PREVIEW: Cheetahs wishing for third time lucky as BSN Series campaign heads to Plymouth

The Monarch Oxford Cheetahs will be wishing for a case of third time lucky on Tuesday night when resuming their BSN Series campaign in Devon against Plymouth Gladiators.

Cheetahs’ last two fixtures have fallen victim to the recent unseasonal weather, but an improved weather forecast should see Peter Schroeck’s men return to shale at the Plymouth Coliseum.

The fixture is a must-win tie for the Cheetahs if they are to keep hopes of advancing from the BSN Series Southern Group alive. Poole Pirates top the group with five points out of a possible five.

Plymouth are yet to race, while Cheetahs are third having lost to defending Championship holders Poole at Oxford Stadium and Wimborne Road a fortnight ago.

Schroeck is looking forward to returning to action and is hopeful of an encouraging result on the south coast.

“It’s been a frustrating period for everyone,” said Schroeck. “The weather gods just have not been on our side and we’ve been itching to go since our trip to Poole on Good Friday.

“Most of the boys have kept themselves busy representing their Premiership clubs, so race practice shouldn’t be an issue. This remains a must-win fixture for us, and we’ve got every intention of upsetting Plymouth on their home track.

“It’s tight and technical, so another unique circuit we’ll have to adapt to. But we have experience in the team and our younger riders have familiarised themselves with the layout in previous meetings.

“What’s important is we restrict last places to a minimum. Placing in the minor points scoring positions will be crucial if we’re to remain in the competition.”

The meeting will be Plymouth’s first as a team on their home track after last week’s visit of Poole Pirates was postponed due to the inclement weather.

Schroeck hopes to use Gladiators’ lack of track time to Cheetahs’ advantage.

“Plymouth are in the same position as ourselves,” said Schroeck. “They’ve had meetings postponed so as a team they won’t have properly clicked together on track.

“Excluding Newcastle’s visit, none of our home fixtures last season were postponed. The weather hasn’t been on our side but with an improved forecast this week hopefully we can look forward to two competitive meetings.”

Tapes-up at the Plymouth Coliseum is at 7pm. Regular updates of the meeting will be available via Oxford Speedway’s social media channels.

The Cheetahs return to Oxford Stadium on Wednesday, April 19, when Swindon Robins Select visit in a challenge fixture. Tickets are available online and can be purchased by visiting www.oxfordspeedway.club/tickets. U16s go FREE!