The Oxford Cheetahs have been dealt a blow with the news that Heat Leader Erik Riss has been sidelined due to his ongoing health issues.
The two-time World Longtrack Champion started the season with an encouraging 13-point tally for the Cheetahs in a home challenge match against Coventry. But following a 4+1 return at Plymouth, when he was feeling under the weather with a virus, things started to go wrong for Riss when he travelled to Poland the following day.
Riss posted online: “Unfortunately health issues with my eyes returned last weekend and I haven’t been able to race since. I will have to take another forced break from racing until my vision goes back to normal.
“I am very sorry to my clubs and fans for this situation. I was confident that these issues were behind me and did not expect to be back in this position.
“Considering I had been doing everything that I was told by doctors, this is a big shock to me and quite a defeating feeling. I’m already seeking more professional help to try and get more closure on the issue and hopefully find a long-term solution.
“At this moment in time I am not able to put an estimate on how long I will have to take a break from racing for.”
The Oxford management have backed Riss.
Team manager Peter Schroeck says: “The most important thing is that we give Erik full support.
“I’ve spoken to him and I know how gutted he is. His health and recovery come first – and we know he’s doing everything possible to get back to full fitness.
“Things could change very quickly, or it might take longer, so we need to be patient.”
Cheetahs have booked Nick Morris as a guest for Riss for the BSN Series clash against Plymouth Gladiators at the BetGoodwin Oxford Stadium on Wednesday evening (April 22) at 7.30pm. Cheetahs scored a hugely encouraging 51-39 win over arch-rivals Poole Pirates last week and are seeking another positive result.
Tickets are on sale on the Oxford Speedway website at:
Any tickets for the original planned staging on April 8 have been transferred to this new date. If anyone would like a refund rather than their ticket transferred to Wednesday, they need to contact Ticket Source using the details in the email they received informing them of the postponement. Ticket Source will then issue the refund.
There are two home meetings at the BetGoodwin Oxford Stadium this week, since the Real Mini Company Oxford Chargers, the defending WSRA National League champions, make their opening appearance of the season on Sunday (April 26) at 3pm. Tickets for this meeting are also on sale on the club website.
Words and Images by Oxford Speedway