In a meeting packed with incidents, momentum swings and on-track tensions, Leicester raced into an early lead before seeing Sheffield battle back from 12 points down to force a last heat decider.

The contest also saw Lions No.1 Ryan Douglas withdraw after a heavy crash, while a fiery Heat 9 clash between Kyle Howarth and Josh Pickering added to the intensity, with the pair involved in a heated exchange after the race. (Watch the race and aftermath in the video below)

Despite the pressure, Leicester held their nerve in the closing stages, with Dan Thompson’s second place in Heat 15 proving enough to seal both the win on the night and progression to the final.

Leicester made a flying start with successive 5-1s in the opening heats to establish control, but Sheffield gradually worked their way back into the meeting.

After falling behind by double figures, the Tigers mounted a strong comeback with a series of heat advantages, closing the gap to just four points heading into the final races and setting up a tense finish.

Leicester manager Stewart Dickson, speaking via the Leicester Speedway website, said:

“The objective was to get to the Final and we’ve done that.

“We had one or two problems, including Dougy coming off after he’d looked really good in his first race, and that did have a bit of an effect on us.

“But the team mucked in to cover for him… I thought we were the better team, although it was disappointing to be eight and then 12 points up and for them to still come back into it.

“But we’ve qualified for the Final against Ipswich and we owe them one for last season.”

Sheffield boss Simon Stead, speaking via the Sheffield Speedway website, added:

“Obviously as a group we’re disappointed to bow out, but the reaction from last Thursday was all you can ask.

“We knew it was going to be a difficult task but when the effort’s there you can’t ask for any more.

“We came up a little bit short… congratulations to Leicester and best wishes to them for the Final, but we now go again.”

Leicester now progress to the Premiership Knockout Cup Final where they will face Ipswich, while Sheffield take positives from a spirited performance despite their exit.

Leicester Lions 46 Sheffield Tigers 44

Feature Image courtesy of Mia Durkin – British Speedway

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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

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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

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The 31-year-old makes his full return to the Lions following a comeback to UK racing during the latter stages of last year, after serving a two-year suspension from the sport.

Morris is no stranger to the club, having been a key points scorer during Leicester’s Championship title-winning campaigns in 2021 and 2022, before staying on for their move into the Premiership in 2023. However, his time with the Lions was cut short that season when he was suspended by the Speedway Control Bureau for failing to comply with an anti-doping test ahead of a meeting at Birmingham in July, a situation which prompted significant changes behind the scenes at Beaumont Park.

After completing his suspension, Morris returned to action with Berwick in the Championship last summer before stepping back into the Premiership with Sheffield. His season ended in dramatic fashion when he was involved in a crash during the play-off semi-final against Leicester at Owlerton.

He now heads back to the Hydroscand Arena, Beaumont Park, determined to make amends and repay the club for their previous support. Speaking to the Leicester Speedway website, Morris said he was delighted to be returning to a club he holds in high regard.

“I’m really excited to be back with Leicester, it’s a club I have loved racing for,” Morris said.

“I feel I owe it to them and all the people who I let down, and everyone who has supported me, to put in a big season there.

“I just want to work hard and win races, and being back with Stewart, the man who brought me to the UK when I was 15, I would love nothing more to win a league title for Leicester.”

Morris reunites with long-time collaborator Stewart Dickson, with whom he has an extensive working relationship, and his 5.89 average fits neatly into the Lions’ middle order under the revised 37-point limit.

With Morris joining Ryan Douglas, Sam Masters, Dan Thompson and Dan Gilkes as confirmed starters, Leicester still have two places to fill as team building continues for the new campaign.

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The Australian, who has represented the Lions at both senior levels, enjoyed his best-ever season this year, raising his starting average by nearly a point to 8.12 making him one of the top performers in the league.

Douglas said: “I’ve always enjoyed being part of Leicester, both at Championship and Premiership level, and when the opportunity came to return it really was an easy decision for me.

“Working with Stewart (Dickson) is great and there’s always a good team atmosphere, which makes a difference throughout the season.

“It looks like I’ll be riding at No.1, which is an exciting challenge. I feel like I had a breakthrough with my home performances last season and I believe there’s still more improvement to come.”

Words and Images by British Speedway

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The 34-year-old has become a key figure at the Hydroscand Arena, Beaumont Park since joining the Watling JCB Lions ahead of the 2024 season. Previously best known for his long association with Wolverhampton prior to the closure of Monmore Green, Masters first rode for Leicester back in 2015 as a doubling-up rider.

