PREVIEW: Big Sunday ahead for Oxford Chargers
REAL MINI COMPANY Oxford Chargers powered by AW Mobbs face two meetings against reigning champions Leicester Lion Cubs in the WSRA National League on Sunday (June 29), including a clash at the BetGoodwin Oxford Stadium at the later start-time than usual of 6.30pm.
The preceding clash at Leicester’s Beaumont Park takes place at 12 noon, meaning five points, including an aggregate point, are up for grabs on Sunday.
Leicester and Oxford have won the last three NL titles between them. Lion Cubs were champions in both 2022 and 2024, while Chargers triumphed in 2023, defeating Lion Cubs in the play-off final.
A home victory at the BetGoodwin Oxford Stadium in the evening would take Chargers back to the top of the WSRA National League table. More than that, and they would leave themselves in a strong position for the rest of the season.
The issue of new averages for the majority of Chargers sees the in-form Senna Summers move into the main body of the side. Surprisingly, it is Darryl Ritchings who drops to reserve, since he missed the visit to Scunthorpe last week with concussion and has yet to gain a new average. Ritchings’ nine-day enforced concussion break has now expired and he is permitted to race again.
Lion Cubs have their own trump card reserve in 15-year-old sensation Cooper Rushen, who recently finished fifth in the world in the SGP3 (World Youth Championship) in the Czech Republic.
Chargers’ team manager Peter Schroeck said: “It’s going to be a great day of WSRA National League action, with 30 heats of action at Leicester and the BetGoodwin Oxford Stadium.
“On paper, Leicester have again put together a strong side this season – they do every year. But with Jody Scott and Darryl Ritchings back after missing our meeting at Scunthorpe, we’ve got every chance.
“Darryl being at reserve for Chargers – alongside Cooper Rushen being at reserve for Lion Cubs – adds another level of interest to the two meetings.
“Senna Summers fully deserves to move up into the main body of the side. At this level, I’m most interested in rider development. He’s come on so much as a rider since going over to Australia last winter and it’s a delight to see.
“We want to put in a competitive performance at Leicester at lunchtime, so that we are in a good position going into the home meeting at 6.30pm. I hope the supporters come along and watch two important clashes in the 2025 WSRA National League. Having said that, our boys know there’s no pressure on them. We just want them to enjoy their day and continue their progression as riders.”
Tickets are already on sale for the clash at the BetGoodwin Oxford Stadium on the Oxford Speedway website at https://oxfordspeedway.club/tickets/
Admission is available at the early bird price of £13 for all adults, which increases to £15 on Race Day. All under-16s go free. A reminder that Oxford Speedway is online ticket sales only – tickets remain on sale on the website until the start-time of the meeting. A reminder of that start-time again – it’s 6.30pm. Gates will open at 4.30pm.
Please note there will be no Unipart car park available for this meeting. On-site parking at the stadium is available for just £2, but it must be purchased at the same time as your online ticket. Any parking passes still apply.
Looking ahead, please note that next Wednesday’s (July 2) clash between the SD Timmo Car Sales Oxford Cheetahs powered by County Plumbing Supplies and the Workington Comets at the BetGoodwin Oxford Stadium has been postponed. This follows a decision by British Speedway Promoters Ltd to suspend Workington for seven days due to administrative issues. Oxford Speedway has apologised to supporters – but circumstances were beyond their control.
Beyond that, there is a new date for Cheetahs’ home meeting in the Cab Direct Championship with Berwick Bandits, which has been brought forward by three days and will now take place on Wednesday, July 9 at 7.30pm. There are two home meetings that week, since the BetGoodwin Oxford Spires are also in action, at home to Ipswich Witches on Monday, July 7 (also at 7.30pm)..
Revised forthcoming home speedway meetings at the BetGoodwin Oxford Stadium:
Sunday, June 29 – Oxford Chargers vs Leicester Lion Cubs (WSRA National League) at 6.30pm
Monday, July 7 – Oxford Spires vs Ipswich Witches (ROWE Motor Oil Premiership) at 7.30pm
Wednesday July 9 – Oxford Cheetahs vs Berwick Bandits (Cab Direct Championship) at 7.30pm
Thursday, July 17 – Oxford Spires vs Belle Vue Aces (ROWE Motor Oil Premiership) at 7.30pm
Teams:
Real Mini Company Oxford Chargers powered by AW Mobbs: Jody Scott (C), Senna Summers, Arran Butcher, Ashton Vale, Jacob Clouting, Max Broadhurst, Darryl Ritchings.
Leicester Lion Cubs: Ben Trigger, Harry Fletcher (G), Max Perry, Sonny Springer, Max James (C), Ryan Ingram, Cooper Rushen.
PHOTO by Steve Edmunds