SPEEDWAY fever has returned to Oxford with a vengeance now they are back in the big time.

Another large turn out greeted the new Cheetahs' riders at the second forum to be held at the Stadium last night. Jan Staechmann, Steve Schofield, Paul Hurry and Lawrence Hare were joined by team manager Martin Goodwin as they told the audience their hopes and ambitions for the season which gets under way in four weeks.

Promoter, Steve Purchase, another new name for Cowley this year, told the gathering: "We have six guys who will try their hearts out.

"We have purchased both Steve Johnston and Paul Hurry, and I hope to seal another transfer soon to go with our own asset Lawrence Hare.

"We will be improving the presentation to get the right atmosphere. We want to win, but in the end it's about entertaining the public."

Cheetahs will have two away challenges before their official press launch and practice on Monday March 23. They visit King's Lynn on Wednesday March 18 and the following night face the short trip to Swindon.

Two more home challenges are scheduled for March 27 and April 3, before the battle commences in earnest with a home and away Speedway Star KO Cup tie against Swindon on Good Friday.

Cheetahs off-race day will be Sunday, but will use Wednesday if required by Sky TV.

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