NICKI RETURNS FOR PURPLE PANTHERS

PETERBOROUGH have swooped for Danish superstar Nicki Pedersen – who makes his return to top-flight British racing for the first time since 2011.

The triple World Champion had been due to race for Sheffield three years ago before the pandemic ended those plans, but he has now completed a deal with Panthers owner Keith Chapman.

Pedersen lines up at No.1 for the Showground side, who have also undergone a change of image with a new purple and white livery replacing their traditional red and black.

Chapman said: “I’m so pleased Nicki will be riding for Peterborough. I’ve known him for many, many years, ever since he first came to England, I have a lot of respect for him, and it’s going to be good to work with him.

“What you get with Nicki is a racer from the heart, and that’s what I love about him. He’s a lovely guy off the track, on the track he’s a different person, and he’s great to have around.

“I’m pleased he took the time to talk to us and consider us, and in the end came forward and agreed. I know how busy he is this year, and there were non-stop ‘phone calls and messages to each other, but it was worth it in the end.”

Pedersen added: “One of the feelings that was good in my stomach was the impression of what I can bring to British Speedway and to the fans, especially the Peterborough Panthers fans.

“I still have many friends there, people who I know and remember, so there will be bums on the seats as we always say, and good racing!”