GORDON KENNETT

BRITISH Speedway is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former World No.2 Gordon Kennett 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 World Final at Wembley, just one point behind winner Ole Olsen.

And the same season saw him secure 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.

British Speedway sends our condolences and best wishes to Gordon’s family and friends at this very sad time.