Oxford Silver Machine promoter Nigel Wagstaff has hit back at comments in the Speedway Star following the recent Oxford v Coventry clashes that led to scuffles in the pits at Brandon.

A crash involving Oxford's Nicky Pedersen and Bill Janniro and Stuart Robson resulted in both Bees riders biting the dust.

But the sparks were flying on the previous Good Friday meeting at Oxford, with Coventry team manager Colin Pratt calling the track 'disgraceful'.

Wagstaff said: "We accept that the race surface at Cowley this season has not been up to the standard that would generally be expected in the Elite League.

"But I would point out that, due to the inactivity at the club during the close season, it was only after protracted negotiations and in the middle of January that a decision was made to run speedway at the Sandy Lane track.

"An offer was made to the track curator, Colin Meredith, to continue, but due to other commitments and an offer from Peterborough, he decided to leave.

"I don't think anyone at the club realised the implications of no remedial work being carried out through the winter, and that a particularly dry February would have such a direct impact on the surface during the coming weeks.

"Having accepted that everything was far from perfect, the Oxford riders expressed a concern but have ridden and performed to the highest level.

"I have to say had we not been so dominant at home, there would not have been so much adverse reaction."