Kent Kings are unlikely to bid for Premier League status all the time their Central Park curfew is in place.

Kings are enjoying a memorable speedway season, unbeaten in 14 matches.

Co-promoter Len Silver expects their strong campaign to continue but can’t yet see the day when they apply for promotion from the National League.

The biggest hurdle is the 8.30pm cut-off on race nights, with previous attempts to lift it unsuccessful due to residents’ concerns over noise.

Silver said: “We are already in the final of the National Trophy and due to meet Birmingham in that event.

“We’ve made good progress too in the Knockout Cup and we certainly would be disappointed if we didn’t make the league play-offs come September.

“So, all in all, our present situation is rosy and for that to continue, we must hopefully stay clear of injuries, the factor that has upset many apple-carts in many quarters over the years.

“As to the future, this is largely dependent on our planning situation.

“It is doubtful that we would consider applying to move into the Premier League with our 8.30pm curfew, it is far too restrictive.

“But no one knows what the future holds in that regard, and if the situation changed, I have no doubt that our prime promoter, Roger Cearns, would be keen to move up.”

Having struggled last season, the recruitment of new captain Luke Bowen and Luke Clifton boosted the Kent line-up.

They’d missed out on several targets before team manager Chris Hunt heard Clifton was returning to the sport after more than a decade away.

Silver said: “Few people realise that the planning restrictions, in particular the 8.30pm curfew, make many young riders reluctant to sign for Kent because they or their family need to take time from work, clearly an undesirable element.

“So we found rider after rider turning us down even though our riding terms were among the best in the business at National League level.

“But just as both of us were almost giving up hope, Chris learned of the re-entry to the sport of Kent-born Luke Clifton.

“I was aware that Rye House would be recalling Ben Morley, our previous No.1 from 2015, so it did not take me long to fill his place with my long-standing friend Luke Bowen who, although attached to Rye House, had no wish to ride for them and was about to announce his retirement.

“On learning that I needed him to join me at Central Park, he jumped at the chance to lead the new-look team and we all knew that Ben’s boots had been well and truly filled.”