Teenage British Speedway rider Dan Gilkes, started his motorcycle journey at the age of 5, when he asked Father Christmas for a motocross bike. From there, he fell in love with riding and hasn't looked back since.

Gilkes first full season of 500cc racing was in 2017, where he took 2nd place in the British Under 16's Championship.

2018 saw Gilkes take the step up to Midland, Southern and Northern Development league, due to having to concentrate on getting his GCSE's in which he did smashed all expectations. After he completed his exams, he took a guest booking for Lakeside Hammers, a challenge match against Kent Kings, scoring 11+1 in his National League debut. Due to the success of his debut, Dan was invited to ride in the Annual 'Kent Laurels' meeting where he finshed third, making him the youngest person to make the podium over it's 80 years.

In 2019, Gilkes signed a contact to ride for the Kent Kings in the National League during the 2019 season. He started the year as a '2-Point Reserve'. Unfortunately he broke his pelvis in his first National League meeting, which saw Gilkes have 9 weeks out on the sidelines. Coming back from his injury, Gilkes picked up from where he left last season; moving up into the main body of the side. He kept on progressing and learning each meeting and subsequently has now earned an a 8.00 point average - 6 points above his starting average.