Peter Schroeck and Scott Nicholls scoop major awards

OXFORD team manager Peter Schroeck and Scott Nicholls – the skipper of the Oxford Cheetahs – were amongst the major winners at the World Speedway Riders’ Association awards night in Leicester over the weekend.

Schroeck picked up Team Manager Of The Year, while Nicholls was voted Rider Of The Year.

In addition, Oxford Speedway legend Hans Nielsen was the guest of honour at the event. The Danish superstar, who won four World Championships – three while he was an Oxford Cheetah – was presented with a Lifetime Achievement award.

Oxford Speedway broke new ground by running three teams in 2024. Schroeck didn’t miss a single meeting as team manager for all three teams: the OXS Oxford Spires in the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership, the Monarch Oxford Cheetahs in the Cab Direct Championship, and the Real Mini Company Oxford Chargers powered by SD Timmo Car Sales in the WSRA National League.

In total – including the Championship Pairs and an abandoned meeting against Ipswich – he was team manager on no fewer than 66 occasions, and he gained specific praise on the opportunities he gave to younger riders within the Oxford set-up.

Schroeck said: “It was a massive step as a club for Oxford to run at all three levels. But we made it work and we’re making the same commitment in 2025.

“It was a shame when the injuries came at the end of the season and the Cheetahs missed out on the silverware.

“But there were so many highlights across the season. One was bringing Maciej Janowski back into British Speedway. We took a bit of criticism over that to begin with, because he took a while to get re-adjusted to the British tracks, but we knew that class is permanent and he proved that and was flying by the of the season. He’s a massive addition to the sport in the UK and he’s very keen to return next season.

“From a personal viewpoint, it’s always very satisfying when one of the youngsters comes through. I’ve been working with Jody Scott since he was around nine years old, so the 5-1 he took with Scott Nicholls – when Scott team-rode with Jody – was just fantastic.

“There’s a real chance for youngsters to see their career path through the sport at Oxford.

“I did a lot of miles across the country during the season to manage the three sides, but it was worth it.”

Nicholls again showed age in just a number in 2024. Despite turning 46 during the course of the year, the seven-time British Champion was one of the very best riders in the Cab Direct Championship, and also scored heavily when called upon to guest in the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership.

As skipper, he led Monarch Oxford Cheetahs to the final in both the Cab Direct Championship and the Cab Direct Knockout Cup, while he also published his autobiography during the season.

Nicholls said: “It’s a huge honour to win the Rider Of The Year award. There are not many sports like speedway, where there is a huge support network existing between riders, sponsors and the fans. It is a large family.

“I had an enjoyable season, even if I ended it with a shoulder injury. You can’t beat experience, and I wish I knew what I do know when I started racing.

“I believe the Cheetahs could have gone all the way this season, barring the injuries we sustained. But that’s speedway and hats off to Poole for winning the league.”

The British Speedway AGM is currently taking place in Tenerife and further team news for 2025 will follow.

PHOTO: Scott Nicholls interviews Peter Schroeck as part of Eurosport’s coverage at a meeting at Oxford Stadium this season (pic: Steve Edmunds)