Peterborough Panthers riders express sympathy for club after season was cancelled

When UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson stated crowds could go back into sporting venues in October it became apparent it was too late for any Premiership speedway action.

Now the East of England Arena will wait until next spring for the return of the bikes and it’s possible Panthers could field the same side

“I think we all knew what was coming with the season in England not happening,” said Tungate.

“The sport can’t survive without crowds and I feel really sorry for everyone connected to Peterborough.

“I know how hard the promotion have worked behind the scenes trying to get a season on, but the announcement by the Government last week was a blow to everyone.”

Tungate has made a flying start to the season in Poland with double-figure hauls in his opening meetings.

Polish racing is taking place with restricted crowd numbers. Lucrative sponsorship makes it viable. British Speedway doesn’t enjoy anything like that level of commercial backing.

Tungate has also confirmed he has agreed a deal to race in Sweden in the remaining weeks of the season.

“I’m lucky to be based in Poland and have had three league meetings already for Lodz my Polish side and have just agreed terms with Lejonen in Sweden,” Tungate added.

“I’m pleased with my own form in the three meetings even though we have lost two of them, but both defeats have come away from home.”

Panthers teammate Niels-Kristian Iversen has seen his season interrupted by a shoulder injury and is awaiting news on a possible Grand Prix series in 2020.

Like Tungate he wasn’t surprised the UK season got cancelled.

“It was disappointing,” Iversen said. “But it was expected news when it came through.

“It’s a big blow to the fans, the riders and all the clubs, but there really wasn’t any alternative.”