Leicester Lions Denied Entry into Speedway’s Elite League

Speedway team, Leicester Lions have failed with their bid to enter the Elite League and have been told to re-apply in 2013.

The ambitious Premier League outfit only returned to the track in 2011, but after two seasons their promoter David Helmsley applied for entry as their is no automatic promotion in British speedway.

But after talks at the AGM between the Elite League promoters and Leicester, it was decided that because of the difficult economic climate – that the numbers in the two top leagues should be protected.

Leicester promoter David Hemsley said: “Though it is disappointing for us at this stage not to enter the Elite League, we recognise that we are part of a bigger picture, are grateful for the support we have been given for the future, and pleased that we are encouraged to pursue our ambition to race at the highest level.

“We would always want to do what is right for British Speedway and we are looking forward to an exciting year of competitive Premier League racing.”

It was also announced that the Elite League KO Cup would be ‘shelved’ for 2013 after a number of clubs struggled to fit in the fixture towards the end of the season.