Seven-times British Champion Scott Nicholls joins Oxford Cheetahs as captain

Oxford Speedway is pleased to confirm seven-times British Champion Scott Nicholls will captain the Cheetahs in next season’s 2022 Championship campaign.

Nicholls becomes Cheetahs’ first signing ahead of the club’s highly anticipated return to racing next spring as part of Oxford Stadium’s regeneration project under Managing Director Kevin Boothby.

The 43-year-old joins from Kent Kings and will spearhead Oxford Speedway’s ambition to challenge for silverware in its first season of competitive racing since 2007.

Nicholls returns to Sandy Lane with a wealth of experience at the sport’s highest levels in the UK, Poland, Sweden and the Speedway Grand Prix. He described being part of Oxford Stadium’s rise from the ashes as a great honour, adding he cannot wait to be trackside.

“It’s an honour to join Oxford Speedway as Cheetahs’ captain and I’m very excited for next season,” said Scott. “When I read the club was returning 14 years after it last raced competitively, I was very excited for the fans but also the sport in general.

“Oxford Speedway boasts a great history. Some of the world’s best riders have represented the Cheetahs’ badge and I’m very proud to be part of the team’s return.

“A lot of credit must go to everyone who successfully campaigned to bring speedway back to Oxford. They deserve a huge amount of praise as their work helped keep the club in the spotlight.

“I’m excited to work with Jamie (Courtney, Oxford Speedway Promoter) to bring the good times back to Oxford Stadium and provide the city with a speedway club they can be proud of.”

Part of Courtney’s vision to make speedway’s return to Oxford a success is to provide fun, inclusive, family-friendly meetings to people living across the county and in surrounding locations.

Work has already started to fulfil this objective, with some small alterations being made to the track by the stadium’s dedicated team of full-time staff committed to delivering quality racing.

Nicholls believes Oxford’s return can inspire a new generation of fans, and that Cheetahs’ riders will play an important role in attracting new fans to the sport.

He added: “Oxford Stadium is home to world-class speedway facilities and the small adjustments the track team are making to the racing surface will make for some fantastic racing which will appeal to newcomers.

“Speedway is a fantastic, family friendly, sport. It has all the key ingredients needed to entertain viewers, and we must make the most of that. It’s accessible to supporters and as riders we have a responsibility to engage with the fanbase and make them feel part of the team.

“If we can get the chemistry right between outstanding fan engagement, quality racing and positive results, then there is no reason why we can’t be successful next year. I can’t wait to get going.”  

Oxford Speedway Promoter Jamie Courtney added: “Scott’s record speaks for itself. He is an outstanding rider who will bring a wealth of experience to our team, and we are pleased to reach an agreement.

“I am thrilled he has accepted the role as Cheetahs’ captain for 2022. We’re both ambitious and want next season to be a successful one, both on and off track.

“Having a rider like Scott in the pits will be invaluable to the club. We’d like to welcome Scott to Oxford and wish him every success in his new role.”