Oxford Cheetahs


The Oxford Cheetahs are a British speedway team based at Oxford Stadium, in Oxford, England. They were founded in 1939 and are five times champions of Britain, in 1964, 1985, 1986, 1989 and 2001. The club folded in 2007 but returned to racing when participating in the SGB Championship 2022.
During their history they have run under several other names; from 1972 to 1975, they were known as Oxford Rebels and from 2003 to 2005, they were known as Oxford Silver Machine. They have also run junior sides known as the Oxford Cubs, Oxford Silver Machine Academy, Oxford Lions and Oxford Chargers. In 2024 and 2025 the club has ran two teams in addition to the Cheetahs, one under a new guise of the Oxford Spires in the Premiership and the Chargers in the development league. In 2026 the Spires dropped out of the Premiership and only the Cheetahs and Chargers will compete.

History

Origins and 1940s

The Oxford Motorcycle Speedway Club moved to Oxford Stadium in 1939 from a grass circuit in Sandford-on-Thames. The Secretary Ted Mander orchestrated the move and the first individual meeting was held on Easter Saturday 8 April 1939 won by Roy Duke. The club contested team meetings against Smallford, Wisbech, High Beech and Reading.
Racing resumed on 28 April 1940, with guest teams racing. This was followed by just two meetings in 1941 before Mander announced that racing would be suspended for the duration of the World War II. Despite the war ending in 1945 there was no racing from 1942 to 1948. However, during 1948 the stadium owner Leslie Calcutt unsuccessfully applied to the Speedway Control Board for a licence to race in the Third Division.
Following major track renovations in 1949, the club joined the 1949 Speedway National League Division Three. The club took the nickname 'Cheetahs' following a competition for the general public, held by the local Oxford Mail newspaper. The team manager was Ron Bear and the club colours were dark blue and yellow, with the first match being an away fixture at Exeter on 18 April 1949. Oxford lost heavily 60–24 and three days later lost to Hastings 47–37 in their first home fixture. The Cheetahs finished in last place during their inaugural season and used 24 different riders.

1950s

The Cheetahs went from finishing last in 1949 to winning the division 3 league and cup double in 1950 and were subsequently promoted to Division two in 1951. Pat Clark was the team's number 1 rider, hitting a season average of 9.99.
After finishing bottom of the division two in 1952 they rode in the third division called the Southern League in 1953 but following a league restructure, which included the signing of Ronnie Genz, the Cheetahs returned to division two in 1954.
Following a league merger the Cheetahs rode in the top tier for the first time in 1957. The team continued to race in the top tier but did not manage to gain any notable success.

1960s

The Cheetahs headed Arne Pander record a third place finish in 1960 and then after struggling in the top division for several years they dramatically won the top-tier league for the first time in 1964 despite finishing last the season before with many of the same riders. The winning team consisted of Ron How, Arne Pander, Jimmy Gooch, Ronnie Genz, Colin Gooddy, Jack Geran, Colin McKee, Eddie Reeves and John Bishop. They also completed a treble by winning the National Trophy and Britannia Shield.
The team failed to emulate the success in the following season, primarily due to the creation of the British League and a division of 18 teams, which forced members of the team to depart under the Speedway Control Board rules. The results suffered and towards the end of the sixties, the team struggled.

1970s

In 1972, the club was rebranded, the Cheetahs became the Oxford Rebels and the stadium renamed as Cowley Stadium. The takeover was by a new consortium, which included former riders Bob Dugard and Danny Dunton, Dave Lanning and the famous musician Acker Bilk. The team under performed badly, finishing 17th from 18 teams despite the new image and failed to make any impact in subsequent seasons.
In what was to be the final year for the Rebels in 1975, the team did win the Midland Cup against Wolverhampton Wolves under the captainship of Dag Lovaas. Following the threat of track closure the promoters started a new team at White City Stadium called the White City Rebels leaving Oxford with no team or riders.
A new Oxford team were formed after a committee of fans had created a "Save Our Stadium" campaign over the previous winter and entered the 1976 National League season. The club dumped the unpopular name of Rebels and reverted back to the Cheetahs under new promoters Harry Bastable and Tony Allsop and the venue was known again as Oxford Stadium. In 1977, Oxford Stadium was purchased by David Hawkins' Northern Sports for £250,000, ending the concern about permanent closure. The team continued to compete in the second division and saw the number riders include the likes of Martin Yeates and George Hunter.

