Courtney reflected on how far the club has come since speedway returned to Oxford, whilst also acknowledging the challenges that remain behind the scenes in running a modern speedway club.

One key announcement from the club is the introduction of a match-night box office from this Wednesday, allowing supporters to purchase tickets by cash or card on race nights after feedback from fans.

The full statement from Jamie Courtney is below:

Words from Jamie Courtney

A touch of reality — after every revolution comes a moment for evolution.

Just over five years ago, the stadium at Cowley was a shell of its former self. Derelict, crumbling, and slowly being reclaimed by weeds. Its future looked bleak, despite the determination of many who refused to let it become just another housing estate.

Fast-forward to today and we have a vibrant, modern stadium full of life. A place where riders young and old chase their dreams, where families come together, and where the greatest show on shale once again belongs to Oxford.

From mascots taking their first steps on their journey, to rising talents like Jody Scott, Luke Killeen and Mitch McDairmid, right through to international riders such as Sam Masters, the BetGoodwin Stadium is alive again.

But the loss of greyhound racing, and the turbulence that followed earlier this year, reminded us all that nothing should ever be taken for granted.

Thanks to the investment and commitment of Mike Austin and Spencer Timmo, we’ve been able to put Oxford Speedway on firmer ground and focus on securing its long-term future. But I want to be honest about something: keeping this club alive and moving forward takes an enormous amount of work behind the scenes by a small army of people.

The reality of running a speedway club is long days, late nights, and a huge personal and financial commitment. But I do it because I believe in this club, in this city, and because I believe in the people who support it.

Everyone has a part to play in our future here at Oxford. Our job as management is to build competitive, entertaining teams; prepare a circuit that brings out the best in our riders; deliver a slick, professional show that gives supporters real value for their hard-earned money; and continue raising the standard of what we offer.

And because we’ve listened to you, we’re making an important change.

Starting this Wednesday, we’re introducing a match-night box office at the stadium, where supporters will be able to purchase tickets by cash or card. Many of you told us that the lack of an on-the-night payment option has been a barrier, and we want to remove that barrier completely. We hope this comes as welcome news. Full details on how the box office will operate will be shared in the coming days, ready for this Wednesday’s meeting.

But above everything else, I want to say this clearly: thank you. To every supporter who stands by us, week in and week out. To every sponsor who believes in what we’re building. Your encouragement, your passion, your loyalty, it genuinely keeps this club alive. When things get tough, it’s your positive voices, your helpful messages, and your presence on the terraces that remind us why we fight so hard for Oxford Speedway. We are truly grateful for every bit of support you give us.

You, the fans, are the heartbeat of this club. Without you, professional sport simply cannot exist.

As the season heats up, with the Cheetahs pushing for the play-offs and the Chargers defending their National League title, make sure you don’t miss a moment — and just as importantly, spread the word across the city and beyond.

Wednesday nights were made for speedway.

Oxford Speedway needs you!

Feature Image courtesy of Oxford Speedway – Steve Edmunds

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Hopes were high that Riss would be in a position to return to the Cheetahs side this week however, as Team Manager Peter Schroeck explains, Riss needs more time and less pressure
“Erik’s progress to full health is slow and very frustrating for both parties. After much discussion, Erik is on board with our decision as he wants the best for us as a Club, and it gives him more time to recover.”

Edward Kennett has not ridden in British Speedway since injury in 2022 however, he has maintained his fitness riding grass-track and has also recently signed for the Ipswich Witches in the Premiership

“Edward’s decision to make a comeback to Racing is no surprise to me. We are very excited to give him the opportunity to join Oxford Cheetahs and knowing he will give his best efforts to the club” Schroeck concluded.

The Kennett name is no stranger to Oxford, with Edward’s uncle ‘Gordon Kennett’ a regular for the Oxford Rebels between 1972 and 1975, as well as guesting as a team manager, when Oxford were in the wilderness and riding invitational challenge meetings. Another uncle, Barney Kennett joined his brother Gordon at Oxford in 1975 and is a regular visitor to Sandy Lane whilst also currently being the World Speedway Riders Association President.

