Kent Kings and Eastbourne Eagles turning the clock back as both names make return to speedway for first time since 2021 in Sunday fixture at Iwade’s Old Gun Site

Kent Kings make their long-anticipated return to track action on Sunday.

Eastbourne Eagles are in town for a local derby (2pm) which will bring many memories back to long-time followers of speedway in Kent and Sussex.

The two clubs have both been off track for around two-and-a-half years - the Kings losing their Central Park Stadium home at the close of the 2021 season and the Eagles failing to complete that same season when they folded due to financial difficulties midway through the campaign.

For the Kings it’s meant a change of home, moving to compete in NORA League competition this year at the Old Gun Site circuit in Iwade and fans are excited to see them back, with improvements made to the long-established training circuit - open since 1970 - and a programme of exciting matches to come.

The hosts are captained by former British youth champion Rhys Naylor and at number one have the club’s record appearance holder and points scorer, twice National League riders’ champion Ben Morley.

Morley, an original King from 2013, is joined by two others who can date their Kings lineage to those early days at Central Park - Sam Woods and 2014 British Under-19 Championship rostrum man Jack Kingston.

The team are completed by 2023 Iwade Second Half Series winner, Ashford-based Nathan Hargrave, and, making his Kent debut, Sam Ward.

Kings’ team manager Ben Clifton is bullish about the prospect of his charges taking on the Sussex side.

“We know that the Eagles have chosen to come to us with a very strong team, adding the experienced pairing of Ryan Kinsley and Arran Butcher to the Eastbourne-connected riders in their line up - but we are fully up for the challenge,” he said.

“There’s a brilliant team spirit in our camp and so much