PREVIEW: Schroeck encouraged by Cheetahs’ full strength capability 

Peter Schroeck wants to see Oxford Cheetahs build on the near faultless start they made on Wednesday against Newcastle before rain struck when facing Redcar Bears on Friday, 7.30pm.

The Monarch Cheetahs posted three 5-1 race advantages in the opening four heats of their latest Championship fixture at Oxford Stadium to establish a 17-7 lead.

But a deluge of untimely rain made the track unsafe to ride on, and the meeting was postponed.

Newcastle’s visit marked the first time the Monarch Cheetahs were at full strength in eight weeks, and Schroeck hopes performances from Wednesday before the rain arrived can be carried over to Friday’s Championship tie at the ECCO Arena.

“Wednesday was really frustrating for everyone,” said Schroeck. “I felt for Jamie and the track staff because the rain just arrived at the wrong time and the surface was in perfect condition beforehand.

“The boys were really up for it and that showed in our early results. We only raced four heats, but six of our riders registered paid wins which tells you how on-form the team was.

“We can’t beat ourselves up about it – we’ve got to channel our focus on tonight’s meeting and travel north knowing we’re capable of securing another away win. Our away form is what can be the difference between making the play-offs and missing out, so it’s important we deliver a professional performance.

“I must thank the supporters too for their patience and understanding following Wednesday’s postponement. We’re fortunate to have a fantastic track that drains really well, but when a downpour occurs during the meeting it can be hard to fix the racing surface and rider safety is paramount.”

Friday’s Championship fixture marks the Monarch Cheetahs’ second trip to the ECCO Arena this season following a Knockout Cup visit in April.

That meeting ended in a 51-39 reverse, however Schroeck is confident of improvement later today.

“We made a good start when we last visited Redcar,” said Schroeck. “But we just tailed off at the end and Bears’ form in the final races really hurt us.

“They outscored us at reserve too which is an area we can improve as Dillon (Ruml) has a little more track knowledge and Josh Macdonald is back in the squad.”

Tapes-up at the ECCO Arena on Friday night is at 7.30pm. Supporters unable to make the trip to Redcar can follow regular updates on the tie on our Twitter page – @OxfordSpeedway.