 In his first full season in British speedway, Lionel was a member of the Wembley Lions team that won the last ever Southern League and the National Trophy in 1931.Lionel won the inaugural National League title in 1932 with the Wembley Lions

Lionel won the run-off for the Speedway World Championship against Eric Langton in 1936 in somewhat controversial circumstances.The Championship was decided by bonus points accumulated in previous rounds.