The Oxford Cheetahs will line up against the Redcar Bears on Wednesday June 3rd, tickets are on sale at www.oxfordspeedway.club/tickets . A full preview of the fixture will follow.

Words and Feature Image by Oxford Speedway

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The result leaves Oxford well placed in the Southern Section, with qualification for the semi-finals still within reach heading into their final fixture at Poole.

Oxford made a fast start to the meeting, taking control early with back-to-back 5-1 heat advantages in Heats 2 and 3. Dayle Wood and Daryl Ritchings combined for the first maximum, before Anders Rowe and Mitch McDiarmid extended the lead in the following race.

Both heats saw incidents, with Daniel Klima falling in Heat 2 before the restart saw Oxford repeat the 5-1, while Anze Grmek led briefly in Heat 3 before being overtaken and later falling, with the race awarded.

The home side continued to build momentum through the middle stages, with further heat advantages coming from Luke Killeen and Sam Masters, including a notable Heat 8 where Killeen made an impressive move to pass both Plymouth riders.

By the interval, Oxford had established a commanding 41-19 lead, putting themselves in a strong position to take the win.

Plymouth responded in the latter stages with a pair of 5-1s, including a strong ride from Scott Nicholls in Heat 13, helping the visitors secure the aggregate point across the two meetings.

Oxford, however, maintained control of the match result, finishing with a series of solid races to close out the victory.

Mitch McDiarmid impressed for the Cheetahs, notably producing two last-to-first rides during the meeting, while Sam Masters led the scoring for the home side with 10+2.

For Plymouth, Danny King top scored with 12+1, supported by contributions from Ben Barker and Scott Nicholls.

Oxford Cheetahs 55 Plymouth Gladiators 45

Feature Image courtesy of British Speedway – Steve Edmunds

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The two-time World Longtrack Champion started the season with an encouraging 13-point tally for the Cheetahs in a home challenge match against Coventry. But following a 4+1 return at Plymouth, when he was feeling under the weather with a virus, things started to go wrong for Riss when he travelled to Poland the following day.

Riss posted online: “Unfortunately health issues with my eyes returned last weekend and I haven’t been able to race since. I will have to take another forced break from racing until my vision goes back to normal.

“I am very sorry to my clubs and fans for this situation. I was confident that these issues were behind me and did not expect to be back in this position.

“Considering I had been doing everything that I was told by doctors, this is a big shock to me and quite a defeating feeling. I’m already seeking more professional help to try and get more closure on the issue and hopefully find a long-term solution.

“At this moment in time I am not able to put an estimate on how long I will have to take a break from racing for.”

The Oxford management have backed Riss.

Team manager Peter Schroeck says: “The most important thing is that we give Erik full support.

“I’ve spoken to him and I know how gutted he is. His health and recovery come first – and we know he’s doing everything possible to get back to full fitness.

“Things could change very quickly, or it might take longer, so we need to be patient.”

Cheetahs have booked Nick Morris as a guest for Riss for the BSN Series clash against Plymouth Gladiators at the BetGoodwin Oxford Stadium on Wednesday evening (April 22) at 7.30pm. Cheetahs scored a hugely encouraging 51-39 win over arch-rivals Poole Pirates last week and are seeking another positive result.

Tickets are on sale on the Oxford Speedway website at: https://oxfordspeedway.club/tickets/

Any tickets for the original planned staging on April 8 have been transferred to this new date. If anyone would like a refund rather than their ticket transferred to Wednesday, they need to contact Ticket Source using the details in the email they received informing them of the postponement. Ticket Source will then issue the refund.

There are two home meetings at the BetGoodwin Oxford Stadium this week, since the Real Mini Company Oxford Chargers, the defending WSRA National League champions, make their opening appearance of the season on Sunday (April 26) at 3pm. Tickets for this meeting are also on sale on the club website.

