Excitement builds in Oxford Speedway camp as season countdown continues, says Schroeck

Oxford Speedway team manager Peter Schroeck said excitement is building amongst his riders ahead of the beginning of the new season, which launches later this month.

The Monarch Cheetahs and WSRA Chargers will return to the Oxford Stadium shale on Wednesday, March 22, for the club’s annual press and practice session before Cheetahs host Swindon Robins Select in a pre-season challenge fixture a week later.

The club’s press and practice session will be free to attend for all members of the public, while tickets for Swindon’s visit to Sandy Lane on March 29 are on sale via the club’s website.

Schroeck is looking forward to reuniting with the Cheetahs and Chargers fanbases and believes the club is well placed to build on the success of last season both on and off the track.

“We can’t wait to see everyone back on the terraces following the winter break,” said Schroeck. “We’ve re-grouped and built two teams we believe can challenge for top honours if we remain injury free through the season which is what hurt us last year.

“Adding Sam (Masters) and Lewis (Kerr) to the Cheetahs squad was a real boost for us and gives us confidence that we can be competitive both at home and on the road. Both are proven at this level and their experience will be invaluable to our younger riders too.

“It’s extraordinary that almost a year has passed since the Cheetahs name was reborn after a 15-year absence. A lot has happened during that time and we’re confident of another successful season off-track too which will be spearheaded by our U16s go free offer to inspire more younger fans through our turnstiles.”

Supporters interested in attending Cheetahs’ pre-season challenge against Robins Select are being encouraged to book tickets in advance due to strong demand.

The Robins have been absent from the track since 2019 when they lifted the SGB Premiership trophy after defeating Ipswich Witches in the Grand Final.

2017 World Champion Jason Doyle will lead the visitors’ line-up, with Adam Ellis, Troy Batchelor, Anders Rowe, Claus Vissing, Jack Smith and Sam Hagon also confirmed to ride.

Schroeck added: “Our pre-season fixture against Swindon Robins Select will be a big challenge for us. They’re bringing some world-class riders who have proven themselves at the highest level, so preparation doesn’t get much better.

“It’s terribly sad what has happened to the Robins, and many of their supporters will have feelings of hardship similar to what our own fans experienced when speedway was disbanded at Oxford Stadium in 2007.

“Rivalries aside, we sincerely hope to one day be in a position to race competitively against the Robins and re-ignite one of sport’s great rivalries on two-wheels.”

Tickets for the Monarch Cheetahs’ pre-season challenge against Swindon Robins Select on Wednesday, March 29, at Oxford Stadium are on sale now and can be purchased by clicking here.

All U16s accompanied by a paying adult are permitted free entry to this fixture.