Oxford

Oxford have only just become defunct at the time of writing this 2008. I have "kicked off" the webpage with a couple of photographs but I now need the help of Oxfords fans. Send me an email if you want to help John

1939 action from Cowley, Dick Reynolds leads Bob Jones, both riders are mounted on Rudges when most riders had made the switch to Jap engines

Hi, I stumbled across your defunct site and realised I had something sat in a cupboard for many years that would be useful someday. I hope it is of some interest to you and others who find this site.
Best wishes
Geoffrey Bloomfield , Oxford.

Yes Geoffrey the following scans are of interest, thanks for sending them. (Note to browsers, I hope the scans display correctly on the range of pcs in use today, Text scans aren't always clear). So please let me know if it is unreadable and I will try and improve or remove: John

A rare sight a rear sprocket without any drillings. Eric Became a top performer with Middlesbrough and Halifax, or was it the other way around.

Arne Pander "the Great Dane" joined the Cheetahs in 1959 (Writes Geoff Bloomfield) and was the mainstay of the Oxford team for many years. He won the hearts of the Cowley fans straight away with his impressive performances, at last they had a real International star of their own.
In July 1961 he suffered a fractured skull in an accident at Coventry and did not return to the team until the 1963 season. In the following years his old fire returned and he proved to be a formidable opponent.
1967 saw the start of a series of accidents which eventually brought about his departure from Oxford.
1967 - broken leg and ankle, which ruled him out for the season.
1968 - broken collar bone from which he made a swift recovery only to fracture a shin bone a couple of months later.
A superb rider in his time, had he not suffered the setback in 1961 he could have been a World beater.

Ronnie showing how a rider travelled between tracks in the 1960's. His choice was a Mark 1 Ford Cortina. The modern day police would have likely pulled him over for this.

Ronnie Genz joined Oxford in 1954 from Yarmouth, this proved to be one of the best ever signings made by Oxford and he proved to be a very loyal servant to the club. “Genno” gave great service to the Cheetahs for many seasons, consistently a top scorer and definitely the man to beat around Oxford. In 1965 he moved to Poole, returned in 1968, but suffered severe concussion following an accident at Cradley in August and was out for the rest of the season. In 1969 despite brave efforts to make a comeback he was a shadow of his former self, but the following year he was back to his ever reliable self. In 1972 he forced out by the Rider Control Committee to Newport. Off track "Genno" was a very approachable chap who always had time for the fans.

Gordon McGregor (1921 - 2001), a stalwart of the Oxford team for six years who provided a great deal of pleasure and was highly thought of by the fans.

He had a remarkable career; starting serious speedway racing in 1947 at Glasgow, White City and still racing at Doncaster in 1970 aged 49. He also rode with Motherwell, Leicester, before coming to Oxford. In 1963 he signed for the Belle Vue ‘Aces’ and helped the club to their first league title since the war with a superb average of 8.83, demonstrating his value to the team by clocking up a remarkable 41 bonus points in 28 league and cup matches.

International Honours: England international – 19 caps, 83 points, Great Britain international - 1 cap, 2 points.
Team Honours: National League Championship winner 1963.
Off track "Mac" was a very amiable man with a great sense of humour, who provided a great deal of support and encouragement for young novice riders.

Opening night 1976 when the stadium was reprieved from closure and the Cheetahs returned

New promoter at Oxford, Harry Bastable, with riders

Volunteers clean and paint stadium prior to the 1976 season

The track is closed but Bob Cole paid it a visit and took the following photographs