Oxford Cheetahs to challenge for top honours, insists club promoter Courtney

Oxford Speedway promoter Jamie Courtney wants to bring the good times back to Sandy Lane and build a team capable of winning next year’s British Speedway Championship. 

Speedway’s return to the city in 2022 was confirmed last week, five months after Oxford Stadium Managing Director Kevin Boothby secured a 10-year lease to return the historic site to its former glory and 14 years after Oxford Cheetahs last raced. 

Speedway will form a key part of Oxford Stadium’s regeneration project which will see the Cowley venue become an inclusive community hub accessible to everyone via its sport, entertainment, leisure and wellbeing facilities. 

Courtney has secured the services of two star-studded riders, both of whom have stepped onto the prestigious Speedway Grand Prix podium. Details will be announced soon, with Courtney saying both riders will provide a significant boost to Cheetahs’ ambition to challenge defending champions Poole Pirates for top spot next year. 

“We mean business and want to build a team capable of challenging for top honours,” said Courtney. “That means competing with the likes of Poole, Glasgow and Leicester – teams who are well established at this level. 

“Oxford Speedway has a history of attracting high profile riders, and we want to continue that trend in the club’s new era. Kevin (Boothby) is investing heavily in the site’s facilities so we can provide our supporters with the best possible race night experience.” 

A dedicated team of track staff have been working full-time on the stadium’s shale-based racing surface to transform its shape and ensure it meets Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) standards. 

A second team will operate in next year’s National Development League. Courtney also plans to establish a speedway academy where young Oxfordshire riders can learn and develop their skills in a cost-effective way.

He said: “Of course people want to see the stars of the shale race wheel-to-wheel on track week in week out, and we will be providing that. 

“But my vision for Oxford Speedway is to place it at the heart of the UK’s commitment to developing young riders. We’re fortunate to be placed in such a central location, and our unrestricted access to the shale once the stadium is up and running will help us fulfil this goal. 

“We’re working closely with Kevin to ensure local people have a speedway club to be proud of and one they can be part of.”  

The return of Oxford Speedway has been widely praised and dubbed as a catalyst to inspire a new era for the sport in the UK following a difficult period. 

Courtney added: “We have been overwhelmed by the support and messages the club has received since our return was confirmed. Personally, it’s very exciting to bring speedway back to Oxford for Oxfordshire people and those outside the county. 

“We owe a huge amount to the outstanding work of those who successfully campaigned to Save Oxford Stadium. They never gave in and kept the Cheetahs name alive when it was so easy to lose hope.”