Kings dealt Ledwith blow

Kent Kings are looking for a new captain after Rob Ledwith pulled out of the 2021 speedway season. Ledwith has employment issues away from the track and cannot commit to a full season at Championship level.

The Maidstone-based rider will instead race for the club’s second string in the National League and will help the senior team in an emergency.

He said: “I am sorry not to be able to complete a full programme of Championship events, but will always be available to the TouchTec Kings in an emergency.

“At the same time, I will enjoy continuing as skipper of the Kent Iwade Garage Royals in the National League.”

Ledwith’s withdrawal leaves Kent with two spots to fill after Nico Covatti - who’d been due to ride in the shelved 2020 campaign opted to remain in Italy. There’s plenty of activity on that front.

Co-promoter Len Silver said: “Both Chris (Hunt, team manager) and myself have been in constant talks with Scott (Nicholls, Kings captain) as to the best way forward.

“I expect, if the ideas we have been discussing are successful, to be able to name the full team within the next week or so.

“Our early-season plans remain in place but are carefully designed to enable us to make changes if the Covid situation demands it.”

Rob Ledwith