1980s

topped the league averages in 1980 but the team failed to finish any higher than 12th from 1980 to 1983. Then in 1984, Oxford Cheetahs changed the face of British speedway. Northern Sports invested heavily into the stadium with a £1.5 million three tier grandstand restaurant and sports centre. David Hawkins installed Bernard Crapper and John Payne as speedway co-promoters and the team were entered for the 1984 British League season. The Cheetahs broke all transfer fee records by signing Danish international Hans Nielsen from Birmingham for a record £30,000, Simon Wigg from Cradley Heath for £25,000, Marvyn Cox for £15,000 from Rye House, Melvyn Taylor for £12,000 from King's Lynn and Dane Jens Rasmussen.
After a moderate 1984 campaign the team won four trophies in 1985. They won the league, Knockout Cup, Midland Cup and pairs. The Oxford City council gave the team a civic reception and parade through Oxford on an open top bus.
The following season, the team won a clean sweep of five trophies, winning the league, KO Cup, League Cup, Midland Cup and pairs. Hans Nielsen, was arguably the world's leading rider during the period, topping the league averages a remarkable seven consecutive seasons and being crowned world champion three times in 1986, 1987 and 1989. The Cheetahs won a third league championship in 1989, with Martin Dugard supporting Nielsen and Wigg in the averages.

1990s

Northern Sports parent company Hawkins of Harrow began to run into financial trouble and the team suffered lack of investment, Hans Nielsen left and the team applied to and raced in division two in 1993. They won the division two fours championship in 1994. Northern Sports were later liquidated, meaning the team was not financed by the stadium owners. Additionally in 1995 and 1996 there was only one division of British speedway meaning the Oxford Cheetahs returned to the top division under independent promoters. In 1997, another league restructure resulted in a new Elite League, with the Premier League becoming division two, Oxford competed in the latter.
The team competed in the Elite League under new promotion from 1998 and signed Todd Wiltshire as their number 1.

2000s

Promoter Steve Purchase signed Australian Leigh Adams for the 2001 season and supported by Wiltshire, Brian Andersen, Steve Johnston and the Dryml brothers Lukáš and Aleš, the Cheetahs became champions of Britain for the fifth time.
The Oxford Cheetahs were renamed for three seasons as the Oxford Silver Machine from 2003 to 2005, under the promotion of Nigel Wagstaff. Again the renaming was not popular with the fans but number 1 rider Greg Hancock was. However, in 2006 they reverted to their original name, which was apt because it would be their final full season as a top tier speedway team for 18 years.
Until 30 May 2007, the Cheetahs rode in the Elite League and operated a junior side known as the Oxford Lions which competed in the Conference League. In a statement issued by the British Speedway Promoters Association on 31 May 2007, their owner Colin Horton closed the club as a result of poor attendances and financial losses. In June 2007, businessman Allen Trump invested in the club to secure the lease on the track and the Cheetahs completed the 2007 season in the Conference League, replacing the Lions.
After the 2007 season, owner Allen Trump planned to bring the Cheetahs back into the Premier League for 2008. However, Trump was unable to secure a deal with landlords, the Greyhound Racing Association to continue speedway racing at the Cowley and handed the promotion back to the BSPA. Further negotiations with the GRA were unsuccessful and Oxford had no speedway for 14 years. A number of committed fans keen to see the return of speedway to Oxford remained active. Two supporters groups, the Oxford Speedway Supporters Club and Save Oxford Speedway held regular events and trips for Oxford fans and actively campaigned for the return of speedway to Oxford.

