Schroeck urges speedway community to back Oxford’s historic 2024 campaign
Peter Schroeck is relishing the challenge of leading three teams in all three British Speedway tiers this season – and has urged supporters to get behind the club’s historic campaign.
The sights and sounds of speedway return to Oxford Stadium in a fortnight when Oxford Spires – Oxfordshire’s newest professional sports club – host Birmingham Brummies on Thursday, March 14, in the Sports Insure Premiership.
It will mark the first opportunity for Oxford Speedway fans to watch topflight racing in OX4 since the club seemingly closed its doors for good in 2007.
Successful regeneration campaigns at Championship level for the world-famous Oxford Cheetahs coupled with the launch of Oxford Chargers in the National League have led to Spires’ formation.
And Team Manager Schroeck has issued a rallying call to the speedway public to do everything in their power to engage new audiences with the sport in Oxford this year.
“It’s a hugely exciting time to be an Oxford Speedway fan,” said Schroeck. “We’re on the cusp of the busiest campaign in the club’s history – and that’s all thanks to the outstanding support we’ve received from our fans.
“Speedway has often been criticised for standing still and not doing enough to engage new audiences. Our approach at Oxford Speedway is quite the opposite, and we’re committed to playing an active role in the community to build awareness, raise the sport’s profile and generate new fans.
“We’re doing everything within our resource to make the entire operation a success both on and off track. Now we’re calling on speedway enthusiasts across the county and its surrounds to join this special journey.
“We understand times are tough financially for many families, which is why our U16s go free offer has been extended into 2024. We’ll also be operating National League fixtures on Sunday afternoons, so families with children who may not be suited to later bed times can enjoy motorsport at its rawest as well.
“If you’re yet to experience speedway at Oxford Stadium, we’d love to see you trackside.”
Meanwhile, Oxford Spires’ press and practice date has been confirmed with the club set to take to the Sandy Lane shale for the first time on Wednesday, March 13.
The session will be open to club sponsors and all Season Pass holders only with exact timings being finalised later this week. Extensive media responsibilities will be fulfilled behind closed doors in the morning.
It will provide a first chance for fans to meet Spires number one Maciej Janowski plus new Australian Champion Rohan Tungate, British Champions Chris Harris and Charles Wright plus Premiership winners Lewis Kerr and Nicolai Klindt and teenage star Ashton Boughen.
Schroeck added: “The timing of our press and practice date is deliberate – we want to prepare in the best possible way for Birmingham’s visit the following day.
“Speaking to the boys, there is a lot of excitement in the camp to meet the fans and represent the Oxford Speedway badge. Here’s to a positive campaign, both on and off the track.”
Tickets for Oxford Speedway’s first home Sports Insure Premiership fixture on Thursday, March 14, are on sale now and available to purchase here. Adults are priced £22, all U16s go FREE!
Tapes-up is at 7.30pm.