PREVIEW: Chargers face unbeaten champions Edinburgh Monarchs Academy in a humdinger at the BetGoodwin Oxford Stadium on Sunday

REAL MINI COMPANY Oxford Chargers are looking to become the first team to defeat newly-crowned champions Edinburgh Monarchs Academy in the WSRA National League at the BetGoodwin Oxford Stadium on Sunday (September 27), in a clash between the two teams who have won the title over the last two years. Please note the start-time of 5pm.

Chargers won the WSRA National League in both 2023 and 2025, while Monarchs Academy – runners-up in 2025 – have succeeded them as champions in 2026.

Edinburgh have won all eight of their NL meetings in 2026. They have scored at least 53 points in all three of their previous away meetings. The nearest any team has pushed them so far – home or away – was during Chargers’ visit to Scotland on September 4, which resulted in a 51-39 victory for Monarchs Academy.

Positions are very tight in the NL table behind Edinburgh, and it is still possible for Chargers to finish in second place, if they win their remaining two home meetings. As well as Sunday’s clash with Monarchs Academy, there is also a meeting against Buxton Bulls on a date still to be determined.

Oxford bring in unattached 15-year-old Casper Kluczniak for the retired Mason Watson. The talented Kluczniak also guested for Chargers at Edinburgh and scored four points.

Chargers’ skipper Jody Scott won the British Under-19 Championship last weekend and he is due to parade his trophy before the start of Sunday’s meeting.

Oxford team manager Peter Schroreck says: “It’s good to be returning to action at the BetGoodwin Oxford Stadium after a mini-break in the home fixtures for the Real Mini Company Oxford Chargers.

“Since then, Sam Masters and Anders Rowe – representing the SD Timmo Car Sales Oxford Cheetahs – won the Championship Best Pairs in fantastic style at Poole, and then Jody Scott won the British Under-19 Championship in emphatic fashion with a brilliant maximum at Plymouth.

“Jody’s win was totally deserved – few know the days and hours that Jody and his father Shaun have put into speedway. Jody has a good attitude, while he was worked on his fitness and his approach to racing. He’s speedway through-and-through.

“Last time around at Oxford, the Chargers became the first side to beat Leicester this season. On Sunday, we’re looking to do the same with Edinburgh. Obviously, it won’t be easy, since they have a strong side and they are fully deserving WSRA National League champions.

“But we too have a strong side. There’s no pressure on the lads and I know they will enjoy the opportunity of having a good day and aiming to end Edinburgh’s unbeaten run.

“It’s over a month since our last home meeting, and I hope we can tempt some of the supporters along who watch the Cheetahs but have yet to enjoy the Chargers in action around the BetGoodwin Oxford Stadium. They won’t be disappointed, because the lads are highly-skilled, never know when they’re beaten, and Edinburgh are very attractive visitors. It’s going to be a terrific early evening of speedway action.”

Tickets are 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. Ultimate Season Passes ARE valid for this meeting. There is no live stream for this meeting – the only way to view the meeting is at the stadium.

Please note, as usual with Chargers, the Unipart car park is NOT 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. Please allow extra time due to the current roadworks around the area.

On Race Day, there is now also the chance to buy tickets (plus parking) by cash or card at the box office (opening time to be advised).

NOTE FOR THOSE TRAVELLING BY CAR: As in previous meetings, there is likely to be no direct right turn into Sandy Lane from the main road and please adjust your route accordingly – you can still turn left into Sandy Lane.

Teams:

Real Mini Company Oxford Chargers: Jody Scott (C), Harry Fletcher, Senna Summers, Ashton Vale, Darryl Ritchings, Casper Kluczniak, Max Broadhurst. Team manager: Peter Schroeck.

Edinburgh Monarchs Academy: Vinnie Foord, Ben Whalley, James Shanes R/R, Dayle Wood (C), Jordy Lotfus, Anika Loftus, Jamie Halder. Team manager: Scott Wilson.

PHOTO by Steve Edmunds