PREVIEW: Cheetahs boss forecasts a big turnout for BSN Series opener against Poole
Oxford Speedway team manager Peter Schroeck is forecasting a bumper Easter crowd on Wednesday night when the Monarch Cheetahs’ 2023 campaign begins at Oxford Stadium.
The Cheetahs host defending Championship winners Poole Pirates at Sandy Lane in the first of four BSN Series Southern Group fixtures, with the return meeting scheduled for Good Friday at Wimborne Road.
The competition is all-new in 2023 and will see the winners of three regionalised groups plus the best-placed runner-up advance to the play-offs where the semi-final winners will advance to a two-legged Grand Final.
Plymouth Gladiators make up the Southern Group, and Schroeck is determined to start the Cheetahs’ campaign in style in front of a packed home audience.
“The format of the BSN Series is particularly brutal,” said Schroeck. “Losing one of your two home fixtures isn’t really an option if you want to qualify for the play-offs, so we’re keen to get off the mark tonight.
“Poole are a very real threat both at home and on the road, but we’ve got an eighth rider with us this evening in the shape of our fans whose support last season and during the winter has been phenomenal.
“The weather frustrated everyone involved last week. But that’s behind us now and we look forward with renewed enthusiasm for our first competitive meeting.”
Cheetahs will be led by 2017 Australian Champion Sam Masters while Scott Nicholls and Cameron Heeps return to the squad having been part of the club’s regeneration campaign.
New faces include Lewis Kerr – winner of the Championship Pairs with Redcar last season – plus Oxford Chargers trio Jordan Jenkins, Henry Atkins and Luke Killeen.
Schroeck spoke highly of his team ahead of tapes-up but warned of the very real danger Poole present – especially on the Oxford shale.
“There’s no reason why we can’t challenge for silverware this season,” said Schroeck. “But we need to stay fit, and we need to own our home patch.
“Poole held us to a draw last time we met at Sandy Lane and won earlier in the season, plus they reached the final of the Pairs tournament. Already, their record around Oxford is proven.
“They look strong again this season and we’ll have to be on our a-game to begin our BSN Series campaign on a winning note.
“We’re expecting a strong turnout and Poole will bring an army of supporters too which will generate a terrific atmosphere on the terraces which is exactly what we want.”
Tickets for the Monarch Cheetahs’ BSN Series opener against Poole Pirates on Wednesday, April 5, remain on sale and can be purchased by clicking here. Adults are priced £20 (£22 on the day) and all U16s go FREE.
Doors open at 6pm and tapes rise on the 2023 season at 7.30pm.
Monarch Cheetahs: Sam Masters, Cameron Heeps, Lewis Kerr, Jordan Jenkins, Scott Nicholls, Henry Atkins, Luke Killeen.
Poole Pirates: Steve Worrall, Anders Rowe, Ben Cook, Zach Cook, Richard Lawson, Kyle Newman, Adam Roynon.