Oxford Silver Machine have signed brilliant British prospect Ben Barker.

Clubs have been queueing up to sign the 16 year-old Cornish youngster, who proved a big hit with the fans at Conference League level last season.

Ben Barker and Machine promoter Nigel Wagstaff

Most fans thought that promoter Nigel Wagstaff would be announcing the signing of American superstar Greg Hancock, but they were just as happy.

Barker, who hails from Trelawny in Cornwall, made every one sit up and take notice last season.

The chirpy youngster soon had the gathering in the palm of his hand, saying he may help Nigel Wagstaff build the Conference League team this year.

"I feel pretty good about being an Oxford asset now," he said. "It was brilliant for me here last season.

"I expected to get just one or two points, but amazingly, I finished with an average of around eight."

Wagstaff added: "You can see he has self belief, confidence and character. They are the qualities I am looking for in a rider.

"He came on leaps and bounds last year and I am sure he will improve under team manager Pete Chapman who did such a good job with the team."