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 25-year-old Derbyshire-born Spencer enjoyed several notable performances in bookings for the Gladiators last season, and fans certainly appreciated his never-give-up attitude on the track.

Over the past five to six seasons, Tom has developed into a National Development League heat leader and has performed admirably when given Championship opportunities at Redcar and Plymouth, as well as in guest bookings in recent seasons.

Club owner Mark Phillips is delighted with the signing.

“We were very pleased with the effort, commitment, and speed that Tom showed on the occasions he rode for us last season, and he has fully earned a full-season opportunity. Tom is an intelligent team player who always supports the side and is more than capable of scoring wins and valuable points in the crucial reserve races. At 25, he is a steady improver who has worked hard for this opportunity and has the mindset to grasp it. He also shows a level of maturity and understanding of the ups and downs of the sport that a more precocious but less experienced younger rider may not yet possess.

“Tom has previously worked at Leicester with Scott Nicholls and is well known and respected by his teammates. We are confident that he can more than hold his own in this key position within the team.”

Words and Feature Image by Plymouth Speedway

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The former European Under-19 Championship bronze medallist and European Under-23 Team Championship silver medallist joined the Gladiators midway through the 2025 season and made a striking and very impressive start to his career. He performed strongly both on the tight and fast Plymouth Coliseum track, as well as on several larger European-sized away tracks that he is more accustomed to.

Sadly, just as his UK career was gathering momentum, Daniel suffered a broken leg in an unfortunate accident in Europe. However, he was able to return to the track by the end of the European season and performed impressively. The Gladiators are now delighted to welcome him back for a full season in 2026.

Promoter and Director Mark Phillips could not hide his delight at securing Klima’s return on a four-point average for the 2026 campaign.

“Daniel made an immediate and positive impression when he arrived at Plymouth for his debut. On a track much smaller than he is used to, he rode very impressively with virtually no practice. He backed this up both at home and away, showing impressive speed on some of the bigger UK tracks. His injury was a real blow for us at the time.

“He also made an equally impressive impression off the track, and I have no doubt that, provided he has some luck with fitness, he has the form and ability to significantly improve that average towards the six-point level. Now that he is over 24, he will not be called away as often as in previous seasons for age-related European events with the Czech Republic. We will work to dovetail our fixture list as much as possible with any European commitments in his homeland and elsewhere.

“Daniel is focused on making a name for himself in the UK, and with the mentorship and support of Gary May, and especially Scott Nicholls and Danny King, we believe we have secured a much sought-after young talent.”

Words and Feature Image by Plymouth Speedway

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Danny, himself a former British Champion (2016) and multi times GB international Team rider, has just completed a highly successful season winning Premier League Championship Honours with his long time Premiership Club the Ipswich Witches, and winning the BSN Team Trophy with his previous Championship Club, the Redcar Bears. Danny has previously been a League Championship winning Team Member with Poole Pirates in 2021 and 2022 and a multi times Knock Out Cup winner with Poole and Ipswich.

Club Owner and Director could not hide his excitement with the potential of his new signing.

“Danny is a consummate professional with an outstanding record over many seasons. His performances in 2025 in winning silverware in the Premier League with Ipswich and the Championship with Redcar showed that he retains all of his ability, hunger and desire to win. His presence, together with Scott (Nicholls) will ensure an outstanding degree of experience and mentorship for our younger riders , together with an inbred winning mentality that is frankly priceless.

“Whilst we have had some excellent No 1 riders in the recent past it is also vitally important to stress that in Scott and Danny we have two committed riders who have no commitments to

“Teams outside of the UK, specifically in Poland, and we are very keen to track (injuries permitting of course) the same consistent 1-7 team in every fixture in 2026, home and away. Due to circumstances outside of our control, this has not always been the case in the recent past.

“I do have to reflect on the fact that the incredible upsurge in support and enthusiasm in and around the Club in the past 6 months has been a massively significant factor in us being able to recruit both Danny and Scott and the buzz and excitement that you, our fan base, new and old, has created is something that we can all be very proud of.
It is something we wish to carry forward and energise to even greater heights in 2026, off the Track, and with the Team we are building on the Track too.

“This is a clear demonstration that our Fuel the Future mission is more than a statement, it’s a direction of travel and we hope you can continue to support us and believe in what we are doing.

Words and Image by Plymouth Speedway

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Nicholls made a huge impression on the Plymouth club as a mid-season signing this year,  with the crowd responding in big numbers at the Coliusum towards the end of the season.

