BRITISH SPEEDWAY MARCH 5, 2026 : CHEETAHS ISSUE THE CHALLENGE

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 mouthwatering southern section of the BSN Series.”

 (SPEEDWAY 2)

 KING’S Lynn have named Chris Harris as their team captain ahead of the new ROWE Motor Oil Premiership season.

GB legend Harris is going into his second year with the Stars and he takes over the role from Nicolai Klindt as the Norfolk side chase league honours.

Manager Rob Lyon said: “Chris has always been a good team man for whichever club he’s ridden for.
“He’s an infectious character who gets behind the boys, and he’s also a good ‘right hand man’ for me to be able to communicate with during a meeting.

“We have two young English boys in Cooper (Rushen) and Jody (Scott) at the bottom end of the team, and I know Chris will support and encourage them as well as he can.

“Nicolai was a good captain for us and I’m sure Chris will prove to be a good successor. He’s the natural choice.”