What a meeting we had here last week
When the chequered flag flew for heat 15 the final score showed another healthy win for the Cheetahs, but that doesn’t tell half the story. Once again the racing felt closer than the final score suggested, but we were treated to what’s becoming this year’s Cheetahs signature move of three heat advantages to close the meeting out. It was certainly a slog to get there, as Jordan, Rory Schlein and the trackstaff who had to rebuild the fence on turn four after an exuberant start to heat five would agree. It must be something about having BSN in town that causes it; the last time they were here Lewi attempted to clear the fence in turn four. Maybe next time BSN are here Pete can start the meeting with R/R at 3 instead of having it forced upon us during the match.
Last week we had one of our highest prize funds in the Raceday Jackpot all year – thanks to your support we were able to give out £250 in prizes. There were times before the team closed in ’07 that we were doing 50/50 draws for Elite League meetings with a prize of £60, so it really shows how well the team has been supported over the last 18 months. Every week it seems the prize fund climbs, and that is simply down to you guys buying more tickets, and the more tickets you buy the more we’re able to do for the riders and the club.
So far we’ve donated over £1,700 to the riders, either because they’ve missed time due to injury or because they’ve needed help with their equipment. Every week we sponsor the Rider of the Night prizes, and we’ve donated a couple of batches of Richard Palmer’s favourite noisemakers for Nobby to distribute on the terraces (and he’ll have more this week!), but tonight we’re starting another new initiative to support the Chargers. Starting tonight, every month we’ll be making a cash donation to one of the Chargers to help with their running costs, so listen out for the interval to hear who’s going to be the first lucky recipient of the first donation (we’re still workshopping a snazzy name). So keep buying your Raceday Jackpot tickets, it supports the riders and fans in all sorts of ways.
I can also exclusively announce there will be a few extra items in the track shop in the coming weeks. You’ve asked (repeatedly) and after a short delay that Rob and I have agreed is down to the wrong kind of snow, there will be Oxford Speedway programme boards available at the track shops within the next few weeks. They’ll be B5 size to suit our oversize programmes, and look pretty cool if I do say so myself, so keep an eye out because they’re sure to be a hit on the terraces. We’ve also ordered another bit of merch that you’ve all been asking for, but the lead time is a bit longer so I’ll keep you in suspense for another week or so…
Tonight the Chargers are back in town for their first meeting since early June. Of course, Jordan, Henry and Ryan, fill their evenings by riding for the Cheetahs, but I know the rest of guys have been keeping themselves busy, most notably Jody who’s made his Cheetahs debut and ridden in both the British Under 21 final and the abandoned Under 19 final since he was here last with the Chargers. Tonight him and the rest of the team will be looking to move back to the top of the table. Will we see another Cowley Special ending? Time will tell, let’s just go easy on the fence in turn 4, guys…