Peterborough Panthers set to look for new home in the city as the battle for survival continues
The consortium which owns Peterborough Panthers Speedway Team are set to look for alternative homes in the city.
Campaigners have vowed to keep on fighting to revive speedway in the city after being dealt a major blow which is set to end hopes of them returning to the Showground, their home between 1970 and 2023.
Two of the group’s directors, Mick Bratley and Brian Connolly, have met with the landowners the East of England Agricultural Society, who it is understood still intend to push on with plans for homes on the Showground site following the failure to agree the terms of a Section 106 agreement that led to a decision of the Peterborough City Council’s Planning and Environmental Protection Committee to vote unanimously to turn down two applications to demolish the grandstand and speedway track and build 1,500 homes on the 165-acre site,
For the first time since the Panthers were given notice to quit the Showground, they have publicly confirmed that they are now going to look at possibly new sites within the city.
A statement from Forever Panthers Limited said: “Forever Panthers remains committed to securing a sustainable future for speedway racing in Peterborough, despite the indication in a recent meeting with the current landowner that it does not intend to re-open the East of England Showground for events or the sport’s return.
“This represents a significant challenge—but not the end of the road for speedway in the city.
“To reflect the challenges the company is working with stakeholders to explore all options that would ensure the sport’s future in Peterborough.
"Bringing speedway back would not only honour its heritage but also provide a boost to local businesses and create opportunities for new generations of supporters to experience the adrenaline and camaraderie that define the sport.
“We recognise the deep connection between speedway and the city of Peterborough. Our goal is to preserve that legacy while building a modern, vibrant future for the sport. We are committed to engaging with fans, partners, and the wider community as plans develop.
“While we are disappointed by the landowner’s intentions, our passion for speedway and its proud heritage in Peterborough remains undiminished.
“As the position of speedway and the East of England Showground are protected by national and local policies, we are actively exploring solutions to keep this incredible sport alive in our community.”
Over the decades, the team has achieved remarkable success, the Showground has hosted seven league winning sides in the last 33 years.
The Panthers won the top-flight championship in 1999, 2006 and 2021, the second tier title in 1992 and 1998 and the third level crown in 1997 and 2002 as well as more than a dozen other national team events.
Forever Panthers Limited insist they will fight on and claim: “We are determined to turn this challenge into an opportunity. We are reviewing Options; considering possible options under the relevant national and local policies; exploring possible venues; identifying locations that can accommodate speedway and deliver a world-class experience; engaging with stakeholders; working with local authorities, businesses, and fans to secure a future that benefits the entire community; championing the sport’s heritage; ensuring the Panthers’ legacy continues to inspire new generations of riders and supporters.”
The group added: “Speedway has a long tradition of bringing people together, fostering local pride, and inspiring young fans to get involved in sport and the return of speedway racing to Peterborough would deliver significant benefits to the local community.”