Peterborough Panthers take to the track, but the start of the speedway season is expected to be delayed

Peterborough Panthers 2020 riders, from left, Niels-Kristian Iversen, Scott Nicholls, Chris Harris and Michael Palm Toft. Photo: David Lowndes.

The city club staged their press & practice event at the East of England Arena on the supposed eve of the 2020 season.

But only four members of their new-look team - number one Niels Kristian Iversen, fellow Danish racer Michael Palm Toft and British duo Scott Nicholls and Chris Harris - were present.

Team-mates Hans Andersen and Ulrich Ostergaard were both trapped in their native Denmark after that nation’s borders were shut due to the coronavirus outbreak with Aussie rider Rohan Tungate also stuck at his Polish base.

Peterborough Panthers star Scott Nicholls went for a spin on practice day. Photo: David Lowndes.

Panthers then cancelled a pre-season social event planned for last night while their opening meeting of the campaign - a 50th anniversary individual event - due to take place today (March 15) had already been shelved on health and safety grounds due to issues with the grandstand at Alwalton.

Panthers co-promoter Carl Johnson said: “It was good to get the wheels turning even though only four of riders could be there.

“The boys who did manage to get on track blew away a few cobwebs and hopefully things will settle down soon.

“But, of course, we fully support the health restrictions being put in place around the world and we’ll work with the authorities to help the situation as much as we can.”

Three other riders were on track yesterday with Joe Alcock and Sam Berge (who will both feature in the club’s new junior side for 2020) putting in laps along with club mascot Max Perry.

Panthers’ first outing of the new season is now scheduled to be on Thursday (March 19) as they host local rivals King’s Lynn in the SGB Premiership Supporters’ Cup.

But speculation suggests that meeting won’t take place with the 2020 season expected to be delayed following a meeting of British Speedway Promoters’ Association (BSPA) chiefs on Tuesday (March 17).

Johnson added: “All we can do is await the outcome of the BSPA meeting on Tuesday to see where we go over the next few weeks.

“Personally, I expect that the sport will be put on hold until things look clearer.”