Speedway legend Jason Crump joins Oxford Cheetahs as Team Manager

Three-times World Speedway Champion Jason Crump will mark the beginning of his team management career with Oxford Speedway when taking charge of the Cheetahs this year.

The 46-year-old cemented himself as a household name following a glittering 22-year stint as a rider where he won the Individual World Championship and World Cup on three occasions, triumphed in 23 Grand Prix and landed 11 domestic trophies in the UK.

Crump made a sensational return to racing in 2021, nine years after confirming his initial retirement, and will now lead Oxford Cheetahs’ highly anticipated regeneration as Team Manager.

The Australian explained he is honoured to be part of the club’s rebirth after spending many happy evenings at Oxford Stadium as a child while his father – Phil Crump – raced locally.  

“I’m so pleased to be part of the regeneration of Oxford Stadium and am excited to begin my journey as a Team Manager with the Cheetahs,” said Jason. “It’s been a desperately sad period for Oxford Speedway fans. To drive or walk past the stadium in the last 15 years with no speedway must’ve been terribly frustrating.

“But now we can all look forward to a promising future thanks to the tireless work of those who campaigned to save the stadium plus Jamie Courtney (Promoter) and the rest of the team.

“I went to Oxford Stadium many times with my dad in the mid-80s watching Hans Nielsen and Simon Wigg, who at the time were arguably the best two riders in the world. Back then, Oxford was a powerhouse club in British Speedway and a team that all young riders looked up to.

“We want to bring the good times back. It will take some adjustment to concentrate on the programme and what’s happening in the meeting, but I’m excited for the challenge.”

Crump revealed initial discussions between himself and Courtney were focused on him riding for Oxford Speedway following his return to the sport with Ipswich and Plymouth last year in the Premiership and Championship respectively.

But talks quickly turned to the vacant Team Manager role.

Crump added: “Riding is not my future. We discussed this which led to a conversation about being Team Manager.

“Quickly gaining the respect of our riders is going to be a priority for me. Everything I’ve been able to muster through life has been via speedway, so I’m hoping my knowledge and experience will be of value to the whole team, particularly the younger guys starting their careers.”

Cheetahs’ squad will be led by seven-times British Speedway Champion Scott Nicholls with capable back up supplied by former Grand Prix star Troy Batchelor, three-times Premiership winner Kyle Newman and three-times Western Australian State Champion Cameron Heeps.

British youngster Jack Thomas will be joined rising Australian star Josh MacDonald and American talent Dillon Ruml too.

Crump considers himself “lucky” to be working with a talented mix of riders.

“We’ve got a great team and want to challenge the top boys,” said Crump. “We’re lucky to have a great team leader in Scott Nicholls who would be a great captain and number one to have at any level of British Speedway.

“The excitement is building for me now and I can’t wait to meet the fans and be trackside in the spring at our first meetings.”