The time is Wright for Charles!

Oxford Spires racer Charles Wright can’t wait for Oxford Spires’ first Sports Insure Premiership campaign to begin on Thursday when Birmingham visit Sandy Lane.

The 35-year-old former British Champion signed on the dotted line for Oxford for the first time in his career – which hits a 20-year milestone this month – during the off-season having won British Speedway’s topflight previously with Belle Vue in 2022.

Following four seasons with the Manchester outfit, Wright is now looking forward to a fresh challenge at Oxford Stadium with the city’s newest professional sports club.

Oxford has been a happy hunting ground for Wright who won the Championship Pairs with Redcar during Cheetahs’ regeneration campaign two years ago. But he believes Wednesday’s press and practice session can put the Spires in a good position ahead of Thursday’s visit of the Brummies.

“I’ve had a couple of practice sessions at Workington and Belle Vue and feel ready to go,” said Charles. “Obviously the end to last season was far from ideal, but my body feels good and all the equipment is prepped for Wednesday’s first practice.

“It has been a race against time to get fit. I’ve had to train hard behind the scenes which has required a lot of determination and will power, but I’ve used my knowledge from working with good people previously to push myself on.

“It’s good we’ll have the opportunity to get out on track ahead of Birmingham’s visit. I’m excited to meet all the boys and hopefully we can pick up our first win of the year.”

Wednesday will signal the start of a busy week for Wright, who hosts his testimonial at Redcar on Sunday, March 17, with Oxford teammates Lewis Kerr and Chris Harris confirmed to race plus international racers Freddie Lindgren and Brady Kurtz among others.

Tapes-up at Redcar on Sunday is at 3pm.

Meanwhile, tickets for Oxford’s Premiership opener against Birmingham on Thursday, March 14, are on sale by clicking here.  All U16s go FREE with tapes-up at 7.30pm.