The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
A Knight who loves a challenge has joined ambitious Panthers
Speedway - Backroom appointment at the Showground
Former England international Richard Knight has joined Peterborough Panthers as their new commercial manager.
Knight, who enjoyed a successful racing career with King’s Lynn, Ipswich, Mildenhall and Berwick, has vast experience in business since his racing days ended and is looking to bring in vital income for the club.
He will combine the role with his full-time employment with Wrights Motors in Downham Market, meaning he is in for a hectic few months.
And he’s revealed how he will be on familiar territory.
Knight said: “I still know Peterborough because I used to live there, and it was actually the first track I ever rode.
“I know there are several people who are still there even from those days, so it will be really nice to go back there in an official role and work with everyone.
“As well as getting to know the local businesses it’s really important to engage with the supporters and find out what makes them want to go to speedway.
“I certainly won’t be hiding away in an office on a racenight. I’m very approachable and supporters are always welcome to talk to me.”
Knight has an open mind on how business will work out now lockdown restrictions are easing up ahead of the new season.
He said: “I think it’s more a case of it being the unknown. Nobody really knows what’s going to happen in the future. We still have restrictions and are going through the roadmap, so we aren’t out of the woods yet and it’s going to be quite a challenge.
“But I like a challenge and, especially having raced speedway, I’m driven by achievements. I’m not a person who just likes to sit and ferment. I need to be doing something all the time, and this is perfect for me.
“I’ve introduced companies I’ve known to speedway in the past, and they’ve got involved, and that’s what speedway is all about.”
Panthers already enjoy backing from Crendon Timber as team sponsors and City Auction Group as club sponsors, but Knight is looking to expand on that.
Knight can be contacted through email at commercial@peterborough-speedway.com or by calling 07799 764630.
Various packages are now available for individuals or businesses to support the club and promote their name.
From programme advertising to heat sponsorship, airfence advertising and pit bay sponsorship, there is something for everyone.
Panthers owner Keith Chapman said: “We have reorganised within the club to place more emphasis on the commercial side of things.
“Our presence in the regional media is excellent and we have a brilliant track photographer in Jeff Davies who captures the action to promote the sport and the club brilliantly.
“We also have a five year contract with Eurosport for British Speedway and we will be appearing on live TV during the 2021 season.
“Our social media platforms have been amongst the most active of any clubs in British Speedway throughout the lockdown and our match programme is an excellent tool for advertising.”
Panthers are due to the • start their Premiership season on May 17 at Wolverhampton.
They then travel to Sheffield (May 20), Belle Vue (May 31) and King’s Lynn (June 3) before a first home meeting against King’s Lynn on June 7.
Panthers have fixtures against Belle Vue (home) and Ipswich (away) to arrange.
Bourne Deeping •
Hockey Club members kept themselves busy in lockdown by walking and cycling the 5,777 miles to Tokyo before tackling the 11.072 miles of the Great Britain coastline!
Obviously it was a virtual exercise with 72 members combining to reach Tokyo and 79 members combining to complete the British coastline exercise.
Bourne Deeping haven’t played a competitive men’s or ladies match since October 20.
They hope to arrange some inter-clubs games and training sessions from April 12.