Nikko

Thanks for the recent comments, just one point about the website. Yes I am aware that David still appears on the website, although it has also been updated with our new riders and a new team photo will be taken. David features on the website as he was originally used to promote and market the club, and I see no need to change something that has worked well for the club as after all you could end up changing the website branding every week if the rider picked were to be replaced. The website will during the new year be revamped with next year’s branding once the National League conference has taken place but for this season we will continue to use the style etc that we have used since we launched which our fans identify with. Regards Nikko

Im not going to go into precise figures but Mondays crowd, although down on previous weeks, was still very healthy and yes it was a lot more than 58! The guess of 450 was close but still too low. At one point I counted more than 58 in the Bar. We have worked very hard spreading the word, and continue to do so. We are pleased with the crowds we have been getting, the two Bank Holidays were fantastic, but will continue to try to find more supporters. Regards Nikko

Apologies Ken if this was a private joke I misunderstood, I have therefore removed my previous post but im sure you can understand why I replied. Neil.

As the Commercial Manager of the Kent CTA Fire Kings I take major exception to this post and request it is removed immediately or alternatively I am happy if the poster contacts me with a private PM to explain the comments. Neil Day. Hi gustix. Think you had keyboard problems, its Adam Kirby :-)

It's a beautiful morning here this morning as I look forward to welcoming my old club to Central Park. It's going to be great to see some old friends today although very strange riding against the team I supported from 1977.

Yes it was a good performance from Adam yesterday, but as you say a very expensive one. I know Adam and his family do read all the comments on here, and elsewhere, both good and bad and he will be pleased to read the posts from yesterday. All riders ride on confidence and when it's high they feel that they can do anything, when it's low they feel that they are doing nothing right. All I, and the riders ask, is that people are fair and that is why posts like the one from gustix above should be applauded. Over the last week or so I struggled to see why Adam had been singled out for so much critiscm but to be fair, and credit where credit is due, praise followed a good performance. Onto today let's hope for a sunny day, good racing, and a safe day for all the riders.

The Kent CTA Fire Kings have a busy weekend this Bank Holiday with meetings away to Buxton on Sunday, Home to Mildenhall on Monday and then away to the IOW on Tuesday. The promotional side continues, with another interview recorded with BBC Radio Kent this morning, and with a stand at Frittenden on Sunday. With regards to recent "digs" about our younger riders, just a personal comment from myself, but I do wonder why people bother writing such things, you have young British lads being given a chance and having a go and yet some people just seem to knock everything they do. Its such a same.

Hi Thought I would cover some of the recent posts on here where I can. 1) Benji replacing David. That's a tough one for me as I have known David for years and sponsored him this year as well as working hard to get him a load of new local sponsors. What I do know from speaking to David is that he is raring to get another team spot and I wish him well. 2) Website still showing David. We would have taken photos of Benji and the team on Monday but for the postponement. This will be sorted this weekend and we welcome Benji to the Kings. 3) The three pointers. The promotion had a strategy that meant having three 3 pointers and knew it would take time. Don't forget not only are they new to NL racing full time, but on a new track as well. Confidence is everything with these lads and I'm sure they will show what they can do as each meeting goes on. They have been given a chance, which is all they ask for. Finally its certainly a tough weekend with the three meetings in three days but I can assure you all they are all raring to go. Nikko

Yes, I'm afraid it's OFF

I will keep everyone up to date re the weather throughout the day until I leave for the track around 4pm. Also we will update our official website if anything changes.

I have received a press release from the promotion confirming Dave has been replaced by Benji Compton with immediate effect. Details on our website tomorrow.

Hi Firstly thanks for all the feedback. There has been a lot of work done on the track this week, and will continue to be so. I have also been in communication with the stadium re the PA, and an update to our press release on our website will follow. It's well documented that we have a strict 8.30pm curfew and we must stick to it. We will have Heat 1 starting at 6.30pm and will be running a strict meeting but of course, being speedway things may happen. We have the restrictions and these were a condition of getting through the planning application, so we know this is what we have to work with. It does mean families can attend and get the kids home at a sensible time on a school night so that's a good thing. Regards Nikko

Just a quick note from myself to thank the trackstaff, standholders, and stadium staff today for all your efforts. Thanks to everyone who came to watch us today, I hope you enjoyed yourselves. Couple of areas need improvement and already working on them. Regards Nikko

Hi All Replacements are being sorted for tomorrow and I'm sure the lads drafted in will do good job for the Amercian Internationals. These things happen in speedway, and we look forward to putting on a great show tomorrow, and I'm sure everyone who does attend will be pleasantly surprised at the stadium and facilities. Hopefully see some of you there.

Yes there is plenty to do, we have been advertising the below on our website and on the Kent Kings thread on here for weeks, but for those that have missed it. Blast from the Past - their full Cardiff GP display Friends of Speedway - try out their gating machine to see how fast you are Speedway Ride N Slide Dayz - have a go yourself at one of their days Margate Beach Cross - check out bikes that race on sand QRUK - check out their quad bike and look out for the special guest on the quad! Frittenden Grasstrack Iwade Speedway Mini Track Andy Griggs Kings Merchandise stand Official Photographers stand - ESA (Tony and Denise Fowles) The Invicta Chapter UK of the Harley Owners Group will also be with us helping out with the parade Alsocwe have the Kent "legends" parade..

