PREVIEW: ‘Capacity crowd can help us reverse Poole form,’ insists Monarch Cheetahs skipper Nicholls

Scott Nicholls is relishing the prospect of racing in front of a second capacity crowd in as many weeks on Wednesday evening when Poole Pirates visit Oxford Stadium (7.30pm).

All two-thousand tickets for the Monarch Oxford Cheetahs’ second home fixture were snapped up within days of being placed on sale as the club continues to experience overwhelming support for speedway’s return to the city.

Jason Crump’s squad started its British Speedway Championship campaign in blockbuster style last Wednesday, defeating a determined Scunthorpe Scorpions side 49-40 to mark the beginning of the club’s new era.

But they came unstuck in Dorset on Good Friday away to this week’s visitors as Poole – led by former British Champion Danny King – secured a comfortable 58-32 win on home shale.

Nicholls is determined to reverse that form and insists a vocal home crowd can make all the difference in this highly anticipated fixture.

“We got our rear ends well and truly kicked on Friday,” said Nicholls. “We can’t argue with that result, Poole were the far better team on the night.

“No one likes losing, and we all went home a bit miserable. But we want to get our revenge on our home track in front of our fans on Wednesday. It will always be our aim to give 100% and to bounce back when we encounter the odd slip-up.

“We’re building a new team and regenerating a historic club, so not every result this year is going to go our way. Poole showed their skills around their home track and beat us – it’s as simple as that.

“Now, it’s our turn to make the most of our home advantage and put down a marker to one of the sport’s most successful clubs. We’re excited for the challenge and can’t wait to ride in front of our outstanding supporters again.”

Tickets for Poole Pirates’ visit to Oxford Stadium are SOLD OUT and no tickets will be available to purchase on the evening. Instead, supporters can watch the meeting live via the British Speedway Network.

Tickets for Redcar Bears’ visit in the Championship KO Cup (first leg) on Wednesday, April 27, are on sale and available to purchase by clicking here. The club is once again experiencing strong demand for tickets and therefore has encouraged supporters to buy tickets in advance of race day.