South Holland speedway ace Simon Lambert insists having the chance to race for Peterborough Panthers is a “dream come true”.
The 25-year-old was unveiled as the club’s sixth winter signing at a Peterborough Panthers Speedway Supporters’ Club (PPSSC) Christmas quiz bash on Friday night.
Lambert, who is from Gosberton Risegate, will slot into the Panthers team at reserve on a 3.73 average.
The boyhood Peterborough fan said: “I was delighted to get an offer from Peterborough and I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity in the Premier League.
“I’ve watched speedway at the Showground since I was four years old and it is a dream come true to get a ride for Panthers.
“I’ve done the odd guest booking down the years and I’m hugely looking forward to being part of the Peterborough team next season. It is going to be an important year for me. I need to stay injury-free and try to push on.
“I’ve had an average of more than five points in the past and I know I can get there again.”
Lambert caught the eye of new Panthers chief Ged Rathbone with some high-scoring displays towards the end of last season.
Rathbone said: “I was at a few Workington meetings late in the season as Ulrich Ostergaard guested for them.
“It gave me a chance to have a good look at Simon’s performances and they were very impressive.
“He changed his machinery during last season and started using Peter Johns engines which I know sparked an upturn in form.
“Simon is not a rookie by any means. He has experience and knowledge of Premier League tracks and we see 2015 as a season in which he can kick on.
“He is another signing who is capable of putting a point on his average.”
Lambert joins number one Olly Allen, skipper Ostergaard, namesake Robert Lambert, and second strings Lewis Blackbird and Adam Roynon in the Panthers line-up.
Rathbone revealed the club have drawn up a shortlist of candidates for the final reserve berth, but they will take the necessary time to make the correct decision.
