Sunday, November 24, 2024
OXFORD SPEEDWAY
Oxford Speedway

Jenkins steps up preparations for 2023

SRFortitude

Jordan Jenkins is stepping up preparations for the new speedway season where he is due to represent Oxford in both the Championship and National League.

The Norfolk-based racer switched his second-tier commitments from Redcar Bears to Oxford during the off-season and has signed up for another season leading the WSRA Oxford Chargers, the city’s newest professional sports team.

Jenkins was one of the National League’s highest scoring riders in 2022 – averaging 9.89 and winning the prestigious National League Riders’ Championship in September at Scunthorpe.

He’s split time this winter working full-time with his sponsor DW Mechanical and building five bikes for use across the UK and Europe when the new season begins next month.

With less than four weeks until Oxford Speedway’s annual press and practice session, Jenkins is itching to get back out on track.

“The season ended, but the work never stops,” said Jenkins. “I had a quick break over Christmas and New Year and since then I’ve been working hard building the five bikes I’ll be using in the UK and Europe this season.

“It can take a day to build each one, and all the preparation is done during the evenings once I’ve finished work with my sponsors DW Mechanical who I’m very grateful to for their support.

“The bikes are all built in the same way so when it comes to pre-season I can quickly jump from one to the other. The key difference is the engine – I’ll be using a different engine at Peterborough than Oxford, for example.

“Hopefully I can get some good track time in Europe too with Czestochowa, but my UK campaign in all three leagues will keep me very busy. I’ve invested in new equipment so can’t wait to get back on track.”

The Monarch Cheetahs return to racing action on Wednesday, March 29, when hosting Swindon Robins Select at Oxford Stadium in a pre-season challenge fixture.

A bumper crowd is forecast for the grand season opener, and Jenkins is excited to reconnect with the club’s fanbase.

“Last season was great and to step up into the Cheetahs is a positive move for me,” said Jenkins. “I really like the Oxford track, it’s fair and throws up good racing which is everything a rider can ask for.

“The supporters were great last season so being part of the Cheetahs and Chargers squads was a no-brainer really. Hopefully they turn out in numbers again this year and can help drive us through a successful season.”