The Kings Raffle - 50/50 draw. I can confirm that we will be running The Kings Raffle 50/50 draw on Monday, and every home meeting this season. Raffle tickets will be on Sale on the day and will be drawn either in the interval or before Heat 13. The total raised will be announced with 50% going to the Kent CTA Fire Kings riders for Fuel and Tyres. 50% will go in prize money. 25% to the first ticket drawn, 15% to the second ticket drawn and 10% to the third ticket drawn. The club will take no money from this venture, this is to help the riders, so please support the Kings Raffle if you can.

Great coverage of the CTA Fire Kings in this weeks Sittingbourne News Extra. Back page discussing the move out of Sittingbourne FC from the football pitch at the back of Central Park and arrival of the Kings. Great picture of Steve Boxall. Then a whole page in the sports section with an interview with Steve, a profile of all the riders, and an interview with Team Manager John Sampford as well as a Team Picture (which also appears on the front of this weeks Speedway Star). Also in the "What to do" section for the Bank Holiday, 2 adverts. The people of Sittingbourne and the surronding area know we are here. Roll on Monday.

British speedway fans constantly complain that there is no British talent coming through. As with all sports, some sportsmen start off and get no further, some rise to a certain level and then stop and some rise all the way to the top. I dont know which catergory our young lads will eventually fall into but what I do know is that if we dont give them a try we will never know. What I also know is that they (and their families) have worked so hard for the opportunity, and they have got that opportunity through alot of sacrifice. I also know that they are proud to be Kent CTA Fire Kings and want to ride for the club. Personally I dont think I can ask for anymore at this stage. We are pleased to have ALL our riders that have signed for this season. Regards Nikko

Thanks for all the recent posts. We are now only days away from our opening meeting. Thanks to everyone who attended the fans forum Monday night I hope people found it interesting and informative. Don't forget if you are joining us Monday the gates will be open from 1pm so come early as we have a lot for you see before the meeting with our stands etc. Also don't forget pre booked tables in the restaurant are still available. Hopefully see some of you Monday.

This is my fault and I can only apologise. I asked someone to help me with this and didn't pass on his number. I have called Dave this morning and left a message to apologise for my oversite and asked him to join us. I hope he does and can only apologise again for my oversite. Regards Nikko

The Kent CTA Fire Kings are pleased to confirm their 7th rider is 19 year old Sam Woods - full details on our official website www.kentkings.co We also look forward to meeting fans tonight at the Fans Forum in the Central Bar at Central Park Stadium. Doors open at 8pm, and the Bar will be open. The Forum will start at 8.30pm

Well, with less than 2 weeks to go until the opening meeting, thought I would share some of the stands we will have inside the stadium for you to keep you occupied before and after the meeting: Blast from the Past - their full Cardiff GP display Friends of Speedway - try out their gating machine to see how fast you are Speedway Ride N Slide Dayz - have a go yourself at one of their days Margate BeachCross - check out bikes that race on sand QRAUK - check out their quad bike and look out for the special guest on the quad! Also Andy Griggs will be there with his Merchandise stand and check out our official photographers stand - ESA (Tony & Denise Fowles). We are also pleased to confirm that the Invicta Chapter UK of the Harley Owners Group will also be with us on the day and will be helping out with the parade. Finally, there will be a "legends" parade before the meeting when we will introduce some Kent legends from the past. There is so much to see, so we will be opening half an hour earlier, at 1300, so come on down to Central Park early and enjoy the atmosphere for the first ever meeting of the Kent CTA Fire Kings

Hi. The merchandise is available from Andy Griggs, who will also run the track shop this season. He will be selling merchandise at the Fan Forum on the 29th. With regards to the 7th rider, I am still waiting confirmation from the Promoters. Sorry I don't have more details.

The Kent CTA Fire Kings are giving fans the opportunity to watch the historic first meeting on the 6th May with fantastic views from the EuroSuite restaurant. There are 26 tables available in the restaurant that can be booked in advance and all have tremendous views of the track. Bookings need to be made, and paid for in advance, and a table costs £100 for up to 6 people. This includes entry to the stadium, and the EuroSuite and a buffet on each table. Entry into the EuroSuite will be for fans who have booked tables only. The Central Bar will also be open on the day for everyone. If you would like to book a table in the EuroSuite, please call the stadium on 01795 475547 as tables will be booked on a first come first served basis.

Thanks for all the recent posts. I cannot comment specifically about the last signing at this stage, as with all our announcements it will be made on our website when the promotion announces it can be released and I will endevour to update every media I can as soon as possible thereafter. On a positive note, another 2000 new full colour flyers have been delivered today, with a brand new design. We are also off to Canterbury College next week for their annual trade fair where will be promoting the Kent CTA Fire Kings to more local companies, the students and their families and friends. Work at the stadium also increases at a rapid pace with the fence now in place, the pits being worked on and behind the scenes operations being finalised. Finally a very good track staff meeting took place on Monday night.