TROY Batchelor climbed off his sickbed to inspire Peterborough to a shock opening night win.
The Australian number two, who joined the Readypower Panthers from Swindon during the winter, turned in a sizzling debut on Monday night.
He won his first three East of England Showground races against a star-studded 40th Anniversary Select, headed by World Champions Jason Crump and Nicki Pedersen.
He lowered Pedersen’s colours in his first ride and then added Crump to his growing list of victims as the Panthers ran out 56-36 winners in front of a bumper opening night crowd.
Batchelor, suffering from a virus, admitted: “I didn’t feel very well before I went out for my first race – but you forget about that when you are racing.
“It’s a good way to start but I want to be number one this season and I’ve got to keep it going all season.”
Batchelor finished with 13 points from his five rides, dropping his only points to Crump who recovered from a blown engine when he came out on a tactical in Heat 11.
It was the second time that the black and white helmet had failed to give the powerful looking opposition an advantage.
Pedersen was beaten by Jesper Monberg, making a rare British appearance, in Heat 9 and with Ulrich Ostergaard filling third place the heat was drawn 4-4.
Another bright spot for the Panthers was a thrilling first appearance from Polish newcomer Krzysztof Buczkowski.
He came from third to win his first race and added a 5-1 with partner Monberg over Poland World Cup winner Krzysztof Kasprzak.
Sandwiched in between a superb Showground debut were two third places – beaten only by Pedersen and 2009 Panther Ales Dryml although, in both races, he was pushing to get through after a poor start.
Team boss Trevor Swales: “I suppose if I’m honest no-one thought we could beat such a powerful side – but it was a really good opening meeting for us.”