CHARGERS PREVIEW: Oxford debut a “dream come true” for Aussie teen Killeen

Australian teenager Luke Killeen is looking forward to making his British Speedway debut on Saturday when Oxford Chargers begin their National League campaign away to Berwick.

The 17-year-old landed in the UK from his Perth home in February and has been busy adapting to life some 9,000 miles away from home ahead of the Chargers’ inaugural season as part of Oxford Speedway’s exciting regeneration.

Killeen has completed four practice sessions at Belle Vue, Wolverhampton, Oxford and this weekend’s venue Berwick. He described making his Oxford debut as a dream come true and cannot wait to line up at tapes in Northumberland.

“This has been my dream since I was two years old,” said Killeen. “The fact my opportunity in British Speedway is now here is mind boggling.

“For me, this season is all about development and enjoying my racing. Don’t get me wrong, I won’t be happy if I’m sitting at the back in my races.

“I want to get in the mix and adapt to British racing. My teammates have been really supportive and welcoming. As the only Aussie in the group, it’s natural I’m going to be on the end of some banter which is cool.

“They’re there to help, I’ve enjoyed my time in the UK so far. Now it’s time to go racing.”

Saturday marks the beginning of a new dawn for Oxford Speedway after it was confirmed in November the world-famous club would return to competitive racing for the first time in 15 years.

The Chargers is the city’s newest professional sports team and will operate under the Cheetahs in the third tier of the British Speedway against clubs including Armadale, Belle Vue, Berwick, Leicester, Kent, Mildenhall and Plymouth.

Killeen said the Berwick track will present new challenges, adding that he was pleased to get a practice session in at the venue before tapes rise.

He added: “Berwick is different to tracks I’ve raced on before. Bends three and four are really nice, you can let the bike flow.

“But turns one and two are more complex. You’ve got to turn the bike longer than you think, because the fence comes at you real quick when you exit turn two.

“It was good to get some practice in at Berwick before Saturday. It’s a technical track and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”