Oxford Silver Machine suffered their third rain-off in as many days when last night's Elite League encounter at Coventry was called off because of a waterlogged track.

It followed the wash-outs at Belle Vue on Wednesday (after one heat) and Peterborough on Monday, and promoter Nigel Wagstaff will be hoping against hope that tonight's meeting against Arena Essex can go ahead at Oxford Stadium (7.30).

The Sandy Lane track has also taken a battering from the elements this week, so it will be fingers crossed.

However, a fourth postponement could be a blessing in disguise as the Silver Machine will not have their ace in the pack, Niels-Kristian Iversen, at reserve.

The young Dane is taking part in the World Championshp final, a qualifier for next year's Grand Prix at Vojens in Denmark.

He is replaced by fellow Dane Tom Madsen, who although a steady performer, will not offer the options the in-form Iversen can give.

Arena Essex are at full strength and include ex-world champion Mark Loram, former Oxford riders Dean Barker and Paul Hurry and multi world long track champion Kelvin Tatum.

Oxford: rider-replacement, McGowan, Fisher, Dobrucki, Hancock, Davidsson, Madsen.

Arena Essex: Loram, Tatum, Barker, Walasek, Hurry, Larson, Lanham.