Peterborough Panthers could race competitively soon, fans could be allowed to watch and an explosive start to the season for a star city racer

And fans could even be allowed in to watch the action at the East of England Arena.

Panthers co-promoter Colin Pratt is working with the club’s landlords to agree dates should a new season be able to start next month.

British Speedway bosses have issued a statement which suggests hopes have been raised by the latest easing of restrictions by the UK Government and they expect the sport to be able to start soon.

And, encouraginly, stock car promoters have confirmed the green light has been given for racing to resume with an event planned at Ipswich later this month in front of fans.

It means Panthers chiefs haven’t given up hope of staging racing this year and Pratt has confirmed dates should be available for a shortened league campaign.

Pratt said: “The Showground is opening up shortly, and a lot of shows that were to have run during the lockdown period are being transferred to later in the year.

“At the moment they are plans being put into place rather than definite plans, because it’s still all subject to government policy and also local regulations.

“We are working with the Showground and I am being kept informed of what dates would be available for speedway if restrictions allow.

“We would always be subject to health and safety guidelines, but we do have a great deal of open space regarding entrances, the pits and so on, which would help us.

“If we needed a one-way system, we could do that, but it’s all about what restrictions are in place, and whether or not it’s feasible for everyone.”

* Rohan Tungate opened his Polish League season with a stunning 13+2 paid maximum for Lodz on Sunday in a 57-33 win over Daugavpils.

Tungate travelled back to his Polish base from Australia to prepare for the new season and will commute to Britain for Peterborough meetings.