World No 2 speedway ace Nicki Pedersen has been dumped by Oxford.

Nicki Pedersen

The Dane's dismissal comes as a result of a bust-up with promoter Nigel Wagstaff at last Wednesday's meeting against Peterborough where he refused to ride in the final heat.

His replacement as the Silver Machine's new No 1 is top-ranking American Greg Hancock, No 4 in the Grand Prix standings and world champion in 1997, who comes straight in for the Elite League meeting at Poole tonight.

Another new signing is Slovenian international Matej Ferjan, while Andy Smith replaces Craig Boyce, who has also been dropped by Wagstaff.

Wagstaff, talking about the Pedersen affair for the first time, said: "Over time, relationships became strained and it had got to the stage where for the good of the club, something had to be done.

"I would like to thank Nicki for his efforts both here and at King's Lynn and wish him every success for the future."

Pedersen had said he wanted to continue riding for Oxford, but if not, he said he had other plans in the pipeline.

Oxford submitted two new teams to the BSPA for approval on Tuesday before the decision to oust Pedersen was made.