LIONS RETAIN WATLING JCB BACKING

PREMIERSHIP newcomers Leicester have secured an extension to their long-running team sponsorship deal with Watling JCB.

The locally based JCB franchise first became involved with the Lions in 2015 and stepped up to full title sponsorship two years later with the backing of Watling Group’s Special Projects Director Andy Raine who is a lifelong speedway fan.

He said: “We’re proud to continue as main sponsors of the Lions, and it’s great to see them moving into the top-flight and getting more exposure, which is good for the sponsors, the team and Leicester as a whole.

“I’m very excited about the club being in the Premiership, and obviously as we have close associations elsewhere there are going to be some interesting battles, particularly with Ipswich and Sheffield!

“We have close ties with Guy Nicholls at Tru Plant, who sponsor both clubs, and he’s a big supporter of speedway too, so I’m really looking forward to the season.

“Stewart (Dickson) and the owners have put a really good team together, and it’s one that’s going to challenge. I’m pleased to see Nick (Morris) and Dan (Thompson) staying with us so we have a nucleus from last year, and there are some exciting new signings.”