PREVIEW: Swindon challenge is “no friendly” for Monarch Cheetahs, says Schroeck

Peter Schroeck won’t be taking Wednesday’s challenge fixture against Swindon Robins Select lightly and is determined to hold the bragging rights at the conclusion of the A420 derby.

The Monarch Cheetahs host their Wiltshire rivals at Oxford Stadium exactly three weeks after the fixture’s original staging was postponed due to inclement weather.

Club bosses are forecasting the biggest crowd since Cheetahs’ new era was launched exactly 12 months ago as part of the Cowley venue’s extraordinary regeneration project.

The Robins will be led by 2017 World Champion Jason Doyle – who lifted the Premiership and Supporters’ Cup trophies during the club’s final season in 2019 – and three-times British Champion Chris Harris.

Despite two former Grand Prix winners basing themselves in the opposing end of Cheetahs’ pit lane, Schroeck has no plans on granting the Robins any leeway on track when tapes rise.

“There’s no such thing as a friendly between Oxford and Swindon,” said Schroeck. “Racing will be fast and furious, handlebar to handlebar with no inch given.

“It’s been a stop-start beginning to our season, but the weather has finally relented and conditions for racing will be perfect. The Robins have put together a strong team so this will by no means be an easy fixture for us.

“Jason Doyle is one the world’s fastest riders. His skill and experience will make up for his absence of track time in Oxford. Chris Harris needs no introduction, and the remaining five riders are all capable.

“The atmosphere on the terraces is going to be electric and we know that can drive the boys onto victory.”

The Robins have been absent from British Speedway for four seasons after the club raced its final meeting in October 2019 when landing the Premiership Play-Offs at the Abbey Stadium.

Although the stadium remains operational hosting greyhound racing, the speedway club announced in September it would no longer race at the Blunsdon venue.

Schroeck said: “Rivalries aside, we want speedway in the UK to flourish.

“We’ve lost several major clubs including Coventry, Swindon and Lakeside in the last decade and – like everyone in the sport – we’ve been rocked by news that Peterborough and Wolverhampton are due to close at the end of the season too.

“We will support our competitors in any way possible to contribute towards a bright future for our sport. We hope Robins fans turn out in force so they can show the world just how much Swindon needs speedway.”

Tickets for Wednesday’s challenge fixture between the Monarch Cheetahs and Swindon Robins Select are available to purchase by clicking here. Adults are priced £20 (£22 on the day) and ALL U16s go FREE!

Oxford Speedway Pass holders are reminded their Pass is NOT valid for the fixture. Parking spaces at Unipart are also full, the club advises supporters to travel to the stadium via public transport where possible.

Doors open at 6pm and tapes rise at 7.30pm.

Oxford: Sam Masters, Cameron Heeps, Scott Nicholls, Jordan Jenkins, Lewis Kerr, Henry Atkins, Luke Killeen.

Swindon: Jason Doyle Max Clegg, Adam Ellis, Dan Thompson, Chris Harris, Jack Smith, Sam Hagon.