After switching to the Lions full-time, Masters quickly established himself as a leader within the team, serving as vice-captain to Max Fricke as Leicester enjoyed a hugely successful spell. Over the past two seasons, the Lions reached two Premiership Grand Finals and lifted the KO Cup, underlining their status as one of the sport’s leading sides.

Masters returns for 2026 on an average of 7.28, following a consistent campaign which included a formidable home record. He scored double figures on eight occasions in league action at Beaumont Park, playing a central role in Leicester’s title challenges.

Speaking about his decision to remain with the club, Masters said he felt settled and eager to continue building on recent success.

“I don’t like switching clubs too much, I feel pretty settled and when you feel like that there’s no point in leaving!” Masters told the Leicester Speedway website.

Reflecting on the near-misses in the Premiership, he added:

“I’ve enjoyed the last two years at Leicester, and although two second places is hard to take, at the same time it’s shown how successful we’ve been. There have been plenty of other teams below us in those two seasons!” (Leicester Speedway website)

Masters also spoke warmly about the welcome he has received since arriving at Beaumont Park.

“When you’re winning, like we have been, it’s been fun, and although it was always going to be hard to leave Wolves after so long, Stewart (Dickson) and everyone at the club have made me feel more than welcome and I’m grateful that they want me to stay,” he said via the Leicester Speedway website.

With Fricke unable to be accommodated in the 2026 line-up, Masters acknowledged the challenge of stepping into the captaincy role.

“It’s unfortunate that they couldn’t fit Max in because we had a lot of good team-rides and we were a pretty good pairing in Heats 13 and 15, so we’ll miss him, plus he was a good captain,” Masters explained.

“It’s big boots for me to fill as captain, but it’s something I’ve done before and I can only do my best and I’m already looking forward to it.” (Leicester Speedway website)

Currently back in Australia, Masters is already focused on preparations for the new season.

“I’m back home at the moment looking to prepare and get as fit as I can ready for another big season, and it was good to hear that the league itself is under control and we can look forward to next year,” he added, speaking to the Leicester Speedway website.

Masters becomes Leicester’s second confirmed signing for 2026, following the return of Dan Thompson from Ipswich, with further team news expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Feature Image courtesy of British Speedway

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Thompson re-joins the Lions after helping Ipswich lift the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership title this year – success which came at Leicester’s expense in the Grand Final.

A former Leicester mascot, Thompson originally left the East Midlands club midway through the 2023 campaign to join the Witches and went on to play his part in their October title triumph.

He now becomes Leicester’s first confirmed signing ahead of next season and the opening announcement across all Premiership clubs.

Thompson said on the Leicester Lions Website: “I’m really pleased to be returning to Leicester and excited to once again call it my home track.

“I’ve stayed in touch with Stewart Dickson since my previous spell at the club and I’m looking forward to working under his management again. When the chance to return came up, it was one I was keen to take.

“I’m fortunate to have the backing of several local sponsors in the Leicester area, who I know will be delighted to see me back.

“I’d also like to thank everyone at Ipswich – management, staff and fans – for some very special seasons. Winning the Premiership is a memory I’ll always treasure, and I hope there’s positive news soon regarding their future involvement in the league.”

Feature Image courtesy of British Speedway

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The update, issued via the Leicester Speedway website, outlines the club’s current position as the sport waits for the delayed British Speedway AGM to reconvene and finalise next year’s regulations.

Despite uncertainty elsewhere in the league — including the sad closures and restructures involving Birmingham and Oxford, plus ongoing ownership questions at Ipswich and Sheffield — the Watling JCB Lions insist their focus remains sharp after consecutive Grand Final appearances and a memorable KO Cup triumph in 2024.

Co-promoter and team manager Stewart Dickson made clear that the Lions are pushing ahead with their winter preparations. Speaking to the Leicester Speedway website, he said:

“I can only speak from a Leicester perspective, but obviously I know our fans are keen to hear what’s happening, and we hope things can be finalised soon.”

Dickson confirmed that planning for team building is already under way amid ongoing discussions with fellow top-flight promoters.

“We are having regular Zoom calls with the other Premiership clubs, and there is very much a will to continue with this league,” he said.

“Leicester are committed to the Premiership, along with the other clubs which remain from last season, and obviously we’re hopeful of satisfactory outcomes at Ipswich and Sheffield, hopefully the sooner the better for all concerned.”

While acknowledging that time is ticking toward the start of the 2026 campaign, Dickson believes Leicester are well positioned to move swiftly once league structures are formally agreed.

