Mitch McDiarmid retains Western Australian State Championship, while Chargers pick up awards at WSRA Dinner

17-YEAR-OLD Mitch McDiarmid retained the Western Australian State Championship at the weekend – after going through the card unbeaten.

This year, the Australian teenager from Perth had a hugely impressive first season in British Speedway with the SD Timmo Car Sales Oxford Cheetahs powered by County Plumbing Supplies.

He scored a 15-point maximum in the qualifying heats at Pinjar Park and then won the final.

Meanwhile, the Real Mini Company Oxford Chargers powered by AW Mobbs recently picked up an award as the WSRA National League Team Of The Year at the World Speedway Riders’ Association Awards Evening in Leicester. Oxford team manager Peter Schroeck was in attendance along with Chargers’ skipper Jody Scott and Ashton Vale.

In addition, Scott picked up Young Rider Of The Year at the same event.

Schroeck said: “The Chargers have made us proud this season. I’m very privileged to be able to work alongside them, since they are the future of speedway. It’s been very enjoyable.”

Scott added: “The silverware is what we wanted at the start of the season and we made it happen. It was a great all-around team effort from all the boys across the season, and I was really chuffed to be skipper of the side.”

Vale said: “Winning the league was what we were aiming for all season. We’re over the moon – we’re happy.”

Scott also picked up an award as Championship Young Rider Of The Year, after gaining most votes on British Speedway social media sites.

Meanwhile – along with Workington – Oxford were one of only two of the 16 clubs to compete in British Speedway in 2025 to have a stand at the Speedway Show at the British Motor Museum at Gaydon on Saturday.

Oxford Speedway Supporters’ Club held both their AGM and End Of Season Dinner at the BetGoodwin Oxford Stadium later the same day, on Saturday evening, with Schroeck, Scott, Vale and Oxford promoter Jamie Courtney amongst the hundred in attendance.

Courtney gave an update to supporters. He also told them not to confuse any recent silence with inactivity, since both Schroeck and himself have already been busy planning ahead for the 2026 season.

The BSPL (British Speedway Promoters’ Ltd) put back their AGM from last week to January 6.

For 2026, Cheetahs had previously been confirmed as riding in the Cab Direct Championship, and Chargers in the WSRA National League.

Those in attendance on Saturday evening were also intrigued to find the main entrance blocked off, since MobLand – a streaming drama – is currently being filmed at the stadium. The cast includes former James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan.

PHOTO by Steve Hone