2020s

On 11 November 2021, it was confirmed that the Cheetahs would return for the 2022 season in the SGB Championship, after a 14-year absence from British Speedway. The stadium had been leased to Kevin Boothby, who was keen to bring back the sport. Jamie Courtney would be the team promoter. The Cheetahs also ran a junior side called the Chargers for the 2022 NDL season and 2023 NDL season, winning the league title during the latter.
In 2024, Oxford named three teams to compete in all three tiers of British speedway. The Cheetahs remained in the Championship, the Spires into the Premiership, and the Chargers remained in the NDL. The Cheetahs reached the play-off and knockout cup finals.

Previous teams (from 1949)

seasonRiderRiderRiderRiderRiderRiderRiderRider
1949Alex GrayAlf Elliott Alf ViccaryBert CroucherBill DowntonBill KempBill ReynoldsBob Aldridge
Bob McFarlaneCliff LadbrookeDennis GrayErnie RawlinsErnie SteersFrank BoyleFred VivianJames Osborne
Jim BoydJimmy CoyJimmy WrightJoe PeckJohnny FryMaurice HutchensPeter LloydRoy Court
1950Bill KempBill OsborneBob McFarlaneBrian WilsonBuster BrownColin ClarkEric IronsErnie Rawlins
Frank BoyleFrank JohnsonHarry SaundersJimmy WrightPat ClarkRon Carvill--
1951Bill KempBill OsborneBob McFarlaneBrian WilsonColin ClarkCyril QuickDoug IbleEric Irons
Ernie RawlinsFrank BoyleHarry SaundersHerby KingPat ClarkRoger Wise--
1952Bill KempBill OsborneErnie LessiterErnie RawlinsFrank BoyleHarry SaundersHerby KingJim Boyd
Jim GregoryLen GloverPat ClarkRay TerryRon WilsonTony WintourVic Taylor-
1953Benny KingBill CodlingBill OsborneBill KempBob McFarlaneFrank BoyleFrank JohnsonHerby King
Jim BoydJim GregoryJim TolleyPeter RobinsonRay MooreRon Wilson--
1954Bill OsborneBill ThatcherBob BakerBob McFarlaneBob WellsDennis NewtonFrank JohnsonKid Curtis
Jim GregoryJim TebbyNobby StockPeter RobinsonRonnie Genz---
1955Bill ThatcherBob BakerBob WellsDennis NewtonKid CurtisMaury CourtnellPeter RobinsonReg Trott
Ronnie GenzTerry Courtnell------
1956Bill ThatcherBob BakerDennis NewtonHowdy ByfordJim TebbyMaury CourtnellPat ClarkPeter Robinson
Ronnie GenzRoy BowersTerry CourtnellTommy Miller----
1957Danny DuntonDennis NewtonFrank JohnsonGordon McGregorHowdy ByfordJack BiggsJimmy SquibbMaury McDermott
Ray CrespRonnie GenzRoy Bowers-----
1958Alan LunnArthur WrightBrian MillerCharlie NewColin GooddyDave StillDennis NewtonEric Boothroyd
Frank JohnsonGordon McGregorHowdy ByfordReg DuvalRonnie GenzRoy Bowers--
1959Arne PanderArthur WrightCliff CoxColin GooddyGordon McGregorHowdy ByfordKen AdamsNick Nicholls
Ronnie GenzRoy Bowers------
1960Arne PanderBob DugardCliff CoxColin GooddyDanny DuntonDave HankinsDave StillEric Boothroyd
Gordon McGregorGordon OwenHowdy ByfordJack BiggsJimmy GleedJohn KeyKen AdamsRay Liston
Ronnie GenzRoy BowersTed Connor-----
1961Arne PanderBengt BranneforsDanny DuntonGeorge MajorGordon McGregorHowdy ByfordJack BiggsJim Tebby
John BishopReg DuvalRonnie GenzRoy Bowers----
1962Alf HagonColin GooddyDanny DuntonGordon McGregorJack BiggsJack GeranJohn BelcherJohn Bishop
