Based in Barham near Canterbury, Ledwith is both the most locally-based and senior age-wise of the new look TouchTec-backed Kent side and was a clear and obvious choice to be the man to step into the shoes of former club captain Luke Bowen as the side’s new ‘Captain Fantastic’.  And the comeback ‘Dirt Track Comeback Kid’ is buzzing at his well-deserved appointment,

“I am totally thrilled and proud to be given to such a position of responsibility – especially to captain such a talented young team of riders, all of which I believe have fantastic potential to dramatically improve their averages.”

Ledwith last rode league Speedway a full 24 years ago (that’s at least five years longer than the birth date of all six of his young charges and has set himself stringent own targets for his first year back in the saddle – ones which fit into the overall club ethos,

“I have my own personal ambitions for the year and I’m sure my young team mates have their own.  Len [Silver] and Chris [Hunt] have put together an amazing squad and if we together achieve even 75% of our potential, we will have every chance of winning the National League.”

Rob brings a maturity and a well-honed sense of team ethics to the role,

“With such a young squad with strong personal ambitions throughout it is vital we ride as a team and I will certainly be encouraging the lads to have a team-focused strategy both on and off track.”

And for the 47-year-old who began his Speedway career with his then locally-based club Arena Essex, there’s something of a ‘back to the future’ link as he teams up with the leadership team with Paul Hurry, a team mate at the circuit in Thurrock back in the early 1990s.  Kentish racing legend, Canterbury-born and Maidstone-based Hurry has himself stepped away from the saddle to take on a new challenge of Rider Coach, to Ledwith’s clear delight

“We are really blessed in having Paul Hurry helping us this year.  His vast experience and knowledge we will all really benefit from. I just can’t wait to get started!”

That start is next month – with the first home match under the new skipper being an Easter Challenge versus Belle Vue Colts on the Bank Holiday Monday, April 22nd,  4pm start time.