Peterborough Panthers’ stars hope to shine on and off the track at the first speedway Grand Prix of the season

Iversen, who rejoined Panthers on the eve of the season, hasn’t raced since August 9 after suffering a broken hand and admits the lack of track time will make things tough for him.

Iversen said: “My preparations for the series haven’t gone to plan, in fact they couldn’t have been any worse!

“I’ve just got to stay positive despite the lack of racing so far. I have to feel confident in my own ability to pull something out of the bag when we get to Wroclaw.”

Meanwhie Panthers racer Scott Nicholls is ready to take up his TV duties for the first time this year when the Grand Prix starts this weekend.

The series, which will be held over eight rounds and four weekends, kicks off in Wroclaw tomorrow and Saturday (August 28, 29).

It will be only the 11th time since the competition was launched in 1995 that a round has been held away from the traditional Saturday night.

Nicholls said: “I can’t wait to team up with Natalie (Quirk) in the BT Sport studio. It’s a big weekend for the sport and it should be awesome.

“Wroclaw produces some great racing and I’m sure we will see some great action with a world title on the line.

“It’s great to have the Grand Prix series back and I really enjoy the TV work.

“It’s an honour and I’m sure every speedway fan will be tuning in over the weekend.”

The GP action action starts at 7pm.