John HookPer Tage SvenssonReg DuvalRonnie Genz----
1963Alf HagonArne PanderChum TaylorColin GooddyDanny DuntonGeorge MajorGlyn ChandlerJack Geran
John BishopRonnie GenzTrevor Hedge-----
1964Arne PanderColin GooddyColin McKeeDanny DuntonEddie ReevesGeorge MajorJack GeranJimmy Gooch
John BishopRon HowRonnie Genz-----
1965Arne PanderBill FinchDanny DuntonEddie ReevesGlyn ChandlerJimmy GoochJimmy HeardJohn Belcher
John BishopJohn HensleyJohn HookJohn LeaderKen ValeMaury McDermottRon HowStan Stevens
Tyburn GallowsWayne Barry------
1966Arne PanderDes LukehurstEddie ReevesJimmy GoochJohn BishopMaury McDermottPete SeatonTony Clarke
1967Arne PanderColin GooddyDes LukehurstEddie ReevesJoe WeichlbauerKen ValeLeo McAuliffeMaury McDermott
Pete SeatonRick TimmoRoy TriggTed SpittlesTim Bungay---
1968Arne PanderColin GooddyEddie ReevesGodtfred AndreasenJohn BishopJohn PoyserLeo McAuliffeMick Bell
Pete SeatonRick TimmoRonnie GenzTed Spittles----
1969Colin GooddyConny SamuelssonDavid CraneEddie ReevesGeorge MajorJohn BishopKen ValeLeo McAuliffe
Mick BellPeter JarmanPete SaundersPete SeatonRick TimmoRonnie Genz--
1970Andy RossColin GooddyEddie ReevesGeorge MajorHasse HolmqvistMick BellPat JohnsonPaul O'Neil
Peter JarmanPete SaundersPete SeatonRick TimmoRonnie Genz--
1971Arthur PriceBrian ClarkCol CottrellColin GooddyJohn DavisJohn JacksonKen McKinlayLaurie Sims
Norman StrachanØyvind S. BergPete SaundersPete SeatonRichard GreerRick TimmoRonnie GenzTommy Roper
1972Bobby McNeilColin GooddyGarry MiddletonGordon KennettJohn DavisJulian WiggKen McKinlayLaurie Sims
Malcolm BallardNorman StrachanØyvind S. BergPaul GachetPreben RosenkildeRick TimmoRoger JohnsSvein Kaasa
1973Bob KilbyBobby McNeilEddie ReevesGordon KennettHasse HolmqvistJohn DavisJohn DewsMalcolm Ballard
Rick TimmoRoger JohnsTony Lomas-----
1974Bob KilbyBobby McNeilBrian ClarkGordon KennettHenk StemanJohn DavisJohn DewsMartin Yeates
Paul GachetPeter JarmanRichard GreerRick TimmoTrevor GeerUlf Lövaas--
1975Brian ClarkDag LovaasEddie DavidssonGordon KennettHasse HolmqvistHelgi LangliJohn DewsPaul Gachet
Richard GreerRichard HellsenTrevor Geer-----
1976Andy BalesBrian LeonardCarl AskewColin MeredithHarry MacleanJim WellsKevin YoungMalcolm Corradine
Mick HandleyPhil BassPip LambRoy SizmoreSteve Holden---
1977Brian LeonardColin MeredithGerald SmithermanGreg JoyntKevin PooleKevin YoungMalcolm HollowayMartin Yeates
Mick HandleyPaul SharePhil BassPip LambRichie CaulwellRoy Sizmore--
1978Brian LeonardCarl AskewColin MeredithDave ShieldsGeorge HunterJames MooreJohn HackJohn Homer
Les SawyerMick BlayneeMick HandleyPip LambRichie Caulwell---
1979Carl AskewColin AckroydColin MeredithDave McKenzieDenzil KentGeorge HunterGary AinslieGreg Irving
John BarkerJohn GrahameJohn HackKeith ChapmanKen FearonLes RumseyMichael HoldingMick Handley
Pip LambRob Dole------
1980Alan WilliamsAndy PasseyBilly SpiersBruce CribbChris SullyColin AckroydDave PerksDerek Harrison
John GrahameJohn HackKevin BowenMick FletcherMick HandleyPaul EvittsRay CaruanaSteve Crockett
