SPEEDWAY returned to Oxford last night as emotions ran high at the first competitive fixture in the city for 15 years.

A sell-out crowd of 2,000 people packed into Oxford Stadium to watch Oxford Cheetahs get off to a winning start, beating Scunthorpe Scorpions 49-40.

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It was the first time the Sandy Lane venue had opened its doors to speedway since 2007 after businessman Kevin Boothby secured a ten-year lease last June.

Cheetahs fans started and finished the evening in celebratory mood as their team fought from behind to secure victory in the 15th and final heat.

All photos by Steve Edmunds.