Australian international Troy Batchelor joins Cheetahs squad for 2022

Oxford Speedway has added a second internationally renowned rider to its 2022 Championship squad by signing Australian star Troy Batchelor.

Batchelor is Oxford Cheetahs’ second signing ahead of the club’s highly anticipated return to racing next spring at Oxford Stadium and joins former Great Britain international Scott Nicholls in making the switch from Kent Kings.

Born in Brisbane, the 34-year-old has raced an outstanding career to date having represented Australia 17 times in the Speedway World Cup, reached three Grand Prix finals and won 10 domestic trophies.

The 2013 Australian Champion has lifted three league titles since arriving in the UK in 2005 and has plans to add a fourth medal to his illustrious trophy cabinet next season.

“I’m very excited to join Oxford Cheetahs in 2022 and be part of speedway’s regeneration in the city,” said Batchelor. “Oxford has a proud speedway history and I know the club’s closure in 2007 hurt many people connected to the sport.

“It’s fantastic for British speedway that an agreement has been reached to bring the club back and I know Jamie (Courtney, promoter) has big plans to make our great sport accessible to a new influx of fans.

“I know Scott (Nicholls) well from my time racing in England and on the continent so joining Oxford in 2022 was a no-brainer for me. The track will suit my riding style and if the team can click early in the season, I’d like to think we’ll be well positioned to challenge for top honours.”

Between them, Nicholls and Batchelor boast 43 years of British speedway experience having started their domestic careers in 1994 and 2005 respectively.

Oxford Speedway promoter Jamie Courtney insists the pair’s invaluable knowledge of the sport will stand the club in good stead to fulfil its ambition to develop a new generation of outstanding local talent.

“We’re delighted to have Troy on board for next season,” said Courtney. “Like Scott, Troy knows what it takes to win a league championship and that will be a very powerful tool for the Cheetahs come next spring.

“Equally, our development riders will be able to tap into the knowledge Troy has established from his years competing at the highest level of the sport on the global scale.

“It’s essential Oxford Speedway provides developing riders the opportunity to reach their full potential and having Troy in our Championship squad next season will help us to deliver a solid development platform.”