PREVIEW: Chargers fired up to face Leicester Lion Cubs in National League season opener

Oxford Chargers make their highly anticipated return to racing on Wednesday when hosting Leicester Lion Cubs in the National League – a repeat of last year’s play-off semi-final.

Sponsored by the World Speedway Riders Association and powered by SD Timmo Car Sales, the Chargers are Oxfordshire’s newest professional sports club and will again compete in British Speedway’s third tier following a successful inaugural campaign.

Peter Schroeck’s side will be led by Cheetahs trio Jordan Jenkins, Henry Atkins and Luke Killeen with Jacob Clouting and Jody Scott returning while Jacob Fellows is a new face at reserve.

Also making his Chargers debut will be Ryan Kinsley. The 24-year-old Norfolk-based racer signed as a late replacement for Nathan Stoneman, who is side-lined with a shoulder injury.

“We’ve had to be patient to launch the Chargers’ second campaign but it’s race week now and the boys are itching to get on with it,” said Schroeck. “Home fixtures at this level don’t get much tougher and Leicester boast a team packed with talent.

“They’ve retained a lot of quality from last season, and having Ashton Boughen in the main body of the team could be a real scoop. He’s a rider I rate highly and ironically delivered a match-winning performance for us against Leicester as a guest last season.

“This meeting will be a good indicator of where we are and what goals we should set for the coming months. But the primary focus is to allow the boys to enjoy their racing and support one another in the pits.”

Leicester pushed Oxford to two last heat deciders during both visits to Sandy Lane last year. The league fixture ended in a 45-45 draw, while Chargers edged the play-off encounter 46-44.

Schroeck added: “We really enjoyed going wheel-to-wheel with Leicester last year. Not only were the fixtures great for the development of our riders, but they also created a brilliant spectacle for the fans.

“I’m confident we’ll get more of the same this year. And with Workington Comets re-joining British Speedway’s third tier, there has never been a better time to get behind the future stars of our sport.”

Tickets for Chargers’ season opener are on sale now and can be purchased by clicking here. Adults are priced £12 (£14 on the day) and ALL U16s go free.

Tapes-up at Oxford Stadium is at 7.30pm, with doors opening at 6pm.

WSRA Chargers: Jordan Jenkins, Jacob Clouting, Henry Atkins, Jody Scott, Ryan Kinsley, Luke Killeen, Jacob Fellows.

Leicester Lion Cubs: Dan Thompson, Ashton Boughen, Max Perry, Tom Spencer, Joe Thompson, Vinnie Foord, Max James.