Words and Images by Oxford Speedway

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A statement from Oxford promoter Jamie Courtney reads: “You will be aware that over the weekend there have been a series of meetings following the termination of the deal between SIS and Oxford Greyhounds to stream racing from the BetGoodwin Stadium.

“Inevitably that decision and subsequent ongoing negotiations impact on Oxford Speedway and I can confirm that Wednesday’s BSN Series meeting between the Cheetahs and Plymouth will not go ahead.

“We will, however, travel to the Coliseum on Saturday night to face Plymouth Gladiators, with the visit of Poole next Wednesday opening the official home season at the BetGoodwin Stadium.

“Plymouth – and I must thank Mark Phillips for his understanding and co-operation on this – will now visit Cowley on April 22 to compete the BSN Southern Section fixtures – a date Berwick were due to travel south to fulfil a Championship fixture on.

“The Berwick fixture will be re-arranged for later in the season.

“With complex and involved negotiations between a number of stakeholders, including ourselves, on-going and the added inconvenience of a double Bank Holiday, I did not feel it was possible to run Wednesday’s meeting.

“I firmly believe that it is short-term inconvenience which will have long-term and far-reaching benefits for Oxford Speedway and Oxford Stadium.

“British Speedway Promoters Ltd and the Speedway Control Bureau have been kept updated regarding the situation, as has Oxford Greyhounds.

“I know there has been much online speculation and a lot of misinformation posted ‘as fact’. We will keep our loyal supporters and sponsors updated via the club’s official channels.”

Words and Images by Oxford Speedway

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Oxford Cheetahs returned to action to great acclaim in 2022, following a break of 15 years, after a long campaign to restore speedway to Cowley. There is a similar campaign to bring back the sport to Brandon Stadium in Coventry, which last staged speedway in 2016.

Coventry Bees are one of the most successful British clubs of all-time, including winning the top-flight in British Speedway eight times in 1968, 1978, 1979, 1987, 1988, 2005, 2007 and 2010.

Oxford manager Peter Schroeck said: “If Coventry were to return, they would be our nearest neighbours and there’s a history of the two clubs battling it out for silverware. The campaign to bring back speedway to Brandon Stadium is reaching a crucial period and the best way we can back them is with this challenge match against a select Coventry side, to demonstrate the considerable support that still exists for the Bees.

“We will give the Coventry fans a side that they get right behind, and we also may have a surprise or two up our sleeves.

“It will be the first chance to see the Cheetahs on track in a competitive fixture. We felt it was important to have a challenge match, before we battle against Poole and Plymouth in a mouthwatering southern section of the BSN Series.

“The season is now approaching very quickly. The whole of the Cab Direct Championship looks very exciting and I believe we’ve built a team that that can be right in the mix for silverware.”

Cheetahs are once again led by skipper Sam Masters, while Erik Riss and Anders Rowe complete a powerful heat-leader trio. Cheetahs will also track the upcoming pair of Mitch McDiarmid and Luke Killeen, plus Darryl Ritchings and Dayle Wood in the reserve berths.

Press and Practice Day is being held at the BetGoodwin Oxford Stadium on Wednesday, March 25, and full details on timings are due to be released in due course. Those who bought the Ultimate Season Pass before February 1 will have access to all practice sessions that day.

A fund raiser for the Speedway Riders’ Benevolent Fund is set to take place at the Wheatley New Club, 3 Blenheim Lane, Wheatley, Oxfordshire OX33 1NJ on Saturday (March 7) at 7.30pm. It will a Race Evening / Social Night, where participants can choose a horse / rider (similar to horse racing race evenings). There will be eight races, plus an auction race at the end of the evening. The event is being organised by Oxford supporter Neil Ramsden. A similar event last season raised over £400 for the Ben Fund.

Words by Oxford Speedway – Feature Image courtesy of Mark Lee Sing

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Swindon born Ritchings was a member of the league winning Oxford Chargers in 2025 and after guesting a couple of times for the Cheetahs, as well as a small run with Poole in the Championship, demonstrated that he was ready for a permanent Championship berth in 2026. Ritchings had previously ridden for Swindon, Ipswich and Birmingham before taking some time out of the sport, returning last year for the first time since 2017.

