What a debut season for the Kent CTA Fire Kings at Central Park, NLRC Champion, 2nd in the NL Fours, 3rd in the NL Pairs and 3rd in the British Under 19, not forgetting the Bronze Helmet. Monday night brought the curtain down on this year's proceedings at Central Park with the staging of the Silver Ski Holiday's Championship.
David Mason was due to ride but had to withdraw due to illness, his place was taken by Danno Verge. Paul Starke was also due to ride, his place was filled by Marc Owen making a comeback from injury. Finally Tyson Nelson was due to ride but was unable to ride due to work permit issues and his place was taken by Brendan Johnson.
National League Riders Champion Steve Boxall didn't let the Kent fans down, going within two tens of a second of his own track record in his opening ride Boxall's superiority was rarely threatened in the qualifying heats only Marc Owen pushing him in four unbeaten races. Although returning Rye House Rocket Luke Bowen Boxall's best friend gave him a test in the final. Bowen cruised through the qualifying heats after 17 months away, leading the Kings captain for two laps of the final before Boxall used all his home track knowledge to take his second title in three days.
Marc Owen career has been blighted with injury can be proud of his comeback night narrowly missing out on a semi-final place after pushing the eventual champion all the way in heat 12 before falling on the fourth bend under pressure from Dane Kasper Lykke. In his third appearance at Central Park looked to be a major challenger early on qualifying for the last eight thanks to two early wins. The expected challenge from Newcastle's Chris Schramm never materialised with his evening was over thanks to an opening heat blown engine.
It was a fitting end with the local rider helping to put Kent speedway on the speedway map should complete Central Parks inaugural season with a win that sent the Kings faithful away with plenty of fond memories to carry them through the winter months.
Following the on shale action events moved to the bar where all the riders received trophies in recognition of the part they played for the CTA Fire Kings during the season while at the same time having chance to thank sponsors, staff and fans alike.
The kings final league fixture which was previously rained off is the visit to Stoke Potters at their Loomer Road circuit, this will be re-staged on Sunday 20th October with a 3.00pm start to conclude the Kings debut season. For those unable to there will be live updates on the clubs Twitter feed. Prior to this Coventry Speedway stage the Supporters' Pairs Trophy at Brandon on Friday 4th October where Kings Ben Morley will be in the line-up.
Stefan Nielsen Mildenhall Fen Tigers star made a successful defence of the British Under-19 Championship at Coventry on Friday evening. CTA Fire King Ben Morley was initially in second place as Nielsen swept around the outside, and although Dudley Heathens Ashley Morris passed Morley he wasn't able to catch Nielsen, while Isle of Wight Islander Adam Ellis finished fourth. This was Nielsen's first-ever meeting at Brandon, he produced a stunning first two turns in the Final to get the better of his rivals.
QUALIFYING SCORES: Ashley Morris 15, Adam Ellis 14, Stefan Nielsen 12, Oliver Greenwood 10, Darryl Ritchings 10, Ben Morley 10, Josh Bates 8, Max Clegg 7, Liam Carr 5, James Shanes 5, Ryan Terry-Daley 5, Nathan Stoneman 4, Connor Coles 3, Daniel Spiller 2, Adam Kirby 2, Nathan Greaves 2, Reece Downes (res) 2, Adam Portwood (res) 0. SEMI-FINAL: Nielsen, Morley, Greenwood, Ritchings. FINAL: Nielsen, Morris, Morley, Ellis.
BOXALL WINS NLRC | Saturday 21st September 2013
1st Steve Boxall (Kent) 14 (after run-off) 2nd Lewis Kerr (King's Lynn) 14 3rd Lewis Blackbird (Dudley) 12
Steve Boxall won a dramatic run-off on Saturday at Rye House and became the first rider to lift the National League Riders' Championship twice. A former Rockets favourite was tied on 14 points with Lewis Kerr to force the deciding race-off. The King's Lynn Young Star suffered a second bend fall, causing a stoppage, the result awarded to Boxall.
Boxall's heat 4 winning time 55.8 seconds shattered the Rye House National League track record previously held by Marc Owen. He was also just 0.7 seconds outside the all-time track record currently held by Chris Neath. To prove that his fast time was no fluke Boxall also posted 56.2 and 56.5 seconds.
Meeting scorers (5 races unless stated): Steve Boxall 14 (after run-off), Lewis Kerr 14, Lewis Blackbird 12, Robert Lambert 11, Steve Worrall 11, Stefan Nielsen 9, Charles Wright 8, Ben Morley 6, Paul Starke 6, Tom Perry 5, Joe Jacobs 5, James Sarjeant 5, Liam Carr 4 Ashley Morris 4, Josh Bates 2, Jack Kingston 1 (reserve, 2 rides), Shane Waldron 1 (reserve, 3 rides), Adam Ellis 0 (1 ride)
BRITISH YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP Round 6, Iwade | Sunday 22nd September 2013
250cc: 1 Callum Walker, 2 Ethan Spiller, 3 Luke Woodhull Final standings: 1 Zach Wajtknecht, 2 Callum Walker, 3 Luke Woodhull
125cc Support Class: 1 Jordan Jenkins, 2 Dan Thompson, 3 Harry Jones
Kent CTA Fire Kings have given permission for a pre-Christmas disco to be held with finger buffet on Friday 15th November at Central Park stadium. Tickets will be charged at £10 per person. Open to all riders their family and friends and supporters of the Kent Kings. Details can be found on the unofficial Facebook page or from the stadium manager.
