BUXTON Bulls host the Leicester Lion Cubs in the first leg of their NDL Challenge on Sunday afternoon, 3 pm.

The Bulls will be missing two of their regular riders in skipper Jack Smith and Jamie Etherington as they both have Championship commitments and therefore bring in Jack Roberts, replacing Etherington and utilise the rider replacement facility for Smith, meaning all of the Bulls riders can take one of his rides. With the home side still to name their final rider, Alex Spooner slots into the team. The Bulls have also named Bailey Fellows as number 8 for the meeting.

The Lion Cubs named an unchanged side from their victory, beating Middlesbrough in their opening NDL League match of the season, gaining their first league points of the season.

The Lion Cubs are spearheaded by the experienced Ben Morley and Freddy Hodder, who was the Belle Vue Colts skipper last season, and they form a solid top end for the visitors. Ryan Ingram, Max Perry and Tom Spencer form a competent middle order for the East Midlands side with Eli Meadows and Seth Norman at reserve.

Team manager Laurence Rogers said, “It’s another chance for the lads to get dialled into the track here and to see how we go against a Leicester side that have already won their opening league meeting and are in good form. Hi-Edge, though, is very different to the Hydroscand Arena, Beaumont Park, so it will also be a challenge for them, and hopefully we can get a victory under our belts.”

The meeting also launches the 2026 Midland Development League, which is being run solely out of Buxton, with four nomadic clubs involved. The opening clash sees the WOLPACK SPEEDWAY SUPPORT TEAM Wolves take on the “THE CREWE SPEEDWAY COLLECTION” Kings in a four-man, six-heat encounter. Additionally, there are three 125cc Demo races for the youngsters in between the MDL heats.

Gates open at 1 pm with inside car parking to watch from the cars on a first-come, first-served basis with a £2 car park fee.

Admission prices: Adults £15, Concessions 65 and over £13(with proof) £13, Students 17-22(with proof) £10, Children and Juniors 16 and under FREE, Programmes £3. Gate is CASH ONLY.

Advance tickets can be booked using the ref: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/GGOU

Bulls Team:
BUXTON: Alfie Bowtell, Arran Butcher, Jack Roberts, Alex Spooner, Jack Smith (Rider Replacement), Luke Harris, Jack Shimelt, Bailey Fellows (No.8)