Oxford Cheetahs’ super fan Chloe’s dreams come true at press and practice

A lost generation of speedway supporters will hear bikes roar around Oxford Stadium for the first time tonight when the Monarch Oxford Cheetahs host Scunthorpe Scorpions (7.30pm).

Among the 2,000 capacity crowd will be seven-year-old speedway fanatic Chloe Davis from Kidlington. The Edward Feild Primary School pupil was born eight years after the Monarch Cheetahs’ last competitive meeting and has never watched her local club race.

After Oxford Speedway’s return was confirmed in November last year, Chloe’s father – Mat – answered her wishes by purchasing a bike for his daughter to practice on.

Oxford Speedway read about Chloe’s development on track and was pleased to welcome her and her family to our recent press and practice session as a special guest. Chloe joined the Monarch Oxford Cheetahs and Chargers riders in the pits and became the very first rider to give our new track the thumbs up!

 “She reminded me most days she wanted a bike,” said Mat. “When it was confirmed speedway was coming back to Oxford, I didn’t really have an excuse not to buy her one.

“She wanted nothing else but her own bike to practice and race on so she could replicate her heroes. Oxford reopening is very exciting for her, Chloe has never had a team to support and now she can cheer on the Cheetahs through her childhood.

“Scott Nicholls (Oxford Cheetahs captain) is her favourite rider. She loved meeting him at press and practice a fortnight ago and will be cheering him on from the terraces tonight – it’s going to be a very special evening.” 

Chloe had several practices on the Oxford Stadium circuit and one day aspires to be a rider herself. It is hoped the return of speedway locally will inspire a new generation of fans and riders from the city.

Mat said: “There are teenagers and families living in Oxford who may never have heard of speedway before. Speedway is a fantastic night out, and once you’ve caught the bug there really is no going back.

“It’s great for families and the kids love being able to meet the riders before and after the meetings to have their pictures taken. If you’ve never experienced a night at the speedway before, I’d definitely recommend visiting Oxford.

“To have our local team back competing in the Championship is amazing, and something we thought would never happen again.”

Monarch Oxford Cheetahs captain Scott Nicholls added: “It was great to meet Chloe at press and practice and learn how much the return of Oxford Speedway means to her. 

“She’s certainly got no fear, I think a few of the boys will have to be on their guard if they want to keep their team place this season! We hope Chloe’s story is replicated across Oxford and tonight’s meeting can inspire a new generation of fans.”

Tapes-up for tonight’s visit of Scunthorpe Scorpions is at 7.30pm. Supporters without tickets are reminded the event is SOLD OUT and no tickets will be available to purchase on the gate.