Kennett bids for Euro grass title

Edward Kennett is preparing to ride in his first competitive meeting of
the year – and it’s a European Final!

The HG Aerospace Eastbourne Eagle set off yesterday (July 30) for Tayac,
near Bordeaux in south west France, to compete in the FIM European
Individual Grass Track Championship on Saturday (August 1).

He said: “I am looking forward to it even though I have only had two
[speedway] practice sessions this year. I really have not done much at
all, other than going to Scunthorpe and Lydd (Kent) to practise
speedway.

“This will be my first competitive meeting since September last year.”

Thanks to Mick and Ice Robins, of Robins of Herstmonceux, Edward has
worked throughout the lockdown, apart from a week off at the end of
April when he and his wife’s first baby was born.

“I have been missing riding but it has been nice to see our son growing
up,” he said.

Even though it is a European Final, Edward is not feeling the strain.

Before the Coronavirus outbreak, he was marked down as being in the
semi-final of the competition, which would have been held at Tayac.

The FIM scrapped the semis because of Covid-19 and riders were nominated for the final.

Kennett wasn’t in the UK’s original pick but was placed on a ‘reserve’
list and was asked to take part after some of those chosen dropped out.

“I have to go and enjoy it,” he said.

“I don’t feel I am under any pressure and we will see where I end up.”

Matt Saul, who many Eastbourne fans will remember from the club’s
National Development League days, is travelling with Edward as mechanic.

Kennett is not the only Eagle in action this weekend.

Team-mate Tom Brennan rides on Saturday (August 1) in the European
Under 21 Qualifier in Divišov, about 25 miles south east of Prague in
the Czech Republic.

He also represents Great Britain in the European Under-19 qualifier in
Pardubice, which is about 60 miles east of Prague in the Czech Republic on August 14. Fellow Eagles, Jason Edwards and Drew Edwards, are also in this meeting.

Image credit: unknown.