SPEEDWAY legend Jason Crump will take charge of Oxford Cheetahs when they return to the track this spring.

The multiple world champion has been unveiled as team manager of the new-look line-up as they prepare to race in the 2022 British Championship.

Crump’s trophy cabinet alone demands respect, having won three individual world championship titles, three World team cups, 23 Grand Prix and 11 domestic trophies in the UK.

But the 46-year-old is fully aware of the special place Cheetahs hold in the sport, having spent countless evenings watching his father, Phil Crump, race at Oxford Stadium.

“I’m so pleased to be part of the regeneration of Oxford Stadium and am excited to begin my journey as a team manager with the Cheetahs,” he said.

“It’s been a desperately sad period for Oxford Speedway fans. To drive or walk past the stadium in the last 15 years with no speedway must’ve been terribly frustrating.

“But now we can all look forward to a promising future thanks to the tireless work of those who campaigned to save the stadium, plus Jamie Courtney (promoter) and the rest of the team.

“I went to Oxford Stadium many times with my dad in the mid-80s watching Hans Nielsen and Simon Wigg, who at the time were arguably the best two riders in the world.

“Back then, Oxford was a powerhouse club in British Speedway and a team that all young riders looked up to.

“We want to bring the good times back. It will take some adjustment to concentrate on the programme and what’s happening in the meeting, but I’m excited for the challenge.”

This is Crump’s first team manager role, having returned to racing in 2021 – nine years after he announced his retirement.

The veteran competed for Ipswich Witches and Plymouth Gladiators in the Premiership and Championship respectively and initially had an eye on riding for Cheetahs.

Oxford Mail:

Jason Crump Picture: Jeff Higgott

But discussions led to the vacant team manager role and Crump is looking forward to a new challenge.

Crump added: “Riding is not my future. We discussed this, which led to a conversation about being team manager.

“Quickly gaining the respect of our riders is going to be a priority for me.

“Everything I’ve been able to muster through life has been via speedway, so I’m hoping my knowledge and experience will be of value to the whole team, particularly the younger guys starting their careers.”

Cheetahs’ squad will be captained by seven-times British Speedway Champion Scott Nicholls, with former Grand Prix star Troy Batchelor, three-time Premiership winner Kyle Newman and three-time Western Australian State Champion Cameron Heeps joining him.

The line-up is completed by British youngster Jack Thomas, Australian talent Josh MacDonald and American prospect Dillon Ruml.

“We’ve got a great team and want to challenge the top boys,” said Crump.

“We’re lucky to have a great team leader in Scott Nicholls who would be a great captain and number one to have at any level of British Speedway.

“The excitement is building for me now and I can’t wait to meet the fans and be trackside in the spring at our first meetings.”