Back to school! Oxford Speedway’s Jordan Jenkins makes a special school visit

Professional rider and Monarch Cheetahs fans’ favourite Jordan Jenkins swapped throttle control for teaching this week by introducing hundreds of schoolchildren to speedway.

The 22-year-old joined Oxford Speedway Team Manager Peter Schroeck at St John Fisher Primary School in Littlemore and West Kidlington Primary School to deliver two assemblies to hundreds of pupils.

The pair delivered a brief overview of speedway and its rules before showcasing some wheel-to-wheel action from Oxford last season and reflecting on Jenkins’ huge crash when Cheetahs raced Glasgow in July.

Pupils were able to ask any burning questions they had and leaflets inviting them trackside were distributed ahead of the first fixture on Thursday, March 14, when Birmingham Brummies visit in the Sports Insure Premiership.

Jenkins said showcasing his lifetime passion to an enthusiastic young audience was a pleasure to be part of.

“Speedway is such a unique and exciting sport for supporters old and new to enjoy,” said Jordan. “I’m so fortunate to make a living by racing in the summer, so any opportunity I have to promote the sport is something I’m keen to get involved in.

“The children loved getting up close and personal to the bike and watching some of our races from last season. We were asked some good questions too and hopefully we’ll see a few familiar faces come and visit the team in the pits as the season goes on.

“Last year was a huge one for my development on the bike, and I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead.”

Further primary school visits have been arranged before tapes rise on the new season as part of Oxford Speedway’s commitment to engaging new audiences with the club’s regeneration.

Shaun Reynolds of Fortitude Communications, whose team organised the assemblies, added: “There’s no escaping that speedway has experienced tough times of late, with clubs closing and new supporters seemingly hard to come by.

“But the regeneration of Oxford is a real-life example of what can be achieved regarding what we see on the track, and the club’s determination to engage with the community off it.

“We had an outstanding response from Oxfordshire schools who wanted to learn more about the club’s operation, and we’ll continue to work closely with them to educate as many children possible about this fantastic, family friendly, sport.”

Tickets for Oxford Speedway’s first fixture of 2024 on Thursday, March 14, when Birmingham Brummies visit in the Sports Insure Premiership are available to purchase by clicking here. Tapes-up is at 7.30pm.