LEICESTER can confirm Joe Thompson will retain their Rising Star berth for the remainder of the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership season.
Thompson rejoined the Watling JCB Lions in May as an injury replacement when Dan Gilkes, who had taken over from Sam Hagon, suffered knee damage in a crash at Poole.
This arrangement was extended whilst the full extent of Gilkes’ injury was assessed, and it has now been confirmed that he requires surgery and will not return until the 2026 season.
Thompson will now stay in the side through what promises to be an exciting conclusion to the campaign, and he does so in arguably the best form he has shown during his time in the top-flight.
He has played a key role in several of the Lions’ recent results, including a terrific performance at Sheffield in a 48-42 victory where he defeated the likes of Justin Sedgmen, Anders Rowe and Leon Flint.
And he was also part of the team which brought top-flight silverware to the club for the first time in the Premiership KO Cup, having previously captained the Lion Cubs to a host of National Development League honours.
Thompson said: “I’m really pleased to be joining the Leicester team on a full-time basis. It’s never ideal to come in as a replacement for an injured rider, and I’d like to wish Dan all the best with his recovery.
“I feel like I’ve been making good progress recently and I’m looking forward to continuing that development alongside the team as we head towards the play-offs.”
Leicester Speedway would also like extend good wishes to Dan Gilkes for his recovery, and we hope to see him in the pits with the team during the run-in over the coming weeks.
