Winter addition for Palm Toft

MPT and English partner Andrea celebrated the arrival of son Cody in February. He will be based almost exclusively on these shores during the 2016 season with UK racing his main priority.

“It has been a good winter with the birth of my son,” said MPT. “It is my first child and my partner’s second.

“I’ve been doing my bit by changing plenty of nappies, but I can’t do the feeds!

“There is always talk in speedway about the effect having children has on a rider, but I don’t think it will make any difference to me.

“I’ve got a job to do, and a child to provide for, just like any other father.”

Palm Toft is one of many Panthers riders tipped to boost their starting average in the coming months.

The 26 year-old proved a big hit last term after initially being drafted in as a short-term replacement following an injury to Adam Roynon.

He made the team berth his own and became a huge fans’ favourite with some swashbuckling rides from the back.

“I really enjoyed last season and my plan is to make this one even better,” added MPT. “My starting is something I have to improve on, but I know I can do it.

“I proved last season that I am fast enough to win races from the back, but I want to be doing it from the front and making life easier for myself.

“We’ve got quite a few riders on a steal of an average and we can improve massively.

“A lot of other teams have been built closer to the points limit, but they don’t have the potential that we do.

“I think we are going to be hard to beat if we all ride as we can.”