Ryan Sullivan makes a return to the Showground

Monday, January 23, 2012
2:34 PM

PANTHERS legend Ryan Sullivan is to return to the Showground for the club’s grand season-opener on Monday, March 19.

Sullivan will lead a high-quality opposition side against the Peterborough class of 2012 on the track where he enjoyed some of his greatest triumphs - and to ensure a tough work-out for the home team, World Champion Greg Hancock is also a confirmed starter for Sullivan’s Seven!

Hancock, who remarkably won his second world crown last year at the age of 41, is undertaking a mini-tour of UK venues in order to boost preparations for the start of his title defence in New Zealand at the end of March.

Sullivan achieved massive success with the Panthers in four spells starting back in 1995. The 37-year-old last lined-up for the club in 2008 as part of a series of mid-season changes which also heralded the arrival of current owners Rick Frost and Julie Mahoney.

He has twice been part of Elite League-winning Peterborough teams - first in 1999, and then in the never-to-be-forgotten climax to the 2006 campaign which is widely regarded as one of the most dramatic speedway meetings of all-time.

Sullivan and partner Hans Andersen required a last-race 5-1 to snatch the title from Reading’s grasp - and they duly delivered in front of a packed crowd with, ironically, Hancock one of their defeated opponents.

Panthers bosses have confirmed that all nine of their 2011 squad will be on show for the season launch meeting, with two of their doubling-up riders joining Sullivan’s Seven for the night in order that they all gain important track time.

Club chiefs are also working on the final line-up for the opposing team and are looking to provide an even contest, with more names expected shortly.

Panthers co-promoter Julie Mahoney said: “We’re really looking forward to the new season starting with the opening night.

“It promises to be a great event and we’re particularly pleased to welcome Ryan back to the Showground.

“Ryan was with the Panthers when Rick and I took over in 2008 and was quick to agree to return for our 2012 season opener when we contacted him a couple of weeks ago. He’s very excited about being back and meeting up again with all the supporters.

“It’ll also be great to have Greg on track and welcome him as the new World Champion. It’s been a few years since he last rode at the Showground, but he’s always been a popular rider whenever he’s visited in the past and will help provide a good healthy early workout for our 2012 Panthers.”

It promises to be an entertaining evening to kick-off the new season and to help things go off with a bang a big firework display is also planned at the end of the night.

Normal 2012 admission will apply and season tickets are valid for the meeting. Advance tickets can also be ordered online from www.peterboroughpanthers.co Supporters can also play their part in opening night as they have the chance to sponsor the visiting riders’ race jackets.

The jackets emblazoned with “Sullivan’s Seven” will be signed and presented to the sponsor(s) by the rider on the centre green at the end of the meeting.

The sponsorship will include entry to the meeting, name in the programme, photograph in the pits with the riders before the meeting and the unique chance to watch heat 15 from the centre green.

Sponsorship is available on a first-come, first-served basis and anyone interested are asked to contact Julie Mahoney at juliem@readypower.co.uk stating their interest and an offer for their chosen jacket.

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