SPEEDWAY: Much more to come from new Panthers number one

Craig Cook in action against Ipswich. Picture: David Lowndes

Cook admitted he was caught out by the slicker-than-expected surface when retiring from his opening ride for the city club last Sunday (May 22).

But he quickly got in the groove to pile up an 11-point haul which included success in a final-heat decider to earn a 48-45 verdict against Ipswich in the two sides’ last League Cup, Midland Group clash.

Cook said: “I had completely the wrong set-up on the bike for my first ride. I’ve always been used to there being more dirt at Peterborough in the past.

“But I managed to adapt quickly. It was good to score a few points and win that last race to make sure we came out on top.

“It would have been a huge disappointment for everyone involved if we had been beaten in the first meeting since making team changes, but we obviously can’t afford to find ourselves more than 10 points behind at home again.”

And despite a double-figures debut, Cook insists he has much more to offer as Panthers bid to reach the Premier League play-offs.

“I’m just happy to be here and having more meetings,” added Cook. “I did okay against Ipswich, but there is still so much more to come from me.”