PREVIEW: OXFORD v SCUNTHORPE (CAB DIRECT CHAMP)

2024 Grand Finalists Oxford open their Cab Direct Championship campaign with the visit of Scunthorpe to Cowley tonight (Wednesday).

The Cheetahs, who missed out to Poole in last season’s title decider, have made an encouraging start to the season with progress to the semi-finals of two competitions, including the MAXiCab KO Cup where they eliminated the Scorpions.

The hosts bring in Danyon Hume to guest for Jonas Knudsen who is racing in Denmark, whilst Francis Gusts makes his first appearance back at home since rejoining the club at this level.

Oxford boss Peter Schroeck said: “We beat Scunthorpe well around the BetGoodwin Oxford Stadium almost two months ago, but we won’t take anything for granted this time around.

“It’s a clean slate and both teams start from zero again. But, of course, we want to start our Championship fixtures in positive fashion with a good victory.

“The Cheetahs have started the season in excellent shape, and even one or two setbacks with injuries have not affected the forward momentum of the side.”

Scorpions promoter Rob Godfrey said: “We lost by 20 points at Oxford in early April, but I’m expecting a much better performance this time around. That was our very first meeting of the season and we were very rusty.

“We realise that can’t just rely on our home form around the Eddie Wright Raceway and that we need to start performing better in our away meetings. There’s no reason why that can’t start at Oxford, and for us to put in a good account of ourselves.”

OXFORD: Sam Masters, Danyon Hume, Cameron Heeps, Francis Gusts, Jordan Jenkins, Mitch McDiarmid, Luke Killeen.

SCUNTHORPE: Steve Worrall, Declan Kennedy, Zaine Kennedy, Connor Mountain, Jake Allen, Luke Harrison, Simon Lambert.

SCB Referee: Dave Watters

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