Ed Kennett secures second world title on four wheels

Known for years as a superb Speedway rider, Ed Kennett’s love for speed and excitement has led him to have occasional run outs at Arlington Raceway on four wheels when his busy schedule allows.
By Michael Burnage MBE
Published 11th Oct 2015, 17:32 BST

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Kennett joins Dreamers Darren Terry-Brand (left) and Terry Boxall (right) in celebrating their success.Kennett joins Dreamers Darren Terry-Brand (left) and Terry Boxall (right) in celebrating their success.
Kennett joins Dreamers Darren Terry-Brand (left) and Terry Boxall (right) in celebrating their success.

Keen just to be out competing around an oval raceway, the popular Kennett has tried his hand at the non-contact Rookie Rod racing class, with great success.

It is in the contact class of Banger racing that he appears most at home, where his straight line speed, coupled with the aggression of a professional sportsman, seems to pay most dividends.

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In 2014, Kennett made the short trip to Ringwood raceway in Hampshire, to compete in the Rookie Banger World Final. Against all the odds, the part time driver returned to Sussex with the spoils.

Kennett secures his second Banger World titleKennett secures his second Banger World title
Kennett secures his second Banger World title

Last Saturday, with the National Micro Banger World Cup up for grabs, he sought to emulate that feat, albeit having to step up to the senior class of Bangers.

He travelled up to Scotland, accompanying The Dreamers team led by seasoned team captain Steve Anscombe. Kennett was in good company, as six drivers from The Dreamers, made the long trip north ably assisted by their mechanics and their families.

Fielding such a strong and experienced team, that included three previous track champions, Anscombe was confident of success. He hadn’t allowed though for the quiet presence, and steely determination of Kennett.

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With over 140 cars booked in for the championship meeting, in theory Kennett and his Dreamers friends, should have come back South empty handed. That is not quite the ethos of the Sussex outfit, which prefers to mix an ability to win, with the fun of knocking seven bells out of a rival car.

Kennett waits on the grid for the green lightKennett waits on the grid for the green light
Kennett waits on the grid for the green light

Heat one was won by Dreamer and current London Champion Reece Priestly, with team mate Terry Boxall securing third place. The second heat was equally successful for The Dreamers as Jack Brann came home in first place.

The final saw a 65 car entry, with the Sussex drivers spread out through the grid. With certain team members such as the reliable Pete Osbourne, designated as wreckers and blockers, the plan was for the speedsters to evade damage and try for the title.

Incredibly, the plan worked. Only six cars survived the heated exchanges, with Kennett lifting the trophy, Darren Terry Brand second and Boxall third once again.

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So what next for Kennett? “Back to the day job, to pay the mortgage”, he replied.

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