Oxford Silver Machine end a winter of doubt by entertaining fellow Elite League side Wolverhampton Wolves in an Air-Tek Challenge meeting at Oxford Stadium tonight.

And promoter Nigel Wagstaff has made a rallying call to Oxford speedway fans to get behind the new Thursday race night which had cast doubts over their future during the last six months.

He said: "We have put a lot of effort into getting everything into place this year, now we need the support to see us through.

"I believe we have a team to make a real impact on the Elite League this year, albeit after a long drawn-out battle to secure the services of Greg Hancock and Billy Hamill."

Former world champion Freddie Williams will be guest of honour tonight.

The feeling among the fans is reminiscent of the 2001 pre-season build-up, with many believing that the Silver Machine will be a force to be reckoned with in 2005.

That feeling was enhan- ced when the threat of any trouble over the use of Hancock and Hamill was finally lifted.

The action will get underway led by a parade of gleaming Harley Davidson motorcycles at 7.30pm.

The early start is to ensure that the main match is over in good time to allow children to get back home in time for school the following day.

This year, the team members will retain their squad numbers throughout the year, although this will not determine their riding position.

Squad numbers: 1 Greg Hancock, 2 Billy Hamill, 3 Lukas Dryml, 4 Travis McGowan, 5 Niels-Kristian Iversen, 6 Tom P Madsen, 7 Kjastas Poudzhuks.

TONIGHT'S LINE-UPS

Oxford: Greg Hancock, Travis McGowan, Niels-Kristian Iversen, Lukas Dryml, Billy Hamill, Tom P Madsen, Kjastas Poudzhuks

Wolverhampton: Mikael Max, Ronnie Correy, Fredrik Lindgren, Steve Johnston, David Howe, Magnus Karlsson, Krzystof Pecyna.