Final preparations have been taking place for Kent Kings’ return to competitive action.

The Kings were looking to compete at the second tier of British speedway for the first time last year but the 2020 season was cancelled because of Covid. A year on and the wait is almost over.

Reigning champions Leicester Lions will head to Central Park on Tuesday, May 18 (6.30pm) to get the Championship season under way.

This week team boss Chris Hunt has been running the rule over the team pairings he will put in place for the start of the 2021 season during a team practice session in the Midlands.

Hunt said: “I have a pretty good idea what the team riding order will be but this week’s practice day will confirm or perhaps amend my thinking – we’ll see how it all works out.

“The track time especially spent together will be really crucial for us – vital for us to work things out really.”

Back in Sittingbourne, the club have been busy preparing for the new season and getting the stadium fully compliant in terms of a Covid-safe environment.

Central Park has been given the go-ahead to sell tickets for the season opener and sales will take place from Monday, at the stadium, from 10am to 4pm. Tickets can also be purchased by calling 01795 475547. All tickets must be pre-purchased.

Prices are £18 for adults, £13 for 13–17s, with 12s and under admitted free. Seats will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Fans will be asked to respect the rules about social distancing and face coverings are preferred. Fans must not attend if they have any symptoms and they’ll be a speedy non-contact temperature check taken before entry to the stadium.

Len Silver, co-promoter, said: “I want to express our thanks to Swale Council who have been very helpful and keen to see us racing again.

"Fans will be able to watch speedway from one of the best appointed stadium grandstands in the country and be able to do so confidently in a Covid-safe environment."

Indoor areas of the stadium, including the bars and inside food outlets, won’t be open for the initial part of the season.

Silver also updated fans on other developments off the track, saying: "Supporters may have picked up the news that Arena Racing Company, who own several Horse Racing tracks as well as other Greyhound venues across the UK, have agreed to take over Cearnsport Ltd (the operators of Central Park).

“Speedway will remain under the existing management and, for the time being, Roger Cearns will continue to administer greyhound racing six times a week. This is excellent news for us because it has cemented the long term future for the stadium. So, personally, with Speedway assured, I am delighted with the changes.”

The club’s second team, the Kent Royals, start their National League season at Central Park on Monday, May 31.

They have made a change to their line-up as an old favourite has returned. Faversham-based Jamie Couzins, 25, spent a whole season in the Kings’ NL side in 2015 and has gathered other experience over the intervening years. He is to replace Jamie Bursill in the new Royals’ side.

Last year he rode for the Crayford Kestrels’ amateur side in some behind closed doors matches at the training track facility in Lydd and impressed with some high scoring performances.

Mr Silver said: “Jamie Bursill was unable to commit to all Royals' fixtures. Jamie Couzins has made a number of appearances at Central Park over the last few years and has committed to every fixture. I am personally pleased at the agreement. He has shown steady progress and is a very reliable rider at this level.”

Couzins said: “I really enjoy riding for Kent and think with there being two teams we can get advice from the big boys to help us improve. I’m looking forward to the forthcoming NL season.”