PREVIEW: Chargers face tough test in Scotland
DEFENDING CHAMPIONS Real Mini Company Oxford Chargers travel north of the border to face unbeaten league leaders Edinburgh Monarchs Academy in the WSRA National League on Friday evening (September 4).
Edinburgh are the favourites to succeed Oxford as WSRA National League champions this season, especially after Chargers ended Leicester’s 100 per cent record at the BetGoodwin Oxford Stadium less than a fortnight ago.
Chargers bring in 15-year-old Casper Kluczniak as an unattached rider for the retired Mason Watson. Kluczniak has impressed in the British Youth Championship and makes his debut at NL level.
Edinburgh have a powerhouse team, while their skipper Dayle Wood is a very familiar face to Oxford fans, having competed for Cheetahs in the Cab Direct Championship this season. Monarchs Academy use rider replacement for James Shanes, who is withholding his services. Edinburgh also boast the only female rider in the league in Anika Loftus. To add extra interest to the clash, she is the girlfriend of Chargers’ skipper Jody Scott and this is the first time they have faced each other on opposite sides.
Chargers’ team manager Peter Schroeck says: “It’s going to be an interesting meeting up at Edinburgh. The Monarchs Academy are unbeaten, but so were Leicester until we defeated them.
“There is no doubt that there’s a lot of strength in the Edinburgh side. But I feel we’re strong too, especially since Senna Summers returned from injury. If we can quickly adapt to the track, we can give them a decent match.
“Casper Kluczniak is a good rider – he’s demonstrated that in the British Youth Championship. But there’s no pressure on him – we just want him to enjoy his evening and show what he can do.”
The next meeting at the BetGoodwin Oxford Stadium will be advised in due course. Real Mini Company Chargers have two home meetings left – against Edinburgh Monarchs Academy and Buxton Bulls. News on these fixtures is expected soon. For the latest news, please keep an eye out on Oxford Speedway’s social media channels plus the official website at https://oxfordspeedway.club/
Meanwhile, Sam Masters and Anders Rowe represent the SD Timmo Car Sales Oxford Cheetahs in the Championship Best Pairs at Poole tonight (Wednesday, September 2).
Teams for Friday:
Edinburgh Monarchs Academy: Jordy Loftus, Ben Whalley, James Shanes R/R, Vinnie Foord, Dayle Wood (C), Anika Loftus, Jamie Halder, Rocco Webb (No 8). Team manager: Scott Wilson.
Real Mini Company Oxford Chargers: Jody Scott (C), Senna Summers, Harry Fletcher, Ashton Vale, Darryl Ritchings, Casper Kluczniak, Max Broadhurst. Team manager: Peter Schroeck.
PHOTO by Les Aubrey