LEICESTER are delighted to welcome back local favourite Dan Thompson as their first signing for the 2026 Premiership season.
The 21-year-old rejoins the Watling JCB Lions after spending the last two-and-a-half years with Ipswich, winning the league title with the Witches back in October.
During his time at Foxhall he has risen out of the Rising Star berth and established himself as a fully-fledged top-flight rider, as well as gaining experience on the continent including in the SGP2 series.
He averaged 6.02 for Ipswich this season, which with the 2.5 per cent British discount applied means he comes in on 5.87 for the Lions.
Manager Stewart Dickson said: “A couple of years ago I let Dan go to Ipswich, and there was a lot of talk about it at the time, but for me it was the right move for the rider.
“He got to work with the likes of Emil Sayfutdinov and Jason Doyle, he learnt things that I actually couldn’t give him, and I believe he comes back to us a far better rider.
“I feel his discounted average of 5.87 represents very good value for us, especially when you look into his statistics and see that his away average last season was over a point higher than it was at Ipswich.
“We know how good he is around Leicester, he’s shown it to our cost several times, and if that was sending a message to me at the time then I have no problem with that!
“I feel Dan has developed a tougher streak since he’s been away, he’s made big progress and I believe there’s more improvement in him – and I don’t mind saying that two years ago I wasn’t sure about that.
“I believe he will increase his average further by riding at Leicester, which is one of his favourite tracks, and we’re happy to be able to bring him back.”
Thompson, along with twin brother Joe, is a former Lions mascot who was then a big part of the Lion Cubs’ success story in the NDL which started in 2019. Both riders then represented the club in the Championship before Dan was named in Leicester’s initial Premiership team in 2023.
And he admits the opportunity to return home to the Hydroscand Arena, Beaumont Park comes at the perfect time.
He said: “I’m really pleased to be returning to Leicester. It’s exciting to once again call it my home track.
“I’ve stayed in touch with Stewart since my previous spell at the club, and I’m looking forward to working under his management again. When the opportunity to return came up, it was one I was keen to take.
“I’m lucky to have the backing of several local sponsors in the Leicester area who I know will be delighted to see me back.
“I’d also like to thank everyone at Ipswich - the management, staff and fans - for some very special seasons. Winning the Premiership is a memory I’ll always treasure, and I hope there’s positive news soon regarding their future involvement in the league.
“Now, I’m excited to get started back at Leicester and see what we can achieve together.”
