OXFORD boss Peter Schroeck says his side must not get distracted by the “razzmatazz” ahead of facing Poole.
The Cheetahs host the Pirates tonight in the biggest team meeting since the sport returned to Cowley just under three years ago, live on BSN.
The Cheetahs and the Pirates clash in the first leg of the Cab Direct Championship Grand Final having been the two outstanding teams in the second tier this season.
Schroeck said: “It’s my job to make sure the team remains calm. There’s been a lot of interest and a lot of razzmatazz surrounding the Grand Final, as there always was going to be, but I’ve got to make sure the boys don’t get distracted by that, and stay focused and approach it like a normal meeting.
“More than anything, we hope everyone connected with Oxford Speedway – our supporters, our sponsors, all our track staff and helpers – enjoy what should be a fabulous occasion.”
When they met in the regular campaign, Oxford were held to a draw by Poole at home before winning the Super Heat, but they then secured an historic away win in the return fixture.
However, that was one of only two defeats over 15 heats in the Pirates’ 16 matches, and they go into the Final in top form having won the BSN Series Final this week.
The visitors name a full-strength line-up, whilst the home side track Dan Gilkes as a guest for the injured Jordan Jenkins, and Jody Scott again steps in at reserve.
Poole No.1 Richard Lawson said: “I think it is good that in the build up to the Grand Final we have fixtures to race as it can really keep the confidence going, and we have plenty of that as a team right now.”
OXFORD: Sam Masters, Cameron Heeps, Ashton Boughen, Dan Gilkes, Scott Nicholls, Luke Killeen, Jody Scott.
POOLE: Richard Lawson, Sam Hagon, Ben Cook, Zach Cook, Tom Brennan, Tobias Thomsen, Vinnie Foord.
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Words by Holeshot Media.
Images by Taylor Lanning.