Kent Kings are confident better times are ahead after a nightmare year.

Kings’ 2020 campaign was a write-off with co-promoter Len Silver branding it “the most disastrous season in the history of speedway outside the war years".

But Silver has been boosted by news of mass vaccinations and expects next season to start on schedule.

“I am relieved to see that the future looks far more promising,” said Silver.

"Vaccination will be the major factor and I am now confident that the dates we have announced for our opening meetings at Central Park, Tuesday, March 30 and Easter Monday, April 5, will be achieved.”

The coronavirus pandemic wiped out the Kings’ debut campaign in the Championship, speedway’s second tier, and also denied the Royals their National League bow.

But Silver has kept both squads together for 2021, bar one rider.

He said: “Both fellow co-promoter Chris Hunt and myself have been in close contact with each other and with our riders, all of whom except one are raring to go for both the Kings and the Royals.

“The absentee will be Italian-based Nico Covatti, who advised us recently that he would not be available - a switch from his earlier advice.

"Chris already has a replacement lined up for the Kings’ ranks to ensure that we have a competitive side.

“Scott Nicholls, our seven times British champion skipper, has assured us that he is keen to take on the leadership and helpful side of his job as club captain, and this will be vital to any success or otherwise that we enjoy.

"It was his influence which caused me to add some extra banking to the pits bend during this summer which Scott believes will add to the quality of the racing.

“And helping me for many days in this task was Rob Kashdan, the man behind our main sponsors, Touch-Tec, who are delighted to remain on board as is Iwade Garage for the Royals. We can’t wait to get going!”

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