Trevor Geer-------
1981Alan MacLeanAndy PasseyArnold HaleyArthur PriceAshley PullenColin AckroydDave PerksDerek Harrison
John GrahameMick FletcherMick HandleyPaul Evitts----
1982Andy PasseyAshley PullenBill BarrettBrian WoodwardColin AckroydGary ChessellGeorge WellsGraham Drury
John FranklandKeith BoothKevin LockKevin SmartMartin SatchellMick FletcherMick HandleyPete Erskine
Scott CookSimon CrossWayne Jackson----
1983Gary ChessellGraham DruryIan ClarkKeith BoothKevin SmartMark ChessellMark MinettMark Summerfield
Mike WildingNigel De'athNigel SparshottSteve CrockettWayne Jackson---
1984Andrew SilverDave PerksDavid TylerHans NielsenIan ClarkJens RasmussenJim McMillanKevin Smart
Klaus LauschMark ChessellMartin YeatesMarvyn CoxMelvyn TaylorNigel De'athNigel SparshottSimon Wigg
1985Alastair StevensAndy GrahameHans NielsenJens RasmussenJon SurmanKlaus LauschMarvyn Cox-
Melvyn TaylorNigel De'athNigel SparshottSimon WiggTroy Butler---
1986Alastair StevensAndy GrahameHans NielsenJeremy LuckhurstJon SurmanKevin SmartMarvyn CoxNigel De'ath
Per SorensenSimon Wigg------
1987Alastair StevensAndy GrahameHans NielsenJens RasmussenJon SurmanKevin SmartMark CarlsonMarvyn Cox
Neil McCarthyNigel De'athNigel GreenhalghNigel SparshottPeter LloydTroy ButlerWayne Ross-
1988Alastair StevensEinar KyllingstadGlenn DoyleHans NielsenJon SurmanLars MunkedalMartin DugardMarvyn Cox
Nigel De'athPaul MuchenePeter LloydSimon WiggSpencer Timmo---
1989Andy GrahameColin WhiteHans NielsenKevin PittsMartin DugardMarvyn CoxPaul DugardPaul Muchene
Simon WiggTroy Butler------
1990Alastair StevensDean BarkerHans NielsenJohn BostinJon SurmanKevin PittsKieran McCullaghMartin Dugard
Paul DugardSean McCullaghSimon WiggTroy ButlerWayne Parker---
1991Craig BoyceDarren GraylingDean BarkerGlenn CunninghamHans NielsenKieran McCullaghJon SurmanLance Sealey
Mark CarlsonMartin DugardPeter SchroeckSpencer TimmoTony Primmer---
1992Daz SumnerDean BarkerGlenn CunninghamHans NielsenMark CarlsonMartin DugardMorten AndersenSpencer Timmo
Troy Butler-------
1993Alan GrahameAndy HackettAndy MeredithCarl BlackbirdChris CobbyDarren AndrewsDavid ClarkeDavid Smart
Gary SweetMark BlackbirdPaul BlackbirdPeter GlanzRene MadsenSpencer TimmoTony LangdonWayne Parker
1994Alan GrahameAndy MeredithDarren AndrewsDaz SumnerDavid SmartMartin GoodwinMick PooleNikals Karlsson
Rene MadsenSpencer TimmoStefan EkbergStephen Morris----
1995Armando CastagnaDaniel AnderssonDavid SteenJimmy NilsenMartin GoodwinMichael ColesRene MadsenSteve Bishop
1996Bohumil BrhelCarl CheckettsLawrence HareMark FrostMark LemonMartin GoodwinMartin WillisMarvyn Cox
Philippe BergéTomáš Topinka------
1997Anthony BarlowDarren AndrewsGavin HedgeJason BunyanJeremy LuckhurstKrister MarshLawrence HareMikael Teurnberg
Neville TatumPhilippe BergéSimon Wolstenholme-----
1998Jan StæchmannJason CrumpLawrence HarePaul HurrySteve JohnstonSteve SchofieldTodd Wiltshire-
1999Alun RossiterCraig BoyceJan StæchmannLawrence HarePaul HurrySteve JohnstonTodd Wiltshire-
