The latest from the Lakeside Speedway Press Office…

SUPER Scott Nicholls, the man Lakeside ALMOST bagged during an eventful off-season, appears at Arena Essex with Peterborough on Friday (8pm).

Nicholls, one of British Speedway’s greatest riders of the modern era, was lined up for a switch to the Hammers but the move was scuppered by a rules controversy.

Peterborough then pinned their hopes on getting their man and on the eve of the season their patience paid off when he was ruled eligible to race in the Championship.

It means Friday’s Shield clash has added spice and a big crowd is set to turn out for the action with, finally, a break in the wet weather.

Hammers boss Will Pottinger admits he’s always been a Nicholls fan – but he’s keen to see his side put one over the Panthers!

“Scott is always tremendous to watch and the fans are in for a treat on Friday night,” he said.

“His battles with our top riders like Nick Morris and Rich Lawson will be worth the admission money alone.

“I’m happy with my team and we are just desperate to get back out there racing after the Easter programme was washed out.

“We need to win this. We picked up a point at their place and now we have to build on that by getting three points at home and if we can do that I believe we have a great chance in the group.

“We also need to try and stop them claiming a point for a close score so there’s everything to race for.”

Meanwhile Hammers have rearranged their home Shield clash with Ipswich for Friday week, April 13 (8pm).

HAMMERS: Nick Morris, Ben Morley, Adam Ellis, Kyle Newman, Richard Lawson, Zach Wajtknecht, Alfie Bowtell.

PETERBOROUGH: Scott Nicholls, Emil Grondal, Nike Lunna, Michael Palm Toft, Ulrich Ostergaard, Tom Bacon, Simon Lambert.