Lions rider Dan, 16, crowned the British Youth Champion
HIS TWIN BROTHER JOE FINISHES RUNNER-UP AFTER FINAL RACES
IT was a night to remember for Leicester’s teenage rider Dan Thompson who was crowned British Youth Champion at the National Speedway Stadium in Manchester on Saturday, writes Alan Jones.
Dan and his 16-year-old twin brother Joe had dominated the previous four rounds of the competition in the senior section for competitors racing 500cc engine capacity bikes.
Entering the final round in Manchester, just two points separated the siblings with Joe ahead of his brother on the leaderboard and 12 in front of third-placed Harry McGurk.
In the qualifying heats, Dan eased his way into the final after winning each of his four races to top the score chart but Joe was eliminated after scoring six.
Dan now faced home star, Harry
McGurk, Kent Kings rider Jake Mulford and Mildenhall’s Elliot Kelly in the final but the Lions rider rode an assured four laps to keep his rivals behind him to win the gold medal.
While Dan was celebrating his success, there was some consolation for Joe because the points he accumulated from the previous four rounds were enough to place him runner-up overall behind his brother.
Also competing in Manchester at the weekend was Max James, the youngest of the three Leicester riders and the Lions Club mascot.
James had been locked in a season-long battle with Luke Harrison for the title in the intermediate class for riders racing 250cc sized engines.
The 13-year-old began the meeting with a two-point lead over his nearest rival but it was the Wolverhampton mascot who crossed the finish line ahead of James in the final to clinch the title.
David Darcy, the Lions’ co-promoter, said: “We are immensely proud of our three riders who certainly flew the flag all season for Leicester.
“Dan was a worthy champion and Joe and Max can take a lot of positives from their performances.
“We have three of the most talented riders in their age groups and hopefully they will play a big part in the future of Leicester Speedway.”
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