Speedway team returns after more than two years away

The Kent Kings speedway team will ride on Sunday for the first time in more than two-and-a-half years.

The team is taking on the Eastbourne Eagles, with both sides being without a home since 2021.

Kings general manager Derek Barclay said: "It's great news. It's the first stage on a phased return to the big time that we once were in."

The race at the Iwade Stadium in Sittingbourne will start at 2pm.

The Kings left Central Park Stadium, also in Sittingbourne, in September 2021 after first moving there in 2013.

The Eagles have also been hoping for a return to the Arlington Stadium following their final race there in July 2021.

Michael Gray from the Save Eastbourne Speedway group said: "We are hoping for a great turnout of Eagles fans at Iwade this weekend.

"That would send the message far and wide that the Sussex sporting public want the Eagles back."

Kings team manager Ben Clifton said: "There’s a brilliant team spirit in our camp and so much positivity around the club with a new supporters' club formed...so we are really keen to get going and are up for this first challenge.”

The South Coast Cup will be up for grabs during the race, which has been sponsored by the Sussex Eagles Motorcycle Club.

Between April and August the Kings have four home races set up at the Iwade Stadium against the Eagles, the Thurrock Hammers, the Rye House Rockets and the Isle of Wight Warriors, with a four-team tournament also planned.

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