Oxford Cheetahs will roar back onto the track at Swindon’s Abbey Stadium in July, spearheaded by Polish champion Adam Skornicki.

The homeless Cheetahs featured in several challenge matches in 2008, but the four-team tournament at Blunsdon will be a notch above any of those meetings and will feature Elite League riders.

The meeting is the brainchild of Swindon co-owner Gary Patchett and will take place on Thursday, July 30 at 7.30pm.

It will also feature a team from hosts Swindon, plus two further homeless tracks, the Reading Racers and the Cradley Heathens.

Skornicki rode for Oxford in 2006. And while it was a disappointing year for the club, the Pole enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career, notching more than 300 points from 42 meetings.

He memorably defeated Swindon captain Leigh Adams in a last-heat decider at Cowley.

Skornicki became a firm favourite with younger fans, due to his post-race ‘doughnut’ celebrations. Last year, the 32-year-old romped to victory in the Polish Championship in Leszno – defeating four Grand Prix riders on his way to a 15-point maximum.

Patchett said: “We want to try to include riders with a connection to the club for which they will be riding.

“Adam is a rider who is regarded highly by Oxford supporters, so I’m delighted he has agreed to be captain.

“He has a real flair, an attacking style and is something of a track specialist.

“I should be in a position to announce the rest of the Cheetahs side very soon.

“Plans are also being put into place whereby a special package will be offered to Oxford fans, including both coach travel to Blunsdon and admission to the meeting.”

Cheetahs will be managed by Colin Meredith, another very familiar name.

Meredith took on the dual role of team manager and track curator at Cowley between 1999 and 2002, and led Cheetahs to the 2001 Elite League title.