DANNY Ford believes Oxford have taken on a “mammoth task” by committing to running three teams in the 2024 British speedway season.

Having returned to tapes in 2022, next year will see Oxford competing in all three tiers, having created Oxford Spires to ride in the Premiership.

That is alongside Oxford Cheetahs, who remain in the Championship alongside Poole Pirates, and the Oxford Chargers in the National Development League.

Premiership meetings take place on Mondays and Thursdays, while Cheetahs will host the majority of their Championship fixtures on Wednesdays.

Asked for his thoughts on the eye-catching decision to run three teams, Pirates promoter Ford told the Daily Echo: “Oxford certainly don’t lack ambition.

“It’s going to be mammoth task for them.

“Obviously they’ve done their research and their figures and they think it’s achievable.

“I certainly had my reservations about it and I still do now. It’s never been done before and who is to say it can’t be done?

“It’s not going to be easy, but Oxford believe they know what they’re getting themselves in for and I wish them all the luck.

“I know a few Poole supporters were hoping that we would go up (to the Premiership).

“But we’ve already stated our reasons for being in the Championship a million times. Fixed race nights simply don’t work for us at Poole.

“A Monday and a Thursday would be a huge financial risk for us. I know there was some comments about that, so I just wanted to address that.

“But Oxford riding in all leagues, I wish them the best and hopefully they can still maintain the kind of crowd levels they were showing last season.”

Asked if he had ever considered tracking multiple teams, Ford added: “Certainly for us at Poole, running in the Premiership and Championship would not work. I can categorically say that.

“I think for the majority of clubs it wouldn’t work.

“I do have my reservations about it, but Oxford have done their due diligence and they think it will work.

“I honestly do wish them all the best.

“I’m thankful we will still be having our trips up to Sandy Lane to take on the Cheetahs and I look forward to our visits there later in the season.”

Pirates are set to begin their season against Oxford on Good Friday, March 29, when the Cheetahs head to Wimborne Road for the opening fixture of the BSN Series southern group.

Poole won the inaugural BSN Series last year, easing to a 104-76 aggregate win over Glasgow Tigers in the final.