Chargers’ squad is complete with Arran Butcher and Luke Killeen signings

Oxford Chargers’ 2022 National League squad has been completed with the signings of promising British talent Arran Butcher and Australian National 125cc Champion Luke Killeen.

Leicestershire-based Butcher, 21, joins from Suffolk club Mildenhall Fen Tigers who he briefly represented last season before breaking his shoulder in a grass track incident.

Meanwhile Killeen, 16, is set to begin his first season in British speedway after making an impressive start to his 500cc career where he has reached five finals out of five meetings in Perth, western Australia.

Both riders will join Chargers’ skipper Jordan Jenkins, Nathan Stoneman, Sam Hagon, Ben Hopwood and Jacob Clouting to mark the beginning of a new era for Oxford Speedway as part of the regeneration of Oxford Stadium.

Butcher said: “It’s really exciting for me to be joining Oxford. Coming from a Motocross background, I have never seen the Oxford track but have watched plenty of footage of the venue before it closed to understand its atmosphere.

“I know Jamie (Courtney, Promoter) has reworked the circuit – it looks fantastic and will facilitate some great racing in our first season back.

“I’ve had some bad luck with injuries since starting my speedway career in 2018, but hope Oxford can be a club where I take my ability to the next level and really kick on.”

Killeen added: “Racing overseas has always been the dream since starting my speedway career, so I’m really grateful to Jamie for this opportunity.

“This will be a great experience for me and hopefully a step in the right direction. I’m committed to giving 100% every time I take to the track and can’t wait to get going.”

Oxford Chargers’ National League campaign begins on Saturday, April 9, away to Berwick Bullets. Both teams will return south on Wednesday, May 4, for the return fixture which will mark Chargers’ first ever home meeting.

Jamie Courtney hopes running National League speedway at Oxford Stadium will provide young riders with a platform to reach their full potential during the early stages of their careers.

He added: “I’m really pleased to have Arran and Luke in Chargers’ National League squad, it’s shaping up to be a really exciting year.

“Arran has had his fair share of bad luck with injuries, but I know he’s committed to improving with every meeting which is an invaluable asset at this level.

“Luke has proven himself as a very capable rider in Australia on the 125cc circuit and has big aspirations to fulfil a successful career in Europe. It’s exciting he has chosen Oxford Speedway to start this journey and we wish both riders every success this season.”

Oxford Chargers is the city’s newest sports club based at Oxford Stadium in Cowley. The club will host race nights on Wednesday evenings and compete in the British Speedway National League.