The Birmingham Brummies have shuffled their riding order for today’s (Monday April 1, 7.30) visit of the Oxford Spires.
A change in the averages remarkably sees seven-times British Champion Scott Nicholls drop to reserve – meaning the Curtis Sport Brummies can utilise him up to seven times should they feel the need to in what is scheduled to be his final appearance for the club with Piotr Pawlicki making a successful return to action in Poland on Saturday.
Zach Cook is elevated into the main body of the team and will go at No.3 alongside Tom Brennan who moves to No.4.
Elsewhere, Wiktor Lampart shifts to No.2 whilst captain Steve Worrall is at No 5.
The Brummies got their ROWE Motor Oil Premiership account up and running with a point against reigning champions Sheffield last Monday – but now they are targeting their first win of the season against the Spires.
The aggregate point is also up for grabs with the Brummies trailing by four.
CEO Nigel Tolley said: “We have to be targeting the three league points.
“Don’t get me wrong we’ll have to work hard for it because Oxford have got a solid, very experienced side and they’ve had a good start to the season.
“But I’ve also been really pleased with a lot of what I’ve seen from our riders and having let things slip a little late on in our last couple of meetings, they’re all fired up to get that first win.”
Oxford include former Brummie Chris Harris and 2019 British Champion Charles Wright. They however operate rider replacement for Maciej Janowski who has a compulsory racing commitment in Poland.
The Spires have since defeated defending Premiership champions Sheffield Tigers 47-43 on home shale, while Birmingham managed a draw against Simon Stead’s squad exactly a week ago.
Despite missing Maciej Janowski who has commitments in Poland, Schroeck is looking forward to getting back out on track after Thursday’s trip to Yorkshire was washed out due to rain.
“Birmingham really battled when they came to Oxford to start the season,” said Schroeck.
“They didn’t lie down and roll over, which could’ve happened easily given conditions were far from ideal because of the weather at Sandy Lane.
“That spirit is what you need in a team, so we’ll be on our guard at Perry Barr and expect a tough night of racing.
“It was disappointing not to get our trip to Sheffield on, but the decision was in the best interests of everyone with the forecast being so poor. The boys have been keeping themselves busy with their other racing commitments, so being ready for the challenge isn’t an issue.
“We’ve had some good performances at Perry Barr previously with the Cheetahs so hopefully that can transfer over to the Spires and we can keep our 100% record intact.”
Whilst tickets will be available on the gate, they are also available online for £23 adults, £20 concessions (with proof) and £10 students (with proof) – children under 16 are admitted free of charge!
Brand new racenight ‘VIP Gold Tickets’ are also available for £39 – this includes a raceday programme, a pre-meeting pits visit, a centre green experience as well as use of the executive boxes upstairs in the main grandstand.
All tickets can be purchased by visiting:
https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing/57922?
This fixture will also be streamed via BrummiesTV. You can register now and buy your meeting pass for £12.99 at: https://www.brummies.tv
For any supporters travelling from Wolverhampton, there will also be coaches available. More info at: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing/58180?fbclid=IwAR2YMY6pLeET_z_FdiyVo5q8CSeOCOoTZ7mjMAvd-BzYU6Y7P7zbQ9qhS_U_aem_AS-f8rUt9tYKZyWiPR570ZGJjxGVbXQavbqG_Rlag0bskg2jum1Ar3EVsRMHUaBC64U
BIRMINGHAM: Vaclav Milik, Wiktor Lampart, Zach Cook, Tom Brennan, Steve Worrall, Scott Nicholls, Leon Flint.
OXFORD: Maciej Janowski R/R, Charles Wright, Nicolai Klindt, Chris Harris, Rohan Tungate, Lewis Kerr, Ashton Boughen, Luke Killeen (No.8).
Feature Image courtesy of Oxford Speedway
