Tuesday, November 11, 2025
OXFORD SPEEDWAY
ChargersOxford Speedway

Oxford manager proud of Chargers, after second league title in three seasons

RPOxfordSpeedway

PETER SCHROECK, the boss of the Real Mini Company Oxford Chargers powered by AW Mobbs has said he can’t be any prouder of his side, after they clinched the WSRA National League title with a massive 60-30 away win against the Middlesbrough Tigers at Redcar on Saturday afternoon – regaining the NL title they previously won in 2023.

Chargers’ victory was the ninth league title for the club since the inception of the Oxford Cheetahs in 1949. Five of the league successes have been at first-tier level (1964, 1985, 1986, 1989 and 2001) and four in the third-tier (1950, 2005, 2023 and 2025).

Schroeck said: “The Real Mini Company Oxford Chargers powered by AW Mobbs deserved to win the WSRA National League this season. The boys have worked hard all year, while we’ve never lost when we’ve had a full team out.

“It was quite a statement to score sixty points at Redcar on Saturday to clinch the title. The boys were on it. I’m buzzing for them and also the fans who made the long journey up there to support the team.

“Max Broadhurst is out injured, but he made a four-hour journey from the Shrewsbury area to support his mates. He was also at Edinburgh last week. That shows the team spirit we’ve got in this side. Harry Fletcher put in a very good guest performance for Max again – Harry is so consistent and a rider for the future.

“Jody Scott’s journey is unbelievable. He’s led from the front all season for Chargers. I’ve had connections with him from day one – since I first showed him how to skid a speedway bike when he was a kid of 10 or 11. He’s gone from a 15-year-old when he came in for Chargers in 2022 to an out-and-our No 1 and our skipper this season and I couldn’t be more proud. He’s an inspiration to all the other lads.

“All the boys have progressed and, to me, that’s as important as winning the league title. It’s been a tough year for Oxford Speedway with the Spires and the Cheetahs. But the Chargers are the foundations for our future. It shows Oxford Speedway has got the strength in our foundations and it’s something to build upon in the years to come.”

Darryl Ritchings has been second heat-leader for Chargers this season. He had returned to British Speedway this season, after a previous spell in the sport from 2010 to 2017.

Ritchings missed a racing commitment in the Netherlands to ride for the Chargers on Saturday and he top-scored for Chargers with 11+1.

He said: “I’ve enjoyed every moment riding for the Oxford Chargers this season and it was good to wrap up the title. It was my first time at Redcar, so it took me a couple of races to settle in, but I felt really good. I’m delighted for the whole team.

“The moment I got together with the rest of the side on our press and practice day, it clicked. Everyone is sound, we’re all good mates and it makes life much easier on the track. It’s been brilliant riding for this team.

“I did have a speedway meeting planned in the Netherlands at the weekend. But, after we didn’t wrap up the title at Edinburgh last week, I made the decision to ride for Chargers. I wanted to make sure we did it and also to be there at the meeting where we became the champions.

“I never imagined at the start of the season I’d get the opportunities in my first season back that I did this season in the Cab Direct Championship – the spell with Poole, plus guesting for Oxford here-and-there. It’s been a crazy season, but I’d like to think I’m ready for the next step next year. It will be a winter of hard training and lots of running and we’ll see what next year brings.”

Both Luke Killeen (Great Britain) and Mitch McDiarmid (Australia) will ride in the SON2 (World Under-21 Pairs Championship) in Torun, Poland on Friday (October 3).

The dramatic elimination of SD Timmo Car Sales Oxford Cheetahs powered by County Plumbing Supplies from the MAXiCab Knockout Cup on Sunday was the final official action featuring the three Oxford sides in 2025. Regarding the possibility of an October meeting at the BetGoodwin Oxford Stadium, plus the date of the End Of Season Party, supporters will be notified via the club’s social media channels and the official website at: https://oxfordspeedway.club/

PHOTO: Darryl Ritchings and Arran Butcher post a 5-1 in Heat 9 at Redcar on Saturday  (photo courtesy of Colin Poole – official track photographer for Redcar Speedway)