GUSTS GLAD TO BE LEARNING

OXFORD newcomer Francis Gusts says he’s loving life in the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership – despite a tough opening week for the Spires.

The Latvian racer was a big bright spot in the Cowley club’s KO Cup defeat to King’s Lynn with several impressive rides in both legs of the tie.

Gusts said: “(Thursday) was my first home meeting, with one only training session beforehand and the track is pretty different than what I’ve been riding in Poland and Latvia.

“This is a proper English track. But that is what I want, to gain experience. I’m here to learn and today I’ve done that.

“What I like to do in speedway is winning, so it was good to win a couple of races.

“The management is very good here, while I would like to thank all the sponsors. It wasn’t the result we wanted – we always want to win at home – but everyone was working hard down the pits.”

Spires kick off their league campaign at home to in-form Ipswich next Thursday (April 3), although they will be without Peter Kildemand due to concussion protocols.