PREMIERSHIP PREVIEW: OXFORD

OXFORD broke new ground in the sport last season by operating teams in both senior leagues, and the newly formed Spires side were involved in some hugely dramatic encounters on their home circuit.

In the end, their efforts weren’t enough to secure a play-off place despite them spending a fair chunk of the campaign in the top four, with a downturn in results over the final weeks and a general lack of aggregate points proving costly.

But there were also riders who flourished as the campaign continued, and the Spires will be hoping they can take advantage of that in 2025 with five riders returning this time around.

Former Australian Champion ROHAN TUNGATE will start at No.1 after enjoying one of his most consistent UK campaigns last year, and the heat leader support comes from former World No.3 MACIEJ JANOWSKI who returns for a second season back in British Speedway.

Janowski did take some time to re-adjust to the UK tracks, but he put in some vintage performances once his set-ups were sorted and there is clearly scope for more improvement on his starting average of just over seven.

2019 British Champion CHARLES WRIGHT is also back for a second year with the club, whilst ERIK RISS starts in the top five after joining Oxford early in the season when they parted company with Nicolai Klindt.

The top five is completed by one of the most fascinating new signings of the winter with former GP star PETER KILDEMAND making his return to British Speedway for the first time since 2018 when he had a spell with Poole, although he is best known for his time with Swindon.

A complete newcomer to the UK is talented Latvian racer FRANCIS GUSTS, who will start at reserve, and the Spires will be hoping he can quickly adapt to Premiership racing with plenty of entertainment expected.

The Rising Star berth goes to LUKE KILLEEN who has come through the ranks at Oxford in recent years and made his Premiership debut in the closing matches of 2024 as a prelude to his involvement this year, whilst he will also be racing in the Championship for the Cheetahs.

2025 STARTING LINE-UP:

Rohan Tungate 7.71

Maciej Janowski 7.02

Charles Wright 6.32

Peter Kildemand 6.00

Erik Riss 5.55

Francis Gusts 4.50
Luke Killeen (RS)

*Line-up subject to approval