SWINDON Robins Select's challenge fixture against Oxford Cheetahs has been postponed due to poor weather.

Alun Rossiter's invited septet - led by 2017 speedway world champion, Jason Doyle - were due to take on their neighbours in a warm-up to the new season at Oxford Stadium tonight (Wednesday, March 29), only for recent and persistent rainfall to waterlog the track.

With a bumper crowd due and more heavy rain forecast, Cheetahs officials made an early decision to rearrange the contest for Wednesday, April 19.

Oxford say Robins hero Doyle has already committed to the new date and are looking forward to welcoming people from all over the country when tapes go up in a few weeks' time.

Oxford Speedway promoter Jamie Courtney said: “Everyone at Oxford Speedway shares the frustration of our supporters that our season opener has been postponed.

“We’re comfortable with the decision which has been made in the interests of our riders, staff, hard-working volunteers and the fans – many of whom would have travelled long distances to be trackside.

“Our track covers have been down all week, but the volume of rain forecast locally between 6pm and 9pm would make our racing surface unsafe and we must always prioritise the safety of our riders.

“All tickets will be valid for the re-staging date on April 19, and we’re pleased to confirm Jason Doyle has already committed to leading Swindon’s team.

"We’d like to thank supporters for their understanding and patience and look forward to welcoming them trackside next week (April 5) when Poole Pirates visit for our first BSN Series fixture.”

The Robins have not raced competitively since 2019 - when they won the Premiership league and cup double - due to a combination of Covid-19 and delayed building works on the Abbey Stadium.

In September 2022, Swindon said they would never return to the place they had called home since 1949 and plans were set in motion to find an alternative site "within a 45-minute drive" of the town centre.

The challenge fixture against local rivals, Oxford - who had been through similar struggles prior to returning last year - was planned to maintain the name of the Robins and show that a hearty appetite for a speedway team in Swindon still exists.

Tickets for the one-off fixture - which is expected to be a sell-out in the 3,500 capacity stadium - remain on sale, priced at £20 for adults while under-16s go free.