East End Fan

I remember coming up against those bollards the first time I went to Kent and mystified as to how to get past them in my car. But I now enter the area from the other way, by passing the town via the commercial route. Very little traffic and an easy way in. 3rd exit off the A249 from the M2 junction. As you mention, the car park is all tarmac and big enough for everyone and unlike some places it's free. Edinburgh will be tough nuts to crack. They are not title contenders for nothing. Will be close.

Must agree with BEATTHEBOOKIEBOB.. Some astounding starts by the Eagles riders always putting the Kings on the back foot. New boy Batchelor was obviously learning about his new home track having never even seen it before, let alone ride it. He will soon settle down to be a regular.double figure man. Paul Starke continues to impress and seems to get better each week. Very lacklustre performance from Heeps who is far from the rider he was before. The Kings really need him to be scoring 7/8 points, and if he did, home wins would be very regular. Powerful performance from Scottie who scored all his points from the back.

If Ben IS placed in the number 2 race jacket, it will be his opportunity to finally establish himself as an out and out Championship level rider. He certainly has the ability and in recent times has shown far more aggression in his riding. IMO if he keeps that aggression going he will take the No 2 position in his stride. I certainly hope so, he is a great favourite with the fans at Central Park and I am one of them.

Totally agree. We all think he is not yet ready, but an exciting rider who will make it sooner or later.

Unlikely. He'd only been riding for 5 minutes

Well, he stopped racing.

Put like that, szkocjasid, it makes perfect sense. When I first saw Batchelor's average, I thought he'd never live up to it so could be a poor move. But seeing your view of it and I now feel entirely different. Surely the Kings MUST be stronger ?

Nathan Ablitt spent some time at Kent and showed brilliance on occasion, very neat and compact on the bike. He retired rather suddenly and we were all very curios as to why. Jake is a different kettle of fish. Wild and wooly but not afraid to mix it. I think he is very exciting and deserves an extended run.

That is an interesting idea. He is a New Zealander. I have the thought that he has some form of parental link to Britain which would mean that he does not need a visa. This is a bit of guesswork and maybe there is someone who actually knows the situation. Would be a good addition to the team.

Well Mr Technik, I assume that you are guessing at the big name, but I agree with your other comments and, personally I would applaud the inclusion of Mulford. Those of us who are regulars at Central Park. ( as I am since Arena closed) will have noted the obvious talent in him. Still very raw, not yet a trapper and unlikely to score very well in these early days, but given a bit of time, I'm sure we all think he is a winner. I am guessing that Kent own his contract ?

Thank you Teaboy. As always you seem to have your ear to the ground and know what is going on. I think Paul has made the right choice although I am sad about it and will miss him. He has suffered so many very serious injuries yet continues as a star performer on Grass. He has the heart of a Lion. Big question now is who will come in ? Must be a European as there are no Brits available that I know of. That will make life difficult with the travel and Covid problems.

Where did that news come from ? I have seen nothing of it. Is it true ? Sad day for me if it is. Always one of my favourites and a very brave racer, overcoming the most serious of injuries.

Funny that you should mention Lewis Bridger. I am sure I saw him at Central Park a couple of weeks ago although, as he was not dressed in Kevlars, I am not 100% certain. If he could be persuaded to ride in a serious way, would be good for the club. A very entertaining rider. Having said that, the entertainment in the Poole match was brilliant. The score did not matter one little bit. All of us expected Poole to win, and win they did. But I wonder what the result would have been if they had not enjoyed a fantastic best ever performance by Danyon Hume, their reserve. ? Scott did not seem his usual self.

I was not able to see this match, but I have heard stuff about the 15 year old Vinnie Foord. With any luck another bright young Brit has been discovered. Good result for Kent.

I think the difference is simple to see. One is a week-end track with no restrictions, the other a Tuesday track with a strict and unreasonable curfew.

Actually, Paul was a member on occasions of the Kings team at NL level over the past couple of years. How we view things in a different way. I am always delighted to see Paul in action. No rider puts in more effort and in recent matches has shown the odd glimpse of getting his form back and has lost points he should have earned through no fault of his own. He was leading Edward Kennett last week when one of the flag men wrongly showed a red flag to completely alter the final positions. Old Bob calls that struggling. `still, at least Old Bob did get out of his armchair and pay his money. Take my hat off to him for that.

Were you at Arlington Old Bob ? Why do I doubt it ?

Well, Doom and Gloom Sings...They didn't slip-up did they ?

Paul Hurry has been riding grass track at the highest level every year as long as I can remember. He was a top Speedway performer at Arena Essex and was a big favourite there. But he suffered some horrific injuries and it ia a credit to him that he wants to carry on racing. When the Kings lost Nico Covatti and no surplus riders anywhere, he stepped into the breach. I'm not certain, but I think he lives very close to the track. He has had a few very poor meetings this year, but in the last couple of weeks has started to look like the rider he once was. He has always been. favourite of mine and I really hope he gets better and better.

Amen to that !

As a big change from the beginning of the season, the P.A. system is now greatly improved and I could hear every word. Only times that was difficult was the odd occasion when bikes were running at the same time as announcements being made and that has always applied at every stadium I have ever been to. I will admit that rider interviews weren't all that clear, but I have found that to be the case at other stadiums. Most riders do not talk clearly enough as they are not used to public speaking. I don't care as long as they do their best on the track.

Old Bob of Herne Bay was watching a different meeting to me. Good close racing all evening and a win for the `Kings that nobody forecast. To be fair, a big input from the guest, but that made up for some lost points to our Big Two. It is arguable that when Cameron Heeps is fully fit, he will be scoring similar figures. Ability-wise he is on a par with Howarth at normal times. Gilkes made all the difference with some very determined efforts. If he can keep up this kind of performance he will end the season as a fully fledged heat leader. I was puzzled by the choice of riders by Eastbourne for heat 15. The match was lost to them at the end of heat 14 with that first win for Hurry ( who had a good night hampered by Lady Luck). Why did they not use their top two ? Looking at Old Bob's comments again. I wonder what he expects if he thinks of this as a "tame" meeting ?? Still. he DID get out of his armchair !

Reading all these. comments and it simply shows what a complete farce the Rising Star scheme actually is. Is there anyone outside of Speedway's controlling body who both understand it AND approve of it ?

Not a lot !

Wow....That's a result.