Emotions to run high for Panthers challenge
COVENTRY go into action at Peterborough tomorrow at midday in what is sure to be an emotional occasion for all concerned with the club.
With no home venue and therefore no place in the SGB Premiership league, this is likely to be the only occasion when the intended Bees’ lineup takes to the track as a full team.
A series of other challenge matches have already been arranged to help raise funds for the riders hit financially by the club’s late withdrawal from competition, and these start at Wolverhampton on April 10.
Since the devastating news, Kenneth Bjerre has secured an alternative team place at Belle Vue, but he lines up at No.5 for Coventry on Sunday at one of his former home tracks.
Five of Coventry’s other riders at least have preparations for the SGB Championship – the league Peterborough themselves compete in – to continue, but James Sarjeant is still desperate to put himself in the shop window for a team place in either league. Sarjeant said: “I’ve got to try and get myself as many meetings as I can, and individuals.
“I’ll probably try and get a job and get a bit of money until I get a team. I’ve got to stay positive and I’m 100 per cent ready for when a team comes in.”
Coventry supporters are expected to head for the East of England Showground in big numbers on Sunday, as they visit what was always a popular away venue when the clubs were both members of the Elite League.
Their paths appeared to cross regularly in the KO Cup with two of their ties in the early 2000s actually requiring replays – whilst the narrow league match win in September 2010 and subsequent play-off semifinal victory are both meetings which have lived long in the memory as the Bees made their charge to the title. The two clubs then made a late start to the 2011 season after the much-publicised ‘winter of discontent’ but their home-and-away Good Friday clashes produced some of the most sensational speedway of recent years. The 2017 Peterborough team is muchchanged from last season, but there are a couple of Coventry connections. Kenneth Hansen, a renowned Showground specialist, rode for the Bees in 2014 and has now rejoined the Panthers after a spell with Workington. Meanwhile, at reserve, Tom Bacon is based in Coventry and grew up watching the Bees, with his father Mike having represented the club at both junior and senior level in the mid1980s.
Coventry will be managed by Gary Havelock on Sunday, as the 1992 World Champion makes a one-off return after spending the last four seasons in charge of the Bees.
Peterborough have also arranged for a number of former Coventry riders and managers to be present, and some of the club’s intended 2017 merchandise will be on sale at the Track Shop. Fans are encouraged to bring as much Coventry branding as possible in the way of banners, flags, scarves etc, as this is an ideal opportunity for photographs to support the campaign.
Panthers promoter Ged Rathbone said: “There is no doubt in my mind that British Speedway needs a big club like Coventry.
“It’s brilliant that all seven of their intended riders for 2017 have agreed to race on Sunday, and I know they are keen to put on a good show.
“I’m hoping as many Coventry fans as possible will make the trip.
“It is a chance for them to be seen and heard.”