Kent Speedway has paid its "heartfelt and deepest condolences" to the family of speedway ace Danny Ayres who died this weekend aged just 33.

The home of the Kent Kings at Central Park in Sittingbourne, was where the racer started his career.

Spokesman Derek Barclay said the statement from the club was "the hardest I've ever had to write" and described Danny as a "very dear friend and speedway legend".

The club statement said: "The club sends its heartfelt and deepest condolences to Danny’s partner Jodie and their two young daughters Lilou and Anaiya, to Danny’s teenage son Kai, his father David and all the rest of his family and friends – so many of whom, of course, are people he first befriended and remained friends with from during his time as a Kent rider.

"Danny was the consummate entertainer with his buccaneering riding style and his showmanship playing a huge part in establishing Kent Speedway from the time he burst onto the scene as a rookie rider in the Kings’ second season in 2014.

"Danny moved on from Kent after the 2016 season but remained the most popular visiting rider when returning to ride at the Central Park track where he’d made his reputation.

"A reputation as one of the most exciting and personable riders in the sport.

"British speedway is now in mourning at the awful news of his passing."

Kent co-promoter and Danny’s first mentor in the sport, Len Silver, added: "Shocked, devastated, sad beyond words is my inadequate reaction to the news of the death of my good friend Danny.

"My heart goes out to his family whose devastation must be far worse than any of us. Speedway and the world as a whole is a much deprived place after this awful loss of a great entertainer and great guy."

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