SPEEDWAY rider Nathan Stoneman has been getting hands-on as he helps with the redevelopment of Oxford Stadium.

The Oxford Chargers heat leader has joined speedway promoter Jamie Courtney and a team of skilled tradesmen to restore the Sandy Lane site to its former glory, almost a decade after it last opened.

Stoneman, who is a landscaper by day, is one of dozens of workers progressing interior projects including the stadium’s grandstand restaurant and sports bar, plus work outside to build a new pits bay along the back straight.

Once complete, the Cowley venue will facilitate the return of much-missed sports to the city including greyhound racing and speedway, with Oxford Cheetahs hosting Scunthorpe Scorpions in their first Championship meeting on April 13.

Stoneman and his Chargers teammates are set to make their maiden appearance under the Sandy Lane lights against Berwick Bullets on Wednesday, May 4.

The Greater Leys resident says being part of Oxford Stadium’s restoration has granted him extra motivation to make this season successful.

“It’s brilliant to be on site every day helping the team with this project,” said Stoneman.

“Every day, I look out the executive suites windows on my lunch break and see the progression – it makes me excited to get out on track.

“The winter months can be quieter for the landscaping business, so me and Jamie quickly agreed after I signed for the Chargers that I could help with the stadium’s development.

“Oxford will be a proper racing track, it will suit those who like to explore different lines and be brave with their overtaking manoeuvres.

“I’m always willing to push myself and the bike to the limit and having a racetrack with a clear outside and inside line will not only help the team but also give the fans great entertainment too.”

Alongside the sports facilities, the stadium will include a wellbeing centre, space for events and conferences and a sports bar to help transform the previously derelict site into a fully functional seven-day-a-week community hub, creating scores of jobs.

Chargers will race one level below Cheetahs in the third-tier National League.

Stoneman knows what it takes to win the league after experiencing success with Mildenhall Fen Tigers in 2012 and plans to add to his trophy cabinet with his local side.

He added: “Oxford Speedway has returned to win championships, not make up the numbers.

“I have my own private goals which I’ll keep to myself, but it is every rider’s aim to be consistent, stay healthy and score plenty of points.

“As a team, it would be amazing if we could announce our return with a bang and win some silverware. That’s the collective goal and we’ll be doing our best to make that happen.”