PREVIEW: OXFORD v COVENTRY SELECT (CH)

OXFORD stage a special challenge match to start their season as they face a Coventry Select side at Cowley tonight (Wednesday).

Efforts are continuing to bring the Bees back to Brandon after their closure nearly a decade ago, in a similar battle to that which was successfully won at Oxford who returned in 2022 after a 15-year absence.

Oxford operate rider replacement for Mitch McDiarmid who has a Polish commitment, whilst Max Perry steps in for Darryl Ritchings who was in hospital last weekend but will be fit for the Cheetahs’ official campaign.

Coventry are led by club legend Chris Harris and former mascot Dan Thompson, and they will be managed by four time World Champion Hans Nielsen who captained both clubs during his glittering career.

Oxford boss Peter Schroeck said: “This meeting isn’t just about us – it’s about the return of the Coventry Bees. We hope plenty of Coventry fans come down and show the support that still exists for their club.

“We don’t have Mitch or Darryl, but in both cases, we’re sure it will only be for this meeting.

“For Mitch, we wanted rider replacement, because it means extra rides for our own lads, while it’s a chance for Max Perry to come in and show Cab Direct Championship clubs what he’s all about.

“I can’t wait for Cheetahs to get on track in this meeting. We had them together for a couple of days last week and the team seems to communicate really well, which is important.”

OXFORD: Sam Masters, Mitch McDiarmid R/R, Anders Rowe, Luke Killeen, Erik Riss, Max Perry, Dayle Wood.

COVENTRY SELECT: Chris Harris, Jody Scott, Leon Flint, Luke Harrison, Dan Thompson, Ashton Vale, Senna Summers.

SCB Referee: Chris Durno

*LIVE STREAMING: https://livestream.oxfordspeedway.club/