National League first-timer Dan Gilkes has been crowned the Supporters of Kent Kings’ [SOKK] Rider of the Year for 2019.
At the End of Season Party, held at Central Park on Saturday night (16/11) the 17-year old from Northampton, who rose from rookie reserve to heat leader in this his first season with the Kings, was presented with the annual The Boiler Engineer Shield, plus a keepsake trophy provided by CTA Fire. The trophies were presented to Dan by young James Easton, who is perhaps the hugely popular Gilkes’ number one fan.
The award for SOKK Young Rider of the Year for 2019 went to Jake Mulford. The Norwich-based British Grasstrack youth champion received the Iwade Garage annual shield, along with a keepsake trophy (also provided by Iwade Garage). Presenting the trophies were Si and Drew Kellow from Iwade Garage.
The SOKK Special Award this year went to Kent TouchTec Kings’ club captain Rob Ledwith, in recognition of his special contribution throughout the season. Wayne Raines presented Rob with the Dave Raines Memorial Trophy (in memory of Wayne’s late father).
Bill Roissetter of SOKK commented at the end of a successful night celebrating the achievements of the 2019 National Trophy-winning squad, “Our thanks go to all our trophy & award sponsors. Their generous support allows us to demonstrate in a really meaningful way, our appreciation of the riders’ efforts.”
Co-promoter Len Silver sent a message from his winter Alpine base, “With a new era about to begin at Central Park, I'd like to pay tribute to the fantastic fans who have supported the Kings for the last seven years. In travelling all around the country, and viewing Speedway at countless venues, there is not one place that comes near to the friendliness we have in Sittingbourne. It is the whole reason that my recent years as a promoter have been the most enjoyable of them all, only perhaps equalled by my beginnings at Hackney 55 years ago.”