With the Promoters Conference taking place in early November, it remains to be seen if Plymouth and Scotty will be racing in the second-tier Championship again or if they will be part of a newly formed single league.

The full announcement from Plymouth is below:

The Plymouth Gladiators are delighted to announce that Scott Nicholls will be joining our side for the 2026 Speedway season.

A proven winner and one of British Speedway’s most respected riders, Scott brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and determination to the Gladiators campaign after joining mid way through the season of 2025.

We can’t wait to see him in Gladiators colours as we build towards an exciting new season on the track!

Feature Image courtesy of Plymouth Speedway

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Arriving on an assessed 4.00 average, Daniel will join Mitchell Cluff at reserve, giving the team a strong boost as they continue their charge for a Championship Play-Off spot in place of Ben Trigger.

Daniel is no stranger to top-tier competition — with experience at Stal Gorzów and Grudziadz at U24 level, success with the Czech National Team, and a Wildcard appearance at this year’s Czech Grand Prix, he’s a rider with pedigree and passion.

Promoter Mark Phillips:
“We have seen in recent weeks that we can be strong and competitive at home against any championship team, however we have been lacking some firepower on the road, especially on some of the bigger and faster tracks. The option to bring in a very promising recruit with lots of European experience, a real desire to carve out a career in the UK and a fixture schedule that ideally suits joining us, it was an opportunity we couldn’t ignore. The fact he comes in as a 4-point rider is a bonus and gives us possible scope to further tweak the 1-7 of the team should we feel the need.

“It’s never a straightforward decision to replace a rider like Ben, especially when he has grown up within the club. I sincerely send my thanks to Ben for his Gladiator efforts this season, and continue to look forward to working with him with our SWTR Centurions.”

Words and Feature Image by Plymouth Gladiators

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Club Owner Mark Phillips and Team Manager and Promoter Gary May have confirmed that following a late change to their plans; and an opportunity they could not miss; will see the arrival of Danish Star Nicolai Klindt on an average of 9.88 points

Both Phillips and May are both delighted that after a frustrating few years where they have tried to sign a genuine Championship Level superstar at number 1; that in Klindt they have found the sort of talisman that can front any Team on and off the Track. Klindt was the spearhead of the Treble winning Workington Comets Team the last time he rode at Championship Level in 2018 and brings with him an outstanding CV in the top Leagues in Poland, Sweden, Denmark and the UK and well as International Team experience.

Mark Phillips explained the late change in plans that Klindt’s availability offered to the Club.

“We had planned to have a very solid 1-7 with a couple of riders with combined averages of just under 14 points that would have seen us just inside the 40 point Team Limit. Whilst we felt that may have left us a bit light in the key Heats 13 and 15, we felt that the all round solidity of the Team would compensate elsewhere, and this is still the case.

“The opportunity to acquire a genuine Number 1 rider who can take on and beat any rider in the League on any Track is an option that we have sought since we returned to this level in 2021 but have been thwarted in finding due to circumstances beyond our control . When I look at the comparative Premier League averages of those riders doubling up in the Championship this season, only Richard Lawson and Sam Masters have higher PL averages and I also feel that

“Nicolai has more scope to improve on his current PL average once fully race fit and dialled in. Both Gary and myself are delighted with his signing and I am sure that all of our very loyal and wonderful supporters will cheer this signing to the rafters. I think that Nicolai can be the best rider in the 2025 Championship bar none!

“The signing of Klindt, which leaves the Club with just under 4 points to use to be within the 40 point average limit and the Club are currently looking at options to enable them to complete the Team with a No 7 in the next few weeks.
Phillips concluded in a positive but pragmatic tone.

“Gary and I are delighted that the team we’re putting together on a budget that is a fraction of what some of the big hitters can afford. We will be seeking to punch and counterpunch well above our weight with a top class no 1 and a solid team of potential improvers all 100% committed. Our plans did change at a late stage but I think overall we will be stronger for it.

“What we do need now is to find a lot more Sponsorship and Advertisers to assist us and for our loyal fans and new or returning fans to come to Meetings in greater numbers so that we can look back on 2025 as a year of growth and success on and off the Track. These are difficult times for our Sport and many other Sports but we want to be the most successful Sporting Team in Plymouth and Devon and Cornwall and we have a real opportunity to do that with this septet. We are proud to showcase the South West and hopefully everyone will support us on and off the Track so that we can continue to hold this torch for many years to come.”

