GORDON KENNETT 1953-2023

Former world No.2 Gordon Kennett has passed away at the age of 70.

Kennett represented numerous clubs during a highly successful near 25-year career, but he is best remembered for his time with Eastbourne.

He made his Eagles debut in 1970 and went on to have three spells with the Sussex side, racing for them in a total of 13 seasons, becoming a long-serving No.1 and captain, and the club’s all-time top scorer.

Individually he finished a brilliant second in the 1978 FIM Speedway World Final at Wembley, just one point behind winner Ole Olsen.

And the same season saw him secure FIM Speedway World Pairs glory for England at Chorzow, teaming up with Malcolm Simmons to edge out New Zealand in a run-off for the title.

Kennett retired after a stint with Wolverhampton in 1993-94 but remained a regular visitor to speedway and still enjoyed riding bikes.

Everyone involved in FIM Speedway sends their condolences to his family and friends at this sad time.