PREVIEW: Chargers all ready for action on Sunday
REAL MINI COMPANY Oxford Chargers powered by AW Mobbs launch their season, by hosting the Middlesbrough Tigers in WSRA National League action at the BetGoodwin Oxford Stadium on Sunday (April 27), in an afternoon meeting commencing at 3pm.
Chargers retain four riders from last season, with 18-year-old Jody Scott taking over as No 1 and skipper, while Ashton Vale, Jacob Clouting and Senna Summers also return.
Arran Butcher was previously a Charger in 2022, while Darryl Ritchings – who has already made one appearance for the Oxford Cheetahs this season – has returned to speedway this year after a number of seasons away from the sport. Max Broadhurst made one unattached appearance for Chargers in 2024 and has been handed a full-opportunity in 2025.
Chargers are the third-tier team at Oxford, containing the youngest batch of riders, and previously won the National League in exciting style in 2023.
Jamie Halder is missing through injury for Middlesbrough. But Tigers have handed a guest booking to 15-year-old sensation Cooper Rushen, who has already been in very impressive form this season. His inclusion adds further interest to Sunday’s meeting.
Chargers’ team manager Peter Schroeck said: “One of the things that brings me the most pleasure is when you see young riders progressing in their careers – so I’m delighted that the Chargers are taking to the track for the first time this season on Sunday.
“As usual, we will put no pressure on the riders at this level. We just want them to develop across the season and we’ll give them all the backing and support we can.
“The meetings involving the Chargers often provide top entertainment and I urge supporters to come along and take a look if they haven’t in the past, because they won’t be disappointed in what they see.”
Tickets are already on sale 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.
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.
Teams:
Real Mini Company Oxford Chargers powered by AW Mobbs: Jody Scott (C), Jacob Clouting, Arran Butcher, Ashton Vale, Darryl Ritchings, Max Broadhurst, Senna Summers.
Middlesbrough Heat Floors Tigers powered by STS: Tom Spencer, Cooper Rushen, Ace Pijper, Stene Pijper, Danny Phillips (C), Ben Rathbone, Kai Ward.
PHOTO: New signing Darryl Ritchings (pic: Ian Wagstaff)