MacDonald and Ruml complete Oxford Cheetahs’ Championship squad

Oxford Speedway is pleased to confirm the signings of Australian Josh MacDonald and American Dillon Ruml to complete this year’s British Speedway Championship squad.

Both riders have been signed by Oxford Speedway Promoter Jamie Courtney after impressing in their recent campaigns with Scunthorpe Scorpions and Plymouth Gladiators respectively.

This season will mark 24-year-old MacDonald’s second full year in British speedway while Ruml, 22, embarks on his second stint after journeying over the Atlantic for the first time 12 months ago.

MacDonald and Ruml said they were grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to represent the Cheetahs badge and meet the club’s fanbase.

MacDonald said: “I’m very pleased to sign for Oxford Speedway and would like to thank Jamie for his warm welcome to the club.

“Riders I looked up to as a kid in Australia represented the Cheetahs badge, so to be part of the club’s regeneration is really exciting for me. There is a lot of prestige attached to Oxford Speedway and with the squad we have in place I’m hopeful we’ll be able to compete for silverware.

“I can’t wait to meet all the fans at our opening meeting, it’s going to be a memorable year.”

Ruml added: “My first season in British speedway was a huge learning curve and I’m ready for new challenges in 2022 with Oxford.

“At home in California, we’re used to racing on technical tracks which require good levels of throttle control and balance, so the Oxford Stadium track should suit my riding ability. Oxford’s return is great news for British speedway and will help take my career to the next level.”

The Cheetahs will line up at the tapes for the first time in 15 years this spring as part of Oxford Stadium’s exciting regeneration which will see the return of much-loved sports and community activities.

Cheetahs will be captained by seven-times British Champion Scott Nicholls with the squad’s heat leaders including former Grand Prix star Troy Batchelor, three-times Premiership champion Kyle Newman, British youngster Jack Thomas and Cameron Heeps.

Jamie Courtney, Oxford Speedway Promoter, added: “Josh (MacDonald) and Dillon (Ruml) are both young riders with great potential who have the attitude and determination required to improve their existing averages.

“We’re pleased to have reached an agreement and look forward to welcoming them back to the UK soon ahead of our return to the shale this spring.

“We’re not here to make up the numbers, we want to compete and challenge for top honours which I believe is possible with the team we’ve put together. I’d like to thank everyone for their messages of support thus far, we’re really excited to welcome our fans trackside later this year.”