Kent Kings’ speedway season has been cancelled.

League organisers British Speedway say that it’s “with great reluctance and disappointment” that professional league speedway in the UK has been cancelled for 2020.

The government said crowds might be able to return to stadiums from October but that doesn’t give the league long enough to complete a full season of racing.

The Kent Kings have already said they must have fans at Central Park to fund their racing.

Clubs have been invited to gain the necessary permission from their local councils to stage some form of racing before the end of October so there remains some hope of action at their Sittingbourne venue but what form it takes has yet to be decided.

Riders returned to practice on Monday, behind closed doors, with the Kings and the Royals squads training at King’s Lynn Speedway.

Rob Godfrey, chairman of British Speedway Promoters Ltd, said: “We would like to offer our sincere appreciation for the supportive attitude shown to us from our broadcast partners Eurosport, they have been very understanding of this most difficult situation for the sport.

“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 Prime Minister on Friday 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.

“And we must also thank all supporters of this wonderful sport in this country. We must now embrace the future and look forward with a positive attitude as we look to grow British Speedway.

“I would also like to thank everyone for their support of the Monday night stream of past meetings and the Friday night quiz. We actively continue to keep the sport in the public eye in the build-up to 2021 and our social media channels will continue to engage with followers and provide regular content.”

It was supposed to be a big year for the Kings in 2020 following their promotion to the British Championship.

But this week the Sittingbourne-based club announced that marquee signing Nicolas Covatti wouldn’t be riding for them this year, ahead of the British Speedway announcement, and it’s doubtful he’ll be heading over for 2021 either.

Fans can at least re-live some memorable footage on the club’s website tonight (Tuesday). Every week there is a different meeting re-run and this time it’s the turn of the National League thriller against Cradley Heathens from last July. Action gets underway at 7.30pm.

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