With a busy and decisive period for Kent Speedway’s National League [NL] side, the Iwade Garage Royals coming up in September & October (five home matches and three away from Central Park).
The club’s management are delighted to be back to a full complement of riders following the addition to the squad of hot prospect, 15-year-old Vinnie Foord.
The Sussex teenager made his NL debut just days after that landmark birthday for a Speedway youngster for his then local club (very local as he lives in Hailsham), the Eastbourne Seagulls in July.
The youngster really caught the eye of Kent co-promoter Len Silver when riding in his second match for the sadly now defunct Seagulls a week after his debut, when Vinnie actually recorded his first competitive race win in senior Speedway against the Royals before bowing out with an injury.
Fit again and having expressed a preference to ride for Kent, Foord will be driving the length of the country for his debut for John Sampford’s side, up at Berwick in a top of the table clash this Saturday (4thj. September).
And the vastly experienced Mr Silver (who knows more than a thing or too about spotting young talent) couldn’t be more delighted.
“Since I first encountered Vinnie riding against us at the end of July, I’ve been talking to the youngster and his father, Garry and I’m pleased that everything is in place now for Vinnie to join the Iwade Garage Royals.
“Vinnie has next to no experience, but has enthusiasm enough for a whole team. I was impressed with him when I saw him and consider that he has enough ‘Get Up and Go’ to be worth giving him a chance. It follows our overall general policy of bringing new young riders into the club, always with an eye to the future.”
With the addition of Foord to the squad the Iwade Garage Royals now line up as follows (in averages not riding order -but NB. it’ll be Warren & Foord in the reserve berths)
Daniel Gilkes 11.40
Ryan Kinsley 9.47
Alex Spooner 5.65
Jake Mulford 3.00
Jacob Clouting 3.00
Josh Warren 3.00
Vinnie Foord 3.00
Total: 38.52