PREVIEW: Monarch Cheetahs begin busy period with a visit to Plymouth

The Monarch Oxford Cheetahs begin a busy week of Championship racing this evening when travelling south to face Plymouth Gladiators at the Plymouth Coliseum (7pm).

Following Cheetahs’ trip to Devon, Jason Crump’s men host Redcar Bears at Oxford Stadium on Wednesday night before making the trip north to face Scunthorpe Scorpions on Friday.

Despite Saturday’s 55-35 reverse against the in-form Leicester Lions, Monarch Cheetahs skipper Scott Nicholls insists atmosphere in the camp remains positive – adding that riders are looking forward to tonight’s challenge.

The Gladiators boast a strong mix of youth and experience in their team, with former Grand Prix star Hans Andersen leading the hosts’ septet with support provided by Michael Palm Toft and Ben Barker.

“Plymouth are an exceptionally strong team, particularly at home,” said Nicholls. “Like us, they’ve got a nice mix of experience and youth which can be dangerous when everyone hits good form.

“It’s a unique track and one which can take some adjusting to, but we’re looking forward to the challenge and will travel to the coast in good spirits.

“This is an important week for us with three matches in just four days. Saturday (against Leicester) wasn’t a good night for us and we’ve quickly put that result to bed.

“The positives we can take from that meeting is that everyone got stuck in with Troy (Batchelor), Kyle (Newman), Dillon (Ruml) and myself picking up heat wins. Hopefully we can collect some points and build some positive momentum ahead of Redcar’s visit on Wednesday.” 

Cheetahs reserve Josh Macdonald will miss the meeting due to injury. Oxford-based rider Nathan Stoneman will guest in his place at reserve.

For supporters unable to travel to Plymouth, the meeting will be live streamed online via the British Speedway Network from 6.30pm with the first race scheduled to start at 7pm. Streaming passes can be purchased by clicking here.