SPEEDWAY promoter Steve Purchase has completed the Oxford Cheetahs jigsaw by welcoming back last season's star rider Lawrence Hare and signing up Danish international Jan Staechmann.

The return of Hare will be a popular move on the terraces and it's also a sign of loyalty from the 27 year-old. He could have proved a star turn in the Premier League, but has opted to try his luck among the best riders in the world.

Staechmann was always on Cheetahs' wanted list and it's no surprise that he is the man to complete the sextet. Like many other riders, the 32-year-old Dane is competing in Australia during the winter.

Having represented his country at all levels after making his debut in this country for Wolverhampton in 1985, he rode only two meetings for Peterborough last year because of injury. Hence his average of 6.67 has been adjusted from the eight plus he had in 1996.

Hare will feel more confident among the big boys this year as he is sharing workshops with top Englishman Mark Loram. Once the news broke that Oxford were going big time, Hare was in a quandary.

He had to decide whether he would stay in the Premier League where he was sure to earn big money, or take his chance with the big boys. Luckily for all his fans at Cowley, he chose the latter.

It may not look a championship- winning side, but Purchase has put together a side, under manager Martin Goodwin, who will hold their own with most of the opposition.

Press and practice day is planned for March 20. There should be a challenge match before Cheetahs take on old rivals Swindon in a double-header challenge on Good Friday.

The signing of Jason Crump has seen a boost in season ticket sales and reduced prices have been held until February 15.

Chetahs' line-up plus averages

Jason Crump 9.54

Jan Staechmann 6.67

Steve Johnston 8.25

Paul Hurry 6.48

Steve Schofield 5.52

Lawrence Hare 4.30

Total average 40.76 (limit 42)

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.