BELLE VUE COLTS make a long-awaited return to National Development League action on Sunday when they travel to face league leaders Oxford Chargers, 3pm.
It’s the JR Ashworth & Sons Colts’ first meeting in eight weeks.
But hopes of having a full team for the first time were dashed on Saturday morning when Mason Watson was forced out of the meeting, having further damaged his previously injured wrist at work.
The Colts’ last outing came back on June 1 when hopes of tracking a complete septet lasted less than half a lap as William Cairns crashed out of Heat 1 with a hand injury.
But Colts co-boss Graham Goodwin is hopeful that Sunday’s encounter can kickstart the season.
He said: “It’s not been a great start to the season and to go so long without a fixture has been extremely frustrating. But fingers crossed, we’re ready to get things going now.
“We’ve got a much better run of fixtures coming up, and the lads just need some time out there on track.”
Harry Fletcher retakes his place in the team after recovering from his broken collarbone, which unfortunately means the Colts have had to release Connor King.
Goodwin added: “We signed Connor to give us a settled team, rather than choosing different three-point guests during Harry’s absence.
“But with a rain-off at Leicester, and a home meeting having to be moved for an Aces fixture, sadly Connor didn’t get a real chance, which is disappointing.
“In the end it was simply a case of eight into seven won’t go, and we wish Connor well.
“League-leading Oxford isn’t the easiest place to go to try to restart the season, but we’re just keen to be racing again.
“We’re up for it, and we’re looking to move on to a stronger end to the season”.
Real Mini Company Oxford Chargers: Jody Scott (c), Senna Summers, Jamie Halder, Ashton Vale, Darryl Ritchings, Kai Ward, Max Broadhurst.
Belle Vue JR Ashworth & Sons Colts: William Cairns, Jack Shimelt, Jack Kingston, Mason Watson R/R, Freddy Hodder (c), Harry Fletcher, Billy Budd.