Ritchings is delighted with how his return has gone: “I am looking to build on what has been a great comeback year for me

“I am delighted to be joining the Cheetahs in 2026, I am going to knuckle down over the winter, get the bikes ready and cannot wait for the new season”

31-year-old Australian born Dayle Wood will be returning to ride in Britain for the fourth consecutive year. He rode for the Berwick Bandits in the Championship last season as well as Edinburgh in the National League.

“I am really looking forward to joining the Cheetahs in 2026, I think it will be a good year and the team looks really good” he enthused.

The full 2026 Oxford Cheetahs team is:
Sam Masters, Anders Rowe, Erik Riss, Mitch McDiarmid, Luke Killeen, Darryl Ritchings, Dayle Wood

Words and Feature Image by Oxford Speedway

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Killeen has been a part of the club since their return in 2022 and is the only rider to have represented the Chargers, Cheetahs and Spires! In 2025, he increased his Championship average from 3.85 to 5.28.

Killeen has high hopes for 2026: “It is going to be a big year, and I am looking for lots of progression.”

He further underlined how important Oxford Speedway is to him, “There is no place I would rather be than Oxford”, he concluded.

Two-time Western Australia Champion, McDiarmid joined Oxford in 2025 and made an immediate impact with some real match-winning performances. He also took part in the SGP2 series as a wildcard, finishing fourteenth. At just seventeen, he was one of the youngest riders to be in the competition.

Team Manager, Peter Schroeck, is clearly delighted with his top five “These two guys have so much potential and room for growth

“We have an experienced top three, so we can take some of the pressure off these two youngsters

“It is a combination that can really deliver results, and we are certainly capable of a play-off place” he enthused.

With the top five riders now in place, there are just over five points left for the two reserve spots and a further announcement is expected on Tuesday 16 December.

Words and Feature Image by Oxford Speedway

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Riss joined the Oxford Spires in 2024 and was a consistent performer, especially around Sandy Lane, ending last season with the highest average for the Spires. Sadly, 2025 was curtailed by illness however, that is not a concern for 2026.

A delighted Riss was keen to put the fans minds at rest, “I am sure there are concerns but I can assure you that I am back to full health

“I now have a definite diagnosis and treatment for the problem, and I also know how to avoid it in the future

Riss expressed his delight at returning to Oxford, “I am really happy to be back at Sandy Lane, it is a track I really enjoy riding on, and I think I do fairly well on it!”

Riss will start on an average of 7.12 and joins Sam Masters (10.09) and Anders Rowe (7.38) as confirmed signings and this trio will form the spearhead of the Cheetahs side in 2026.

Team Manager, Peter Schroeck, is really pleased to see Erik return, albeit for the Cheetahs. “He is a talented rider, and we are privileged to have him back at Oxford

“I have known him for many years, and he is great to deal with, and it is always nice to have a fellow countryman in the pits!

“He was gutted to have his season cut short by illness last year, so it is great for him to return fully fit”, 

Team building continues and the fourth Cheetah will be announced on Thursday 11 December at 7am.

Words and Feature Image by Oxford Speedway

The post Eric Riss completes Oxford Cheetahs 2026 Heat Leader Trio appeared first on Speedway Hub UK.

Masters has been inspirational since moving to the Cheetahs in 2023 and led from the front throughout a challenging 2025 campaign for the Championship side. He finished the season with the highest average in the Championship, and was the only rider to achieve double figures at 10.09.

Team Manager Pete Schroeck underlined how important Sam was to the Cheetahs:

“Sam was a constant throughout the year, and could always be relied upon to deliver the points. He was an inspirational captain, which he will retain into 2026. That makes two riders so far for 2026, with Sam Masters and Anders Rowe both confirmed starters.”

Schroeck concluded, “The team is coming together as I had planned and the fans will have a team they can really get behind!”

The club expects to be in a position to confirm the next rider on Tuesday December 9th, 2026.

Words and Image by Oxford Speedway

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