LEICESTER’S popular Australian star Ryan Douglas is hoping it’s second time lucky for his Testimonial meeting this Saturday (4pm) at the Hydroscand Arena, Beaumont Park.
Douglas is celebrating a his British career so far which has seen him give great service in extended spells with the Watling JCB Lions, Wolverhampton and Scunthorpe.
The first attempt to run the meeting was wrecked by torrential rain just as the riders were walking out on parade back in March, but Douglas and his committee have worked hard to get the event back on, and with as many of the original riders as possible.
And with a much better forecast on Saturday, it’s all systems go for what promises to be an enjoyable occasion - free from the pressure of the Lions’ bid for league honours!
Douglas said: “When the opener got rained off it was gutting. So much work had gone in — and then the weather took over. Speedway reminds us who’s boss, but it still hurt.
“None of this happens without my team. The effort behind the scenes is huge and I’m lucky to have people who give up their time to make it all possible.
“To the riders, thanks for making the effort to be here. To my sponsors and supporters, your belief has shaped my career — I’m so grateful.
“A big thank you to Leicester for hosting my Testimonial, and to Scunthorpe and Wolverhampton for the chances and memories I’ll never forget.
“This year has been really enjoyable. Racing across Europe has pushed me, and winning the Knockout Cup with Leicester was a special highlight.”
A change to the line-up sees Will Cairns step in to replace the injured Lewis Kerr.
Normal Leicester Premiership admission prices apply, with re-admission tickets from the rain-off in March valid. For those with a programme from the original staging, inserts will be available free of charge.
LINE-UP: Ryan Douglas, Matias Nielsen, Bartosz Smektala, Sam Masters, Jason Doyle, Scott Nicholls, Kyle Howarth, Tobiasz Musielak, Luke Becker, Niels-Kristian Iversen, Kye Thomson, Will Cairns, Rohan Tungate, Zach Cook, Josh Pickering, Leon Flint.
Young Lions demos: Seth Norman, Demi Blu Harris, Emerson Betty, Kane Newby.
