Riss: We can end Oxford’s undefeated run!
Erik Riss has fired a warning to the Oxford Cheetahs, with the German full of confidence that the “Agilia ” Bears can be the first side to defeat Oxford in the Cab Direct Championship this season with tapes up at 7:30 at the ECCO Arena.
Riss, who hit an impressive paid 13 against Scunthorpe last week, believes the Bears can do the job against the current table toppers, “ We are good enough to beat the Cheetahs, last week against Scunthorpe it was a little closer than some expected but if we all perform up to our capabilities then we can win!”
The German star, who represented his country at the Speedway World Cup on Tuesday, believes he is getting close to his best around Redcar after illness played havoc with the 27 year old’s start to 2023, “ I have been playing catch up with my bikes and engines after I was out for 10 weeks with illness but I have now found the right engine with the right set-up at home.”
Oxford are without Lewi Kerr who still sidelined with a collarbone injury with the Cheetahs promotion bringing in Plymouth’s Kyle Howarth to guest and Riss believes missing Kerr may be a slight advantage for Redcar, “ They have brought in a good guest in Howarth. However, with Lewi being a former Redcar rider he knows the track really well so that may weaken them a little bit.”
Riss also heaped praise on his partner in the engine room, Connor Bailey, who continues to go from strength to strength for Redcar, “ I’m a good gater but there have been a couple of times where Connor has outgated me and that is really impressive! I think Connor is riding really well at the moment!”
The former Long Track World Champion is acutely aware of the threat posed by his opposite number, Jordan Jenkins tomorrow night, with the Bears asset making his first appearance at the ECCO Arena since his winter switch to the Cheetahs. “ Jordan has been riding really well this year, he knows the Redcar track inside out so he will be a tough test but I’ll just have to take care of him!”
With this mouthwatering clash being the second fixture between the sides this season, the aggregate bonus point is up for grabs with Redcar having to overturn a 14 point deficit from their 52-38 defeat at Sandy Lane earlier this season.
Redcar once again name an unchanged septet with Luke Harrison continuing to deputise for the injured Jake Mulford. Meanwhile, Oxford have named six of their 7 regular riders with Sam Masters and Scott Nicholls bringing strong top order power for the league leaders whilst another former Bear, Ryan Kinsley makes his return to Redcar. Additionally, Oxford’s guest, Kyle Howarth will be looking to replicate his last performance at Redcar after he scored 12 last month for the Plymouth Gladiators.
Any supporters who are unable to attend the ECCO Arena are reminded that the match will be live streamed by our streaming partners, Tapes Up Productions at www.redcar-speedway.tv
Redcar “Agilia” Bears
1 Danny King 8.27
2 Danyon Hume 5.24
3 Connor Bailey 4.63
4 Erik Riss 7.81
5 Charles Wright © 8.10
6 Jason Edwards 4.25
7 Luke Harrison (G) 3.14
™: Gavin Parr
Oxford Cheetahs
1. Sam Masters 9.87
2. Henry Atkins 5.52
3. Kyle Howarth (G) 8.22
4. Jordan Jenkins 5.33
5. Scott Nicholls © 8.98
6. Cameron Heeps 4.42
7. Ryan Kinsley 2.00
™: Peter Schroeck
