PETERBOROUGH chief Ged Rathbone hopes speedway fans from around the country will flock to the East of England Showground to back the Brits.

Rathbone has laid on a mouth-watering curtain-raiser to the 2015 campaign when the Readypower Panthers take on a Great Britain Select side put together by national chief Alun Rossister in nine days' time.

It means that 13 homegrown riders will be gracing the Alwalton shale in the unique clash on Sunday, March 15 with Peterborough set to go into Premier League battle with six Brits in their ranks.

Rathbone said: "I can't think of any better way to begin a new era of speedway in Peterborough. It has the makings of a fantastic occasion.

"I'm sure there will be a terrific turnout of Panthers' fans for the opening day of our 2015 season, but I'm hopeful that the meeting which will also hopefully appeal to all fans of British speedway.

"The opportunity to see 13 British riders in action doesn't come around often and we are delighted to be able to put on such a spectacle.

"In all truth I even class our captain Ulrich Ostergaard as an adopted Brit. He has been racing over here for more than 10 years and speaks almost perfect English!"

Panthers will face a GB Select side spearheaded by former British Final podium finisher Ben Barker. Richie Worrall, Kyle Howarth, Lewis Kerr, Adam Ellis, Lewis Rose and Nathan Greaves complete an exciting side assembled by Rossiter.

Rathbone has also stressed the 2pm start time at the East of England Showground will provide ample time for supporters to travel to King's Lynn to take in Rory Schlein's big testimonial event the same evening.

In fact new Readypower Panthers number one Olly Allen will be making the trip along the A47 as he lines up in both meetings!

Rathbone added: "It has the makings of a terrific day of speedway in this area and we were very keen to ensure people had the opportunity to take in both meetings.

"Our early start-time will leave ample time for those wishing to head over to King's Lynn for Rory's testimonial."