Fast times and great racing guaranteed when Peterborough Panthers finally get going

The club invested in extensive track work when Keith Chapman took over in the winter of 2018/19 and the track record tumbled last season.

Speedway bosses are aiming for an August start with a three-month season to slot fixtures in, but Panthers are also facing the problem of riders being in Poland and how they get to the UK.

Quarantine rules would need to be relaxed in both countries and regular flights would need to be back on schedule to make it happen.

Pratt, however, says at least the track is ready to go.

He said: “The East of England Arena has been heavily monitored security-wise from what I know, but when the green light is given to get back racing, there isn’t much we need to do at all now.

“The track work carried out in the winter of 2018 into early 2019 saw us reap the rewards last season as I’m sure you’ll all agree.

“The racing was of a phenomenally high standard on a regular basis and we saw some terrific meetings here, particularly at the front and back end of the season.

“At Peterborough we’re very lucky to have the facilities that we do have and we’ll strive to improve them even further where possible.

“Obviously these are not easy times for anybody right now; for clubs as a whole, for riders who have no earning capacity and even for all of our sponsors as well.”

Pratt has also paid tribute to the loyal sponsors who continue to back the club in frustrating times.

“Crendon Timber stayed with us despite our league position at the end of last season and we welcomed City Auction Group in the winter,” he said.

“Sponsorship is such a vital part of professional sport and we cannot them them and everyone else who supports the club enough.”