Oxford Cheetahs pair Jimmy Nilsen and Brian Andersen secured their place in next year's Grand Prix series after faring well in the GP Challenge at Abensberg, Germany yesterday, writes John Gaisford.

However, there is no place for Cheetahs skipper Steve Johnston who finished a disappointing 18th of the 24-rider line-up.

Nilsen, whose hopes this year were hit by a shoulder injury against Peterborough at Cowley, maintains his ever-presence since the series began in 1995 after finishing seventh.

Danish star Andersen, who has also been suffering from shoulder problems, scraped through in ninth position.

It means that if Andersen is retained by Cheetahs next year, the Cowley club will again have three riders in next year's Grand Prix series, which starts in a new country, Australia, in March. The meeting was won by Swede Peter Karlsson ahead of England's Carl Stonehewer. Two newcomers bounced in to the world's top 24 Nicki Pedersen and Rune Holta.

Andy Smith, who has finished very low in

the order for the last couple of years, maintained his presence with tenth place.

The other Englishman to come through was Joe Screen.

Oxford Cheetahs' return Craven Shield clash away to Eastbourne on Saturday was postponed because of heavy rain. Last month the tie fell victim to the fuel crisis. It has been rearranged for October 22.