Kent Royals revert to Kent Kings name ahead of switch to No Brakes Racing League for 2024 after pulling out of National Development League

The Kent Kings name is back in speedway after an off-season of change.

Kent Royals, who took over the moniker after speedway in Kent moved from Central Park to Iwade at the end of the 2021 season, have pulled out of the National Development League.

Citing changes to the way the sport’s authorities wanted to run the NDL, Royals are taking a different direction from the league system operated by the Speedway Control Bureau and are no longer part of the British Speedway Promoters Association.

Instead they have aligned with alternative motorsport governing body NORA 92 - the National Off-road Racing Association - and will compete once again as Kent Kings.

NORA 92 have been involved in speedway the past few years with Isle of Wight-based Warriors last season organising an alternative league, the NORA 92 No Brakes Racing League.

There’s also a familiar look to the team with three members of the original Kings side of 2013 announced. Ben Morley will line up as number one along with Jack Kingston and Sam Woods. Sam Ward, Nathan Hargrave and skipper Rhys Naylor complete the squad.

In another change at Iwade, Si Kellow has stepped down as promoter to be replaced by Steve Ribbons.

“I feel it is time to put something back into this excellent club - there’s been speedway at Iwade every year since 1970, making it one of the longest continually-running tracks in Europe,” said Ribbons.

“I feel with the right vision rather than stagnating it needs to be driven forward in the coming years. An improved financial base is the key to achieving this and I can offer a sound business sense from my working life and over 40 years of acquired knowledge of lower-league speedway.”

Tapes-up on Sundays will also change to a 2pm start time. Six fixtures