“Impressive” British youngster Thomas confirmed as Cheetahs’ fifth signing

Talented British youngster Jack Thomas has been confirmed as Oxford Speedway’s fifth rider to sign for the club ahead of its highly anticipated return to the sport in the new year.

Thomas joins Oxford after catching Promoter Jamie Courtney’s eye through his 2021 campaign with Birmingham where he delivered a series of impressive performances.

The 22-year-old has already lifted the British Speedway Championship crown with Leicester in 2019 and has enjoyed stints with Kent Kings and Glasgow Tigers since starting his career five years ago.

The Norwich-based racer described joining Oxford Speedway as a huge honour given the club’s prestige and rich history.

“This is an amazing opportunity for myself and I’m very grateful to Jamie for having me in Cheetahs’ regeneration squad,” said Thomas. “My speedway career hadn’t even started when Oxford last raced 14 years ago, but I still understand how valued this club is within the sport and community.

“I’m pleased and grateful to everyone who successfully campaigned to bring speedway back to Oxford. It’s a new era for the club, and I’m thrilled to be part of it.

“Personally, I feel like last season was my best yet. My riding and points scoring in the Championship was consistent and it’s granted me a lot of confidence looking ahead to 2022.”

Thomas is wasting no time preparing for tapes-up at Oxford Stadium in the spring.

His bikes are already being built in the workshop and a strict training programme has been developed to boost strength and overall fitness.

Thomas added: “Speedway has changed massively since Oxford last raced competitively. The training aspect of being a professional rider was not taken as seriously even 14 years ago.

“Now, it’s important to keep your weight down but strength up so the bike has every opportunity to be as fast as possible. I’m in the gym four times a week and monitoring my food intake so come March I’m in the best physical and mental shape possible.”

Oxford Speedway Promoter Jamie Courtney added: “I was very impressed with Jack’s development last season and was pleased to learn how keen he was to join Oxford.

“We quickly agreed a deal and are delighted to have him on board. Jack is one of the UK’s most talented young riders and racing week in week out at Championship level in recent seasons has really progressed his skillset.”

Thomas joins club captain and seven-times British Champion Scott Nicholls, former Grand Prix star Troy Batchelor, three-times Premiership winner Kyle Newman and three-times Western Australian State Champion Cameron Heeps in Cheetahs’ 2022 squad.