Signing for Cheetahs a “no brainer” for talented Brit Atkins

Fans’ favourite Henry Atkins is relishing the prospect of representing the Monarch Oxford Cheetahs for the first time next month when the new speedway season begins.

The 22-year-old will ride for both the Monarch Cheetahs and WSRA Chargers in 2023 after impressing by scoring 83 points from 42 rides in the National League during the Chargers’ inaugural season.

Atkins is one of three Chargers riders from last season to move into the Cheetahs squad, with Jordan Jenkins and teenager Luke Killeen also stepping up. They will be supported by new number one Sam Master plus captain Scott Nicholls, Lewis Kerr and Cameron Heeps.

Between them, Cheetahs’ top four boast over 65 years of British Speedway experience. And Atkins hopes to tap into this when lining up at tapes on Wednesday, March 29, when Oxford host Swindon Robins Select in a pre-season challenge fixture.

“It was a no brainer to sign for the Cheetahs and Chargers this season,” said Atkins. “I enjoyed being part of the Chargers squad last season and stepping up to the Championship was the obvious decision.

“It’s a good steppingstone for me and I have experience in the second tier already where I felt competitive at that level. Having the likes of Scott (Nicholls) and Sam (Masters) should be great for my development too.

“The goal is to be consistent and build my average as the season progresses. The support of our fans will be important in achieving that and their support to me so far has been great.”

Atkins spent the off-season travelling in Bali and Thailand and returned to the UK in the new year to continue his role outside of speedway as a self-employed plumber.

Otherwise, the Devon-based Brit has been working hard on his fitness and hopes to reinstall his trademark two-handed celebration when tapes rise on the new season.

“I’ll be sticking with the celebration – hopefully we can bring it out a few times more yet,” said Atkins. “Winter has been good for me. I spent some time away travelling across Bali and Thailand.

“I’ve kept my fitness ticking over and things are stepping up a level now. I still work through the year so will be straight down to the gym once my day is finished.

“Fitness is a big part of speedway now. Anything you can do to gain that advantage on track is worth investing time into.”

Tickets for the Monarch Cheetahs’ pre-season challenge fixture against Swindon Robins Select will be available via the club website soon.