Speedway star David Mason has come out firing after being sacked by Kent Kings last week.

The Sittingbourne-based team have lost their opening two fixtures and team captain Mason has paid the price for their poor start.

Mason was phoned last week by Kings co-promoter Len Silver to be told he had lost his place on the team. Kings then released a statement which said Mason had “stood down” from the role but he was quick to set the record straight.

He said: “I would never step down, never quit. I can’t believe the press release that was issued by my promoter.

“Supporters and sponsors deserve to know the truth that I was sacked. It came totally out of the blue. I couldn’t believe what was happening."

Kings team manager John Sampford, while not the man who made the call, admitted that change was needed.

He said: “David’s been a great servant, both for his previous clubs and having done the promotional work here. He’s a nice guy but unfortunately the promoters believe people these days only spend their money to watch a winning team. They felt a change had to be made to make things stronger.”

Kings have brought in former Sheffield rider Benji Compton as a direct replacement for Mason. Kings visit Buxton Hitmen on Sunday before Mildenhall Fen Tigers visit Central Park on Bank Holiday Monday, both in the National Trophy. Gates open at 1.30pm and racing gets under way at 3pm.