Leicester Speedway have moved to reassure supporters about their intentions for the 2026 season, confirming their full commitment to remaining in the Sports Insure Premiership.
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
