Kings sign up familiar duo Speedway

Kent Kings have turned to a pair of familiar faces to complete their 2021 line-up. Ben Morley, an original member of the Kings team in 2013, has returned, along with speedway legend Paul Hurry.

They replace Nico Covatti, who is staying in Italy, and Rob Ledwith, who is unable to commit to Championship speedway due to work issues. Morley, 26, spent three seasons as Kings captain, helping the side to the National League pairs title and landing the individual Riders Championship, an honour he secured a second time with the Isle of Wight in 2018.

The Southend rider has remained hugely popular around Central Park and brings Championship experience with Rye House and Redcar, with the club describing his return as a “real coup for the Kent management”.

Talking of crowd-pleasers, they don’t come more impressive than multinational champion Hurry, a prolific winner in speedway and its sister sports grasstrack and longtrack.

The Canterbury-born racer has had two previous spells in the Invicta race jacket and will be looking forward to a full season back at Championship level, where he’s twice been a league title winner during his 30-year career.

Kent skipper Scott

Nicholls said: “Kent is a new challenge for me with exciting times ahead. “Bringing in my very good friend, Paul, was a no-brainer when we lost Nico.

“He is now in training with me and we are working hard to be as fit as we can.

“I know he is arranging to get two very fast engines too. I can’t wait to be skipper of the Kings.”

Team boss Chris Hunt said: “Every single one of the seven is eager to ride for us and we have a good mix of experience and youth.”

The season is set to start in May.

Averages: Scott Nicholls 8.35, Cameron Heeps 7.42, Paul Starke 6.49, Paul Hurry 5.87, Tom Bacon 5.20, Ben Morley 3.81, Dan Gilkes 2.00.

Ben Morley - part of Kent Kings’ 2013 originals