Oxford Speedway News

Last night's SOS barbeque at the Kidlington Green Social Club was a huge success, with over 80 adults in attendance - proof that Oxford Speedway may not currently be running but interest in the club remains very much alive.

With no sign of the permanent return of the Cheetahs, the SOS do not attend to make any money from this year's barbeques, as they already have sufficient funds to help out should anyone come in to run Oxford in the future.

So those adults who attended last night's barbeque received a £3 discount token for the next barbeque on Saturday, May 9 for the European GP at Leszno.

The usual price for attending the barbeques is £8, but those using the token in two weeks time can gain admission for just £5.

CHEETAHS UPDATE BY ROB PEASLEY

Unlucky Ben Barker is out of this year's World Under-21 Championship after crashing out of today's qualifier in Neustadt, Germany.

Barker looked all set to qualify with 8 points from his opening 3 riders, but came off worst in a first bend incident in Heat 16 and was forced to pull out of the meeting with a suspected broken foot.

He missed out on qualification by just one place.

CHEETAHS UPDATE BY ROB PEASLEY

Russian teenager Emil Sayfutdinov was a sensational winner of the opening Speedway Grand Prix of the season in Prague tonight.

Sayfutdinov headed home Freddie Lindgren, Jason Crump and Leigh Adams in the final. Reigning World Champion Nicki Pedersen was eliminated in the semi-finals.

RESULT: Emil Sayfutdinov 17, Freddie Lindgren 19, Jason Crump 14, Leigh Adams 13, Nicki Pedersen 12, Andreas Jonsson 11, Kenneth Bjerre 10, Greg Hancock 10, Tomasz Gollob 7, Greg Walasek 6, Chris Harris 6, Hans Andersen 6, Seb Ulamek 5, Scott Nicholls 4, Rune Holta 3, Matej Kus 1.

The four team tournament between Oxford, Swindon, Reading and Cradley Heath is now due to take place at Swindon's Abbey stadium on Thursday, July 30, 2009 at 7.30pm.

The BSPA blocked staging the meeting on a Sunday.

CHEETAHS UPDATE BY ROB PEASLEY

Former Oxford rider Nicki Pedersen starts his bid tonight to emulate the great Ivan Mauger and become only the second rider to win three successive World Championships.

The opening Grand Prix of the season takes place in Prague, with coverage on Sky Sports commencing at 6.00pm. There is a strong ex-Oxford contingent with Pedersen, Jason Crump, Leigh Adams and Greg Hancock all amongst the front-runners.

A reminder that the SOS are staging their usual barbeque at the Kidlington Green Social Club in Green Road, Kidlington. As well as watching the GP on an eight foot screen, there's the all-you-can-eat barbeque, plus a host of games such as Find The Cheetah, a sweepstake and the bingo. It all starts at 5.30pm.

Representatives of the Supporters' Club will be in attendance at the barbeque for those wanting to book for the British GP at Cardiff later in the year. A £10 deposit is required.

CHEETAHS UPDATE BY ROB PEASLEY