LEICESTER Speedway are proud to stage the British Semi-Final at the Hydroscand Arena, Beaumont Park on Thursday (7.30pm) with a big scrap expected for qualification places.
Only six spots are available for the British Final at Belle Vue on May 12, and the line-up looks to be very evenly matched with many potential contenders.
The Watling JCB Lions are represented by current team members Drew Kemp and Dan Gilkes, but in an interesting twist Sam Hagon – who recently lost his place in the side – has been called up to the meeting from the stand-by list as Ben Barker is ruled out due to injury.
There are also several previous Leicester connections including 2024 team member Craig Cook and 2019 title winner Connor Mountain as well as the Thompson twins, Dan and Joe, and former Lion Cubs Ashton Boughen, Danyon Hume and Vinnie Foord (replacing the injured Jordan Jenkins).
Co-promoter Jen Crossland said: “Obviously our two Premiership reserves Drew Kemp and Dan Gilkes will fancy their chances and then there are other experienced riders who are always keen to ride in the British Final as well.
“So I think it promises to be a right good meeting, I think it will be a fierce battle for those six qualifying places and it should be a good night of speedway all round.”
The action gets underway at 7.30pm as usual with the meeting taking place over a 20-heat format. A run-off would take place if riders are tied for the final qualifying place.
Normal admission prices apply, and season tickets are not valid for this event. Live streaming will also take place via https://leicesterlionstv.com .
The first 100 children through the gate will receive a free Easter egg after the postponement of last Monday’s home fixture against Oxford.
DRAW: 1 Drew Kemp, 2 Alfie Bowtell, 3 Craig Cook, 4 Lewis Kerr, 5 Vinnie Foord, 6 Dan Gilkes, 7 Jason Edwards, 8 Ashton Boughen, 9 Connor Mountain, 10 Leon Flint, 11 Simon Lambert, 12 Danyon Hume, 13 Nathan Ablitt, 14 Dan Thompson, 15 Joe Thompson, 16 Sam Hagon. Reserves: Freddy Hodder, Matt Marson.
