CHEETAHS TO FACE BEES SELECT

OXFORD have announced they will launch their 2026 season with a challenge match against a Coventry Select side on Wednesday April 1.

The two clubs had a fierce rivalry dominated the top-flight in the late-1980s and attempts are continuing to restore to the sport to Brandon, which was lost to developers nearly a decade ago leading to a similar fight which proved successful at Cowley when the Cheetahs returned in 2022.

Oxford manager Peter Schroeck said: “If Coventry were to return, they would be our nearest neighbours and there’s a history of the two clubs battling it out for silverware.

“The campaign to bring back speedway to Brandon Stadium is reaching a crucial period and the best way we can back them is with this challenge match against a select Coventry side, to demonstrate the considerable support that still exists for the Bees.

“We will give the Coventry fans a side that they get right behind, and we also may have a surprise or two up our sleeves.

“It will be the first chance to see the Cheetahs on track in a competitive fixture. We felt it was important to have a challenge match before we battle against Poole and Plymouth in a mouth-watering southern section of the BSN Series.”