If anyone can help with Sponsorship or Advertising support please contact Mark at mark@plymouth-speedway.com or admin@plymouth-speedway.com with a reminder that Season Tickets are now available on the Club website at https://plymouth-speedway.com/buy-tickets/

Words and Feature Image by Plymouth Speedway

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Barker will be starting his 22nd season in the Sport having started his career as a teenager in 2003 with the Cornish Team Trelawny. His career has included spells at some of the major UK teams including Coventry, Ipswich, Peterborough and Glasgow.

Director mark Phillips commented, “Ben will start the season on an average that belies the immense talent he still has. He can be a match winner at The Coliseum on any occasion and is still a real asset to the Club with his wide experience of all of the Away Tracks we’ll visit. His 2024 campaign was truncated with niggling injuries and a lack of Track time resulted in a lack of sharpness that he would normally have by riding in the Premiership and Championship Leagues.

“We will be working hard with Ben to help him get fully race fit and to offer him as much Track time as possible to get him back to the sort of genuine Heat Leader form that we know he is still capable of. The significant alterations we made to the Track last winter, and further alterations we are making this winter will only boost his all action style which our Supporters love.

“Ben won’t have the added pressure of being our number 1 highest average rider next season; and I think this reduced pressure on him will be a major boost and make him one of the most dangerous riders in the League on the average he starts on with a real opportunity to increase it significantly.

“We are well advanced in negotiations to sign our final two riders; and are just waiting for a few logistical factors to fall into place in those pursuits, and we expect to have more news early in the New Year.”

Words and Feature Image by Plymouth Speedway

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Cluff who hails from Blackalls Park in New South Wales has built an excellent reputation in his homeland in recent seasons and was recently Crowned the 2024 South Australian Speedway Champion by beating a good quality field at famous Gillman Speedway on the 30th November.

Mitchell has Global Speedway experience representing Australia at Under 21 level on a number of occasions and spent the 2024 European Summer season riding for Czestochowa in the Polish Under 24 League where he impressed many observers in his third season at that level.

Mark Phillips, the Plymouth Gladiators Owner and Promoter and Team Manager Gary May are delighted to have secured the services of Cluff for his debut season in the British Championship League.

Phillips is clearly buoyant to have signed the newcomer-;

“This is a deal that Gary and myself have been working on behind the scenes for quite a while and we believe that Mitchell is a newcomer to British Speedway who can make a significant impact for us in the present and in the future.

“He has had an excellent grounding in the Polish Under 24 League over the past 3 seasons; riding for a very professional Club in Poland and that experience and his maturity and enthusiasm allied with his clear ability to adapt to being away from his homeland; will stand him in great stead on his first venture into British Speedway.

“We very much look forward to working with Mitchell; and are sure that our wonderful supporter base will welcome his arrival with a little bit of surprise but growing excitement; when they look at his progress and pedigree in the past few seasons. We believe that we have signed one of the best newcomers to UK Speedway in the past few seasons.”

Words and Feature Image by Plymouth Speedway

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Lasse comes to Devon with a solid background and knowledge of the other Championship Tracks after three seasons with the Edinburgh Monarchs; where he became a popular Member of the Scottish Team.

Lasse will join the already announced Joe Thompson and Alfie Bowtell in the engine room of the Team, and the Club expects to be announcing more exciting captures soon; with talks progressing on a number of fronts around the globe.

Promoter Mark Phillips said “We once again aim to consistently track the strongest Reserve pairing in the League and to build a Team around strength and depth. Lasse fits that part of the Team jigsaw perfectly, with 3 seasons in UK Speedway under his belt. We’ve heard only good things about his attitude and application; and we are delighted with his signing.

“I am sure that Plymouth fans will welcome him with open arms. We were very impressed with Lasse on his last visit to Plymouth when he scored 9 points and 1 bonus point from 5 rides for Edinburgh from the difficult No 3 spot in the top 5 of their team that night; and that included beating our own Track specialists, Ben Barker (twice) and Dan Thompson.

We anticipate more exciting Team News soon; and whilst we await the 2025 Fixture List for both our Championship and new NDL Trophy Teams before we can announce Season and Match Ticket pricing, if anyone wants to speak to me about Sponsorship or Advertising, please feel free to do so by mailing me at mark@plymouth-speedway.com.”

Words and Feature Image by Plymouth Speedway

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