Kent SLYDE Kings are seizing the opportunity to look at some other promising contenders for the all-important reserve berths in their 2015 City Gearboxes National League squad after the news that Rikki Mullins has decided to withdraw from contention for a team berth.

The former Isle of Wight rider has altered his plans on the eve of the new season and seemingly called time on a career which has been distinguished by a series of similar false starts. The Eltham-based racer explains,

“In the winter of last year before I signed with Kent, I applied to join the Royal Marines. I was hoping to get selected for training by the end of the year, so after the Speedway season had finished – but my application process has come forward a lot sooner.”

With the call to serve ‘Queen & Country’ ringing in his ears, the south Londoner who first rode third tier Speedway for the Iwade-based Crusaders has then decided not to resume racing in the Sittingbourne area this time with the SLYDE Kings,

“I thought it would be best for everyone if I gave up my place to somebody else who could start the season from the beginning with Kent, rather than me doing a few meetings and then having to pull out a month or so to go on military training. I’d like to apologise to everyone involved at the club and my sponsors”.

Team boss Chris Hunt has acted swiftly and two more riders have immediately entered the frame to challenge for the reserve berths at the Murston-based club.

Hunt explains: “I want to have a look at Liam Sanderson, who rode for his home town club Scunthorpe Stags last season as well as taking part in the GB Youth Championship. Liam will be travelling down to our Media & Sponsors Day on March 30th. for a first ride around Central Park and it will be interesting to see how he gets on.”

A rider a lot closer to home and well renowned on the local grass tracks is Tonbridge-based racer, Matt Saul. Third behind new Kent SLYDE Kings’ signing James Shanes in last year’s GB Under 21 championship in Speedway’s sister sport of Grasstrack, the 20 year old has been a highly promising campaigner on the grass since schoolboy days and is looking to make a successful transition to the shale. Hunt is interested in the good stories he’s heard of Saul’s racing ability,

“Matt I know is greatly respected by those in the know on the grasstrack scene in the south-east and he does have an impressive record. It will be fascinating to see how he does too at our Media & Sponsors Day”.

Picture supplied by Lawrence Hammonds