Kent Kings speedway look ahead to 2021 after this year's league season is scrapped
Published: 00:00, 24 July 2020
Updated: 14:53, 25 November 2020
The Kent Kings have confirmed no racing will take place at Central Park this year following the news that the league season has been scrapped.
Some clubs have been looking at running alternative fixtures between now and October but the Sittingbourne-based club are now focussing on 2021.
Co-promoter Len Silver said: “Regrettably, no racing will take place at Central Park this year.
“With our primary concern being the well-being of both our customers and officials, it was always going to be a difficult call, so when any chance of official competition was ruled out by Speedway's controlling body, there was little alternative open to us.
"Like everyone else, we are hoping for a return to normality during the coming winter and, subject to that, we plan for our opening meeting in 2021 to be at 6.30pm on Tuesday, March 30th, followed by Easter Monday April 5th.
“We are assuming and expecting all our current riders to be available for that new beginning and judging from their performances in a private practice session at King's Lynn on Monday, I think we will all be pleasantly surprised come Easter 2021."
The Kings are unable to race without fans due to financial constraints and supporters won’t be allowed into stadiums until October, at the earliest.
British Speedway said on Tuesday that it was “with great reluctance and disappointment” that professional league speedway in the UK has been cancelled for 2020.
Rob Godfrey, chairman of British Speedway Promoters Ltd, the company responsible for administrating the professional sport in the UK, said: "Promoters up and down the country have worked 24/7 to try and give themselves every opportunity to stage league racing this season and I take my hat off to all those who have shown a positive attitude throughout.
“We have never given up and it is only the announcement from the PM on Friday (regarding no fans in stadia until October) that has left us with no choice.
“It is also important for us to thank all the riders who have remained patient throughout all of this, they have been left in an extremely difficult situation and our thoughts are with them all. In addition, the loyal sponsors throughout the country must also be acknowledged, their support is much appreciated by clubs.”
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Luke Cawdell