LEGENDARY former promoter, rider and manager Len Silver has passed away at the age of 92.
He died at home in the early hours of Sunday morning after a lifetime’s involvement in the sport.
Silver had an incredible career which started as a rider with Ipswich in 1953 up until running Kent Kings.
His racing son Andrew said on Facebook: “It is with our deepest sorrow that we have to announce the passing of our beloved father, Granddad and Great Granddad Len Silver who died in his sleep in the early hours of this morning.
“No amount of words can explain our loss. He was a big inspiration to many in a life in which he shared a great passion for Skiing and Speedway.
“A remarkable man and father who will be sorely missed. RIP Dad 1932 - 2024.”
His racing career was mainly spent with Ipswich and Exeter, before he retired due to injury following a crash at Hackney in 1964, his biggest victory having come in the 1962 Provincial League Riders’ Championship – the equivalent of the modern day CLRC.
He then embarked on a lengthy and hugely successful promoting career which included two decades at Hackney as well as involvement in several associated clubs.
The 1970s saw him complete the first of two stints as Great Britain/England manager in a golden era of success in the World Team Cup competition
Len was also a skilled track curator and prepared the surface for the last ever World Final to take place at Wembley in 1981, which produced one of the sport’s most memorable meetings.
He subsequently bought Rye House Stadium and revived the Rockets in 1999, winning the Premier League (now Championship) title in both 2005 and 2007.
In 2013, he launched the Kent Kings at Central Park Stadium, continuing as promoter of the club through to his retirement at the end of the 2021 season.
Len, who became the second inductee to British Speedway’s Hall of Fame in 2021, continued to attend the sport regularly following the successful revival of Oxford in 2022.
Fittingly he was in attendance at Cowley last Saturday for the first leg of the Championship Grand Final between the Cheetahs and Poole.
All at British Speedway Network wish to send our sincere condolences to Len’s family and friends, and place on record our gratitude for his outstanding service to the sport.
Words by Holeshot Media.