Peterborough Speedway: Consortium leading efforts to return sport to city

Fans witnessed the end of a 53-year era when the last speedway meeting was staged at the East of England Showground in October

A consortium in talks aimed at bringing speedway back to Peterborough hope it can be achieved "as soon as possible".

Peterborough Panthers will not race in 2024 because the East of England Showground is to be redeveloped.

The consortium, including two former Panthers promoters, are working with team management and the council to find a way forwards.

"We we are fully behind the consortium," team owner Keith Chapman said in a joint statement.

"We are supporting their efforts and we will do everything we can to help that process."

He added: "They have our blessing to do whatever they can going forward, and we have also given them full access to (Showground owners) AEPG. We are happy for those parties to talk if it would assist the process.

"All we want is for the club to return to racing, and whilst I've made it clear that wouldn't be with myself at the helm, I wouldn't stand in anyone's way and would be very happy to open talks over the ownership at an appropriate time."

Panthers were formed in 1970 and the three-time Elite League and Premiership champions - the top flight of domestic speedway - have won numerous trophies over the years.

More than 350 supporters attended a rally, organised by the consortium, in Cathedral Square last month.

But Birmingham Brummies and Oxford Cheetahs will replace Peterborough and Wolverhampton Wolves in the Premiership next season.

Demolition work has begun at the Panthers' stadium and there is no provision for speedway in the plans submitted by AEPG, who intend to build 1,500 homes and other facilities, as well as creating about 400 jobs.

Consortium spokesman Andy Fairchild said an "open and active dialogue" was taking place between all parties.

He continued: "Keith has been at the forefront of that co-operation, he's given us his full support, and he, like all of us, just wants to see the club back on track.

"To have the leader of the council willing to speak to us is also an important development, it takes us to a high level of local authority, and we'd like to thank Keith for his blessing and full authority to take part in those talks.

"All parties simply want to see speedway back in Peterborough as soon as possible, and that is what everyone is trying to achieve."