Lion Cubs duo back to race next season
SIMPSON AND SPENCER AGREE
TEENAGE prospect Mickie Simpson is set to return and race for the Lion Cubs again next season, writes Alan Jones.
The 17-year-old was handed a position in Leicester’s second team in June, making his debut at Berwick, and the teenager was soon among the points.
Steady scoring throughout the summer months was followed by an upturn in his points during the final three fixtures of the season where he amassed a total of 22 points for the team.
The late season flurry of points he contributed to the Lion Cubs was proof of Simpson’s potential as a rider who learns fast.
That did not go unnoticed by team manager David Howard, who was keen to ensure Simpson was offered a new contract to race for the club in 2022.
Howard said: “After the great progress Mickie (Simpson) made to end the 2021 season scoring consistently and winning races, there was never a doubt that we wanted Mickie in the team again.
“With that year of National Development League experience behind him, Mickie has the ability to raise his average substantially in 2022 and gives the team some real second string strength.”
Simpson’s inclusion endorses Leicester’s long-term strategy of developing and growing their asset base of riders who, it is hoped one day, will represent the club at senior level.
The successful path has been trodden by the Thompson twins, Dan and Joe, who started out as club mascots, gone on to star for the Lion Cubs and last season made their debuts for Leicester Lions in the Championship.
Meanwhile, Tom Spencer will be returning for the Lion Cubs in 2022, having agreed terms for a second season with the club.
Spencer was one of the team’s success stories of the year, having begun the season as a support rider to their big three of Joe Lawlor and the Thompson twins.
However, during the course of the campaign his scores increased by over two points a match which led to the Derbyshire racer being promoted into a Heat Leader role.
The 21-year-old maintained his form following an increase in responsibilities.
Howard said: “By far his best year to date in 2021, achieved even though for much of the year he was also carrying a back injury, showed Tom’s great ability and also his value to the Lion Cubs.
“So having had the winter to recover his back to full strength, Tom can take another step forward in his career in 2022 with the Lion Cubs.”
With the signature of Connor Coles already secured and the return of Spencer, it is thought the pair will form the core of the team with both vying to attain the third Heat Leader role for the Lion Cubs.
The club has four team positions still to fill and more announcements are expected shortly.
NEW DEALS WITH SECOND TEAM