Thursday, April 25, 2024
OXFORD SPEEDWAY
Oxford Speedway

Schroeck issues rallying call to Oxford public ahead of crunch KO Cup tie

SRFortitude

Monarch Oxford Cheetahs Team Manager Peter Schroeck has called on the club’s fanbase to turn out in force on Tuesday night when Poole Pirates visit Sandy Lane in the Knockout Cup.

Cheetahs host their south coast rivals at the recently reopened Oxford Stadium in the first leg of the Knockout Cup Semi Final, with the return fixture scheduled 24 hours later at Wimborne Road on Wednesday, May 31.

The aggregate winner from both fixtures will advance to the prestigious KO Cup Grand Final where Cheetahs could land their first piece of team silverware since lifting the Craven Shield in 2005.

Schroeck described the double-header as the most significant two fixtures of the club’s new era and wants to see a bumper turnout when tapes rise.

“Every week the boys tell me they can hear the supporters through their helmets when they’re up at tapes preparing for a race,” said Schroeck. “We’re used to riders saying that at Grand Prix level, but not domestic fixtures in the UK.

“We feel we’ve built a really positive connection with our fanbase since reinstalling speedway to Oxford Stadium. And now we need them more than ever as we go in search of reaching the KO Cup final.

“Fixtures don’t get much tougher than Poole. We’ve raced them six times already since returning to action and the Pirates have always got something out of the meeting.

“We don’t want a repeat of that. The boys have found their feet since we last raced Poole at Oxford on opening night and as a team we’re far stronger mentally and physically. The supporters will be out eighth rider and we simply must build up a solid lead.”

The KO Cup Semi Final coincides with the half-term holidays and Schroeck is encouraging supporters to introduce the younger generation to speedway.

All U16s accompanied by a paying adult are eligible for free entry on the night to form part of the club’s commitment to engaging speedway’s lost generation across Oxfordshire.

“Children aged 15 or younger today weren’t even born when Oxford last raced in the club’s previous era,” said Schroeck. “We had to wait 15 years to get our club back, and now we have racing every week we’ve got to engage new audiences.

“If you’re joining us trackside, bring your children along at no extra cost. Or, introduce your friends and their family to speedway.

“It’s high-octane, no-holds-barred, thrill-a-minute racing which guarantees entertainment, only on Tuesday there is place in the Knockout Cup Final on the line.”

The Monarch Cheetahs will be led by 2017 Australian Champion Sam Masters and former Grand Prix star Scott Nicholls. Tickets for Cheetahs’ Knockout Cup Semi Final, first leg, tie against Poole Pirates are on sale now and can be purchased by clicking here.

Adults are priced £20 and ALL U16s accompanied by a paying adult can enter for free. Oxford Speedway Pass holders are reminded their pass is NOT valid for this fixture and a separate ticket must be purchased to gain entry.

Tapes-up on Tuesday, May 30, is at 7.30pm.