SPEEDWAY: Cheetahs' supporters refuse to give up hope (From The Oxford Times)

SPEEDWAY: Cheetahs' supporters refuse to give up hope

8:36am Thursday 10th January 2008 in Sport

Oxford speedway supporters are still battling to save their club - despite the lack of any positive news.

Oxford Stadium landlords, the Greyhound Racing Association (GRA), still have to commit either way as to whether they want speedway at Oxford in 2008.

Promoter Allen Trump withdrew shortly before Christmas after failing to agree a lease with the GRA.

However, the Supporters' Club and Save Our Speedway (SOS) groups have still not given up hope on Conference League speedway being held at the venue this year.

Spokesman Colin Pollard said: "I, together with Chris Brown, have contacted GRA managing director Clive Feltham, through Stadium manager Maureen Ridley.

"We have requested a face-to-face meeting with Clive as soon as possible, preferably within the next seven days, to seek clarification on where Oxford Speedway stands.

"With the annual meeting of the Conference League taking place on January 24, we feel it is vital to try to get things moving."

Meanwhile, the SOS are also looking into the situation should Conference League racing not take place at Oxford in 2008.

Chris Brown said: "When Steve Purchase was in charge at Oxford a few years ago, he investigated what would happen if Oxford were not to run league speedway for a season.

"He was told that he would need to stage six meetings to keep planning approval.

"We are checking to see if this is still the reality of the situation, and also what type of meetings they have to be - e.g. amateur Southern Track Riders meetings, open practice sessions, etc."

The AGM of the Supporters' Club takes place at the stadium on Friday, January 25, starting at 7.30pm. Non-members are welcome to attend.