East End Fan

That rings bells. I've seen somewhere that he is a protege of Danny King. Thanks to everyone who sent info about the two new riders. Sounds like they both have a lot to learn, but that is the fun of the game isn't it ?

Ah...I understand. You are actually a KENT fan who converted to Arena ? Now back "Home". I went to Arena simply because it carried the name of my "birth" team , the West Ham Hammers of Custom House from the days when Eric Chitty was captain. Did enjoy my time there although the stadium, if you could call it that, was very basic. At the old Custom House track I was able to go upstairs to the big seated grandstand and I like Kent because it is very similar.

Good to get the news from another ex-Arena convert. It will be interesting, to say the least, to see how the great riders you mention handle the track at Central Park. Pleased to hear that those familiar with Cameron Heeps consider him to be a top guy. I have never seen him ride ( that I can remember).

I have never heard of either Jamie Bursill or Josh Warren. Does anyone actually know anything about them ? Where have they been racing ? Are they part of the new stars scheme ? The only Warren that sticks in my old mind is the Graham Warren who rode years ago for Birmingham and nearly won the Word Championship, an Aussie I think. Is this lad ( is he a "lad "?) related ?

We will look forward to your visit.....but to be honest, the anticipation is likely to be more because you bring Jason Crump with you !

Since Arena closed, I have been watching National League almost every week. I have been surprised at how fast they are and how good the racing has been. Very entertaining to me. I get a lot of interest in watching new riders develop and trying to pick future winners. Over many years I have followed the game at every level and all have been entertaining to me for different reasons.

I'm sure you will be made very welcome. Kent folk are a friendly bunch and viewing in our big grandstand is second to none with good facilities enclosed. It is one of the reasons that, when Arena closed, I have become a Central Park regular. For me, a comfortable seat during racing is a "must" nowadays. The only thing that bothers me ( not that much) is the 6.30 start time and 8.30 curfew, but at least I get home at an acceptable time. But I do sometimes arrive very close to start time and a couple of times I have missed the 1st race. No ones fault but my own, of course. Still annoying though.

Never thought of that aspect, but you may be right. But Paul and his father have been icons of GrassTrack in. Kent for dozens of years. He wa always very popular at Arena, a real racer. I have my fingers crossed for him.

Kent web site naming team. No surprises and it looks a team that will provide plenty of excitement and will do better, I think, than their "on paper" form would suggest. A lot depends on just how fit Paul Hurry. ( a favourite of mine) can get. I hear that the is in training with Scott Nichols. Two very good reserves in Ben Morley and Danny Gilkes. They could swing matches at home. Don't know much about Cameron Heeps or Paul Starke and those two are the vital key to winning things. But, so far as I am concerned, the fact of seeing action is way more important than winning things. So save my seat for the opener !

I was told that Jordan Jenkins had gone to Mildenhall. Never seen Luke Harris linked with Kent before. Is that a fact ?

My My...that is already the case....by a country mile.......

What grants were they ? Did some sports receive government money ? I have seen nothing to indicate that. Businesses outside of sport HAVE had grants, some lucky, some not so. I don't know how the assessments for eligibility are made. I suppose there are some Speedways that have ongoing costs whether they run meetings or not. Staff payments etc....are these covered by the furlough scheme ? Other clubs would have a "no run....no costs" situation so hardly likely to qualify for grants. Very complex situation. No One Size Fits All. Can anyone throw more light on this subject ?

Yes, I picked that up, from TV myself. But still not a certainty. But it is really good news whatever the date. We ARE going to see some action this year after all. LOL

Fixture list I have seen shows Kent v Birmingham on Tuesday May 11. How does that stack up with the announcements today about the opening up of our activities by Boris Johnson ? It seemed a bit vague about when stadiums are likely to be allowed to open. Maybe there is someone on the forum who has better information ?

Thinking about that, I suppose Belle Vue and Leicester had a similar problem in previous seasons ?

Everyone is much better informed than I am. But it does look as if Kent will run in the National League.

Having a fixture list to study will make a pleasant change. Just hope it becomes a reality. 2nd jabs will come 1st I think.

I am impressed by your mathematics. Where did you get the information about the Kent team and its average ? I have seen no reports on how the team is being made up.

Sadly, that is very true. Every London track now history and all those fans with no club unless they've moved into Sussex or Kent.

How hilarious

Is that an official statement, or just your opinion ?

Love it...

Have not heard a word about any National League action at Kent this season. Has the plan to run two teams been abandoned ? Pleased to see some action might be taking place to bring back my 1st love, the Hammers, as reported in Speedway Star. Does anyone on this forum know anything positive about it ?

Welcome to the forum ! I know how you feel. My origins are with the old Custom House Stadium where West Ham were my team. That is now a housing estate. Then I followed the Hammers to Arena Essex...a poor home for such a great team in reality...only for that to close on me. Kent may not be my birthright, as it were, but at least I get to see decent racing in comfort every week. Lots of fans don't have that at present.

As an ex-Hammer I can relate to that. Must admit I have settled in to being a Kent regular instead but news of a Hammers revival at Thurrock fills me with hope. While having a comfortable seat at Central Park, which I never had at Arena, is attractive to an oldie like me, if the Hammers do get back, it might be bye bye to Kent.