LEICESTER Speedway’s main team sponsors Watling JCB have committed to a new two-year deal in a huge boost to the club going into the winter.
The news was announced at Saturday’s end-of-season party and it continues a long-standing relationship which now moves into its second decade.
The locally based JCB franchise have been backers for the majority of the Lions’ time at their Beaumont Park home, with speedway having returned to the city in 2011.
In 2017 they stepped up to full team sponsorship and the name and identity of the Watling JCB Lions has become one of the most familiar and recognisable across the sport.
Watling JCB are based in Whetstone, Leicestershire, and the company runs from nine fully equipped offices, stores and workshop facilities, with the other depots at the likes of Peterborough, Hereford, West Bromwich and Stoke-on-Trent.
During the period of team sponsorship so far, Leicester became league champions at Championship level in 2019 along with winning the Championship Shield in the same season.
Then after stepping back up to the top-flight in 2023 they have secured major silverware in both of the last two seasons with their Premiership KO Cup triumphs, whilst also qualifying for the play-offs for three successive campaigns, twice reaching the Grand Final.
It has undoubtedly been the most successful period in the club’s history, and the ambition now is to make 2027 the best season yet.
Co-promoter Jen Crossland said: “It’s fantastic news for the club and we couldn’t wish to be working with better people as main sponsors.
“To be going into a second decade as the Watling JCB Lions, and to have the stability of a two-year deal, is such a boost for everyone.
“We’ve had huge support which dates back to the previous promotion and the backing of Andy Raine, who is still a big fan, and Chris Armitage who took over from Andy as Sales Director.
“We had a really positive meeting recently with Watling JCB’s CEO Richard Telfer and we’re delighted that they will be continuing, plus my own thanks to Paul Chapman for his assistance.
“We can’t thank them enough for what they bring to the club, and we’re looking forward to the next two years with them on board once again.”
Leicester Speedway would like to express our gratitude once again for the continued backing of Watling JCB, and we will continue to carry their name with pride over the next two years.
