Oxford Cheetahs skipper Steve Johnston has jetted off to Australia with a new contract already signed and sealed for next season, writes John Gaisford.

The Aussie ace is probably the first rider in the country to get his plans sorted for next season in what is an unprecedented move for Oxford speedway.

Normally, there is a 'will we, or won't we?' situation regarding the future of Cheetahs.

But with promoters Steve and Vanessa Purchase already comitting themselves to Sandy Lane next year, the fans and riders can look forward to a winter of content.

A delighted Johno said: "I must be the only rider in the country who has signed contracts for all leagues next season.

"It takes a lot of pressure off me to know I will be back in Oxford's colours again next year as captain. "It will be my tenth year in England, so it will be pretty special to me.

"This year has gone very well as I have upped my average to 7.5 that means a lot in the toughest league in the world.

"I have also signed up to ride for Vestervik in Sweden and Leszno in Poland.

"After I have been home for a couple of weeks, I'm off to America to ride in an endurance race over 578 miles.

Vanessa Purchase said: "I'm very pleased to have got Johno's signature. He has always been a good captain and very good with the team."

She added that the Dryml brothers, Ales and Lukas, wanted to return and she was busy sorting out the rest of the team.