CHAMPIONS! 18-year wait for team silverware ends as Chargers crowned National League champions!

Oxford Speedway’s 18-year wait for silverware ended on Tuesday night when the World Speedway Riders’ Association Oxford Chargers powered by SD Timmo were crowned National League champions!

The much-delayed fixture – owing to poor recent weather – adopted a winner-takes-all format following consultation between management of the Leicester Lion Cubs and the BSPL the day before tapes-up.

Although heavy isolated showers populated southern Oxfordshire, the meeting went ahead on time with 11 heats completed before forecast rain arrived.

Cubs’ heat leader Max Perry then fell heavily in a first-turn incident, which delayed the meeting significantly while an ambulance was called onto the track to take him to hospital.

Rain intensified once the ambulance had moved off the track, and a meeting between both teams and referee Simon Humphrey-Kennett concluded conditions were no longer safe.

It marked Oxford Speedway’s first piece of team silverware since the club was sensationally reformed in 2022 – 15 years after speedway was last held in the city.

Team Manager Peter Schroeck dedicated the trophy to the club’s supporters and everyone behind the scenes who made speedway’s return to Sandy Lane possible.

“We’re absolutely delighted – I’m so pleased for everyone who supports this special club and those who work hard behind the scenes,” said Schroeck. “This is for you all!

“It’s not the way we wanted to win the championship, and of course our thoughts are with Max Perry who we wish a speedy recovery after his crash. But the boys got stuck in when the going got tough and they deserve this – it’s been an incredible season.

“It was clear to everyone conditions were too dangerous to continue, and we thank the Leicester management for their cooperation in bringing the meeting to a sensible conclusion after we had passed the point where a result could be called.

“This special team deserved a reward for all their hard work this season – and tonight they brought it home!”

Celebrations to mark Oxford Chargers’ National League title will take place at the Belfry Spa and Hotel on Friday, November 10 at the club’s end-of-season party.