Cubs have also retained 21-year-old Meadows for a second season. After an injury setback midway through 2025, he returned strongly and posted some eye-catching performances during the run-in.
Crossland added on the Leicester website: “Eli is a rider who will benefit from a consistent run in the team, and he showed that when he came back from injury, because he picked up plenty of important points.
“We’re pleased to be able to give him the opportunity to continue his progress, and he also fitted in really well with everyone at Leicester so we’re looking forward to working with him again.”
Meanwhile, one of the club’s most familiar young faces is stepping up full-time. Fifteen-year-old Seth Norman, who has been a regular mascot and youth competitor at Leicester in recent years, moves into the NDL side after impressing in a late-season opportunity.
Norman, who has progressed through the British Youth Championship and transitioned to 500cc machinery, scored 9 and 9+2 in the season-ending double-header last year to underline his readiness.
Crossland said on the club website: “I think everyone has enjoyed watching Seth progress over the last few years during his laps as mascot and also in the British Youth Championship.
“It was a special moment when we were able to bring him into the team for the final meeting of last season, and he did the club and himself proud.
“We have a great history of bringing talented youngsters into the Lion Cubs team, and I’m sure Seth will take his opportunity with both hands.”
Norman completes a youthful 2026 line-up, with experience anchored by skipper Morley and returning Tom Spencer.
Leicester have also confirmed they will continue to stage National Development League fixtures on Sunday afternoons at the Hydroscand Arena. Discussions over the full fixture list are ongoing, with dates subject to the Premiership schedule.
Alongside league racing, the club are planning a potential NDL challenge fixture and will also host a British Under-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.
Total: 41.71
Images courtesy of Leicester Speedway