2000Aleš Dryml Jr.Andrew AppletonBrian AndersenJan StæchmannJimmy NilsenJon UnderwoodLukáš DrymlMark Lemon
Roman PovazhnySteve JohnstonTodd Wiltshire-----
2001Aleš Dryml Jr.Andrew AppletonBrian AndersenDavey WattLeigh AdamsLukáš DrymlSteve JohnstonTodd Wiltshire
2002Aleš Dryml Jr.Alun RossiterAndrew AppletonBrian AndersenDavey WattJamie SmithJoachim KugelmannLeigh Adams
Lukáš DrymlMark LemonSteve Johnston-----
2003Andy SmithCharlie GjeddeCraig BoyceGreg HancockJan StæchmannLuboš Tomíček Jr.Jernej KolenkoKai Laukkanen
Matej FerjanNicki PedersenNiels K. IversenNiklas KlingbergSebastian UłamekTodd WiltshireTravis McGowan-
2004Brent WernerCraig BoyceEmil KramerGreg HancockJonas DavidssonNiels K. IversenRafal DobruckiRyan Fisher
Sebastian UłamekTom P. MadsenTravis McGowan-----
2005Stefan AnderssonTomasz BajerskiCraig BranneyLukáš DrymlFreddie ErikssonRenat GafurovHenrik GustafssonBilly Hamill
Greg HancockNiels Kristian IversenJesper B JensenTobias KronerTom P. MadsenTravis McGowanChris MillsKjasts Puodžuks
Paweł StaszekLuboš Tomíček Jr.------
2006Eric AnderssonStanisław BurzaAleš Dryml Jr.Freddie ErikssonDavid HoweTomasz PiszczAdam PietraszkoTony Rickardsson
Adam SkórnickiLuboš Tomíček Jr.Davey WattTodd Wiltshire----
2007+Eric AnderssonAleš Dryml Jr.Freddie ErikssonJesper B JensenSteve JohnstonTom P. MadsenHenrik MøllerPiotr Protasiewicz
Chris SchrammAndy SmithLuboš Tomíček Jr.-----
2007Andrew BarghMattie BatesDanny BetsonDan BlakeJordan FramptonBrendan JohnsonGeorge PiperLee Smethills
Sam MartinScott Campos------
2022 SGB ChampTroy BatchelorCameron HeepsJosh MacDonaldKyle NewmanScott NichollsDillon RumlPaul StarkeAaron Summers
Jack Thomas-------
2022 NDLHenry AtkinsArran ButcherJacob CloutingSam HagonBen HopwoodJordan JenkinsLuke KilleenJody Scott
Nathan StonemanSam Woods------
2023 SGB ChampHenry AtkinsAshton BoughenCameron HeepsJordan JenkinsLewis KerrLuke KilleenRyan KinsleySam Masters
Scott Nicholls-------
2023 NDLHenry AtkinsJacob CloutingKelsey DugardJacob FellowsJason GarradJordan JenkinsLuke KilleenRyan Kinsley
Jody Scott-------
2024 SGB PremAshton BoughenChris HarrisMaciej JanowskiDrew KempLewis KerrNicolai KlindtErik RissRohan Tungate
Charles Wright-------
2024 SGB ChampHenry AtkinsAshton BoughenCameron HeepsJordan JenkinsLuke KilleenSam MastersScott Nicholls-
2024 NDLJacob CloutingJason GarradLuke KilleenJody ScottAlex SpoonerSenna SummersAshton Vale-
2025 SGB PremCraig CookFrancis GustsMaciej JanowskiPeter KildemandLuke KilleenVictor PalovaaraErik RissRohan Tungate
Charles Wright-------
2025 SGB ChampDan GilkesFrancis GustsCameron HeepsJordan JenkinsLuke KilleenJonas KnudsenSam MastersMitchell McDiarmid
2025 NDLMax BroadhurstArran ButcherJacob CloutingDarryl RitchingsJody ScottSenna SummersAshton Vale-
2026 SGB ChampLuke KilleenSam MastersMitchell McDiarmidErik RissDarryl RitchingsAnders RoweDayle Wood-
2026 NDLMax BroadhurstHarry FletcherDarryl RitchingsJody ScottSenna SummersAshton ValeMason Watson-

+ Elite League side withdrew from league