THE Oxford Silver Machine fans will be out in force tonight when they welcome home British Grand Prix winner Nicki Pedersen at the Stadium.

But as soon as he has paraded his British GP Trophy - plans to drop him by heleicopter were abandoned - it will be down to the serious matter of Silver Machine's Sky Sports Elite League encounter with in-form Wolverhampton.

But it's not just about Pedersen, as fellow Dane, the promising Niels Kristen Iversen makes his home debut.

Another Dane, Jan Steachmann partners him as reserve, though they will be without their fourth Dane as Charlie Gjedde is on world championship qualification duty.

The World Cup has also hit Wolves, who will be without Peter Karlsson, and will use a guest. They will also use rider-replacement for David Howe.

Wolves, who beat fancied Poole on Monday, are well-placed for a play-off charge in joint fourth.

They easily beat Silver Machine 57-33 at Monmore Green last month, and look good for the bonus point in the return.

The Oxford fans also get the chance to see Sam Ermolenko, who did such a good job guesting several times last year. He will be signing copies of his new book in the press conference area.

Meanwhile, after Sunday's controversial clash with the Coventry Bees, the Oxford management have decided not to protest over the referee Jim McGregor.

Oxford contacted the Speedway Control Board chief Graham Reeve, and later received an apology from McGregor.

Oxford owner Nigel Wagstaff said: "The comments have probably come back and bitten Coventry in an embarrassing place.

"Sometimes you say things, and they come back to haunt you."

Colin Pratt agreed: "The state of the circuit was terrible, and Nigel Wagstaff had every right to criticise it."

A Silver Machine stand will be at the Oxford Mail sponsored Oxford Motor Show at Cutteslowe Park on Sunday.

Oxford: Wiltshire, McGowan, Boyce, Ulamek, Pedersen, Iversen, Staechmann.

Wolverhampton: Max, Rider Replacement, Ermolenko, Skornicki, guest for Peter Karlsson, Grieves, Allen.