The Kent Kings revival under the new regime and NORA jurisdiction received a further boost this week with team news and a full programme of fixtures at their Iwade base.
The six fixtures added to the opener vs. Eastbourne Eagles on 14th. April announced last week, see two other sides representing campaigns to bring the sport back to long established defunct venues visiting: with Thurrock Hammers coming on May 19th and then Rye House Rockets on June 16th.
Then on July 7th. it’s the other NORA club, Isle of Wight Warriors in what’s expected to be a two leg challenge; before fixtures on September 1st. (slated currently as a London Four Team Tournament) and in October in what promises to be an exciting campaign for the reformed Kings.
And there’s a familiar look for the Kent faithful in the sextet revealed as bringing back the Invicta race jacket to track action, with three members of the original Kings side of 2013 named. Club legend with a record number of appearances for Kent and way ahead as top points scorer for the club, BEN MORLEY will line up as number one – the twice National League Riders’ Champion representing the ambition of new club owner Steve Ribbons to field a very strong side.
Joining Morley is JACK KINGSTON, now recovered from the injury which saw his season with the Kent Royals curtailed early in 2023 and he’s joined by a third ‘original’ Kings man from those Central Park days in the ever-dependable SAM WOODS.
Then it’s a case of best foot for-ward with the signing of Speedway returnee, SAM WARD. The Cheshire-based multi-discipline motorcyclist rode on the shale for Stoke Potters in the early 2010s before taking a 10-year hiatus from the sport, returning in 2023 on the amateur scene and now seizing the opportunity available in NORA racing.
The Iwade track has for decades been the route into the sport for local Kentish riders and one of these is Ashford-based NATHAN HARGRAVE. Hailing from Ashford, Nathan was a member of the Sittingbourne Crusaders side that competed in the MSDL in 2022 and his career kicked on further in 2023, when he was the winner of the Second Half Championship held at the Old Gun Site track.
Marshalling these troops as 2024 Kent Kings captain is Essex-based RHYS NAYLOR. The 30-year-old made his comeback to the sport with Plymouth back in 2022 and was Iwade-based with the Royals last term and now the former GB Youth Champion is given the responsibility of fronting up the new club at the Old Gun Site.
He is looking forward to the challenge, “I’m honoured to captain the Kings this year and will do the best job I possibly can and help out the lads when needed”.
Words and Images by Kent Kings
