Thursday, November 14, 2024
OXFORD SPEEDWAY
Oxford Speedway

SPIRES: Two-times World Longtrack Champion Erik Riss signs for Oxford Spires

SRFortitude

Oxford Speedway has moved to sign two-times World Longtrack Champion Erik Riss ahead of Oxford Spires’ ROWE Motor Oil Premiership trip to Ipswich on Thursday evening.

The 28-year-old former German Champion replaces Nicolai Klindt who made four appearances for the Spires – the club would like to place on record its thanks to Nicolai for his efforts since the season started.

Riss will make his Spires debut on Thursday evening at Ipswich, a club he has represented in British Speedway’s top flight for the past two seasons.

He joins with extensive experience racing in the UK having started with Edinburgh in 2015 with other notable stints at King’s Lynn and Redcar with honours including the 2019 Championship Riders’ title, the 2022 Premiership Pairs and 2023 Premiership KO Cup.

Team Manager Peter Schroeck has known the Riss family for over three decades and was pleased to welcome Erik into the Spires squad.

“Erik is really keen and has worked awfully hard on his fitness during the winter so it goes without saying we’re happy to have him onboard,” said Schroeck. “He’s been a top rider at Championship level for many years and has established himself in the Premiership too.

“He has a great track record so we’re looking forward to having Erik in our corner on Thursday at Ipswich which is a track he knows well.

“I’d also like to thank Nicolai (Klindt) for his service to the club this year. It’s always tough to make changes, but we’re looking to the future and Nicolai leaves with our very best wishes.”

Following Thursday’s trip to Ipswich, Spires’ new signing Riss will make his home debut on Thursday, April 25, when the club hosts King’s Lynn Stars in the Premiership.

Riss said: “I’m pleased to sign for Oxford which is a club I’ve enjoyed visiting since the track reopened in 2022.

“There’s always a real buzz at Sandy Lane so be in the home end of the pits will be special and I’m looking forward to meeting our supporters when King’s Lynn visit next week.”