SPEEDWAY legend Scott Nicholls is aiming to get the new season off to a flying start at Peterborough this weekend.
Panthers open their season with a busy spell of racing, starting with their 50th anniversary meeting this Sunday at 2pm.
And Nicholls, the record holder of British titles with seven to his name, is itching to get started after some testing in France recently.
He said: “I’m eager to get the season underway starting with the opening meeting this coming weekend.
“We have press and practice on Saturday followed by the 50th Anniversary meeting on the Sunday so it’s going to be a busy few days.
“Hopefully the weather stays kind and we have a good turnout for the first meeting and I can make a good start to the season.”
Nicholls was a late addition to the Crendon Panthers side after Bradley Wilson Dean’s withdrawal through shoulder problems forced a rejig with team plans.
He’ll start the season at reserve and the team has been received well by fans and pundits alike who are backing them for a big season.
“I’m really pleased to be back at Peterborough and really keen to do well.
Nicholls said: “We have a good team on paper but then again so do a few other teams in the Premiership.
“Seeing riders like World Champions Nicki (Pedersen) and Jason (Crump) back in the league is a big boost for British speedway.”
Danish youngster Marcus Birkemose has been added to the line-up for Sunday with one name to follow shortly to complete the field.
The meeting is, however, mainly made up of past and present Peterborough riders.
As part of a busy weekend, Panthers also stage press and practice on Saturday with supporters welcome from 1pm and riders on track shortly after. Media and sponsors are welcome from midday.
A Supporters’ Club ‘meet and greet’ then takes place at the Post Office Sports & Social Club from 7.30, including a buffet and disco.
SUNDAY LINE-UP (2pm start, gates open 12.30): Niels-Kristian Iversen, Hans Andersen, Rohan Tungate, Chris Harris, Michael Palm Toft, Scott Nicholls, Ulrich Ostergaard, Simon Lambert, Charles Wright, Emil Grondal, Danny King, Ty Proctor, Richard Lawson, Paul Starke, Marcus Birkemose, one TBC.
PETERBOROUGH SPEEDWAY are delighted to have Crendon Timber as main team sponsors and City Auction Group as club sponsors.