“We still envisage there will be a Premiership next season although we do recognise time is moving on, and ideally we’d like to have our team finalised and announced, and to be getting season tickets on sale by now,” he noted.

“What I can say is that we do know what the likely structure will be in terms of team building, and therefore tentative talks have been taking place with riders.”

Encouragingly for fans, rider interest in joining the Lions remains strong.

“There are plenty of riders who have expressed a desire to be with Leicester next season, and I’m very confident we will be able to put a competitive side together once again,” Dickson added.

“So at the moment, and on behalf of myself, Paul (Cairns) and Jen (Crossland), we thank everyone for their patience and we hope to have some more news in the near future.”

With clarity expected once the British Speedway AGM is rescheduled, Leicester supporters can take heart in the club’s determination to build a new side capable of another Premiership title challenge.

Feature Image courtesy of British Speedway

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Feature Image courtesy of Phil Mcglynn – Ipswich Speedway

The Witches had to overcome the early loss of Adam Ellis, who crashed out of Heat 3 after a collision which also saw the Lions record a 5-1 to move four points ahead. Despite that setback, Ipswich responded superbly, with two maximum heat wins of their own to take the lead.

The scores were level at 27-27 midway through the meeting, but Ipswich then strung together a series of strong rides, taking four 4-2 advantages in five heats to establish a useful cushion going into the closing stages.

A dramatic Heat 15 provided a tense finale. The previously unbeaten Emil Sayfutdinov was disqualified for bringing down Leicester’s Ryan Douglas, and the home pair of Douglas and Max Fricke combined for a 5-1 to cut the final margin to just four points.

Sayfutdinov led the Ipswich scoring with 11 + 1, while Tom Brennan added 9 from key heat wins. The reserves were also instrumental, with Dan Thompson and Jason Edwards contributing a combined 14 (paid 17) points to cover for the injured Ellis.

Ipswich team manager Ritchie Hawkins praised the determination of his riders:

“It was a brilliant performance from the team tonight, I am so proud of them. We battled so hard all night – it was a big hit losing Adam so early on but all six men stepped it up.

“It was tough play-off speedway, and we didn’t get much of the rub of the green with decisions, but everyone kept their heads and contributed. It is nice to get a lead and get our noses in front, but everything is up for grabs on Thursday.”

Hawkins highlighted the importance of key moments:

“Emil started us off brilliantly in Heat 1 and it was a superb performance from him. Danny’s win in Heat 5 was really needed and he got that 5-1 with Emil just when we lost Adam, which was really important. Jason was superb, and Dan was amazing again at Leicester.”

For Leicester, Max Fricke top-scored with 12 points, and Douglas backed him with 11 + 1, their late 5-1 offering some hope ahead of the return leg at Foxhall Stadium on Thursday.

Lions boss Stewart Dickson admitted on the clubs website that his side had been beaten by the better team on the night:

“It’s four points, and it could have been a lot worse – it could have been 12 if they’d got a 5-1 in Heat 15. I’ll not sugarcoat it, we’ve lost the home leg and that’s something I wanted to avoid. But they are a good team, and now we need to go there on Thursday and almost do the impossible.”

Dickson acknowledged Ipswich’s strength in depth and also extended his best wishes to the injured Ellis:

“We’ve won there before, and Sheffield won there a couple of weeks ago, but it’s going to be a big task, and if I was in their position I’d be a lot happier than the position we’re in. We wish Adam Ellis all the best. It looked a nasty crash and I hope he’s okay – he’s a nice lad – and it shows you how good they are that they covered well for him with their reserves.”

Ipswich now hold a four-point advantage heading into Thursday’s decisive second leg at Foxhall, where the 2025 Premiership title will be settled.

Full Official Scorecard

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The Australian will also be staging his Testimonial meeting at Beaumont Park with the date for that event to be confirmed.

Douglas was a former title winner with the Lions at second tier level, and he rejoined the club in the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership this year.

Manager Stewart Dickson said: “Ryan is another good rider to work with, going back to when he was here before in the Championship, and although others might have had a nibble for him he wanted to come back, which shows you he’s happy here.

“He got landed with the No.5 race-jacket for most of last season and I think he did very well. In Heat 13 you tend to be on the outside against three very good riders and it can be tough, but he won races for us home and away

“I think there’s still more in Ryan, he should be aiming to get an eight-point average next season, and there’s no reason why he can’t do it.”

Words and Images by British Speedway

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