OXFORD Speedway have turned to one of their former riders to help steer the club through their first season back.

Peter Schroeck will be part of the management team for 2022 as he leads the on-track development of the Championship and National League squads, plus the proposed academy.

The 55-year-old represented Oxford Cheetahs in 1991 during a riding career that spanned a decade, before going into coaching.

Schroeck is an experienced Premiership manager who was most recently with Kings Lynn Stars and is delighted to be part of the club’s regeneration.

He said: “As a UK-based rider in the 1980s, Oxford was the club everyone looked up to and aspired to one day represent.

“The club is steeped in history, and I’m thrilled to be onboard with Jason (Crump) and Jamie (Courtney) to bring back the good times.

“We want Oxford Speedway to be successful from day one – we’re certainly not operating to simply make up the numbers.

“Jamie’s vision to not only bring silverware to the club but also support young riders in working towards reaching their full potential via Oxford Chargers and an academy really appealed to me.

“This is an exciting move for me and I can’t wait to get going.”

Schroeck joins up with team manager Jason Crump and promoter Jamie Courtney as speedway returns to the city for the first time since 2007.

The season begins on Wednesday, April 13, when Cheetahs host Scunthorpe Scorpions in the British Championship.

Meanwhile, Kyle Newman will be the first rider in the squad to get some competitive laps under his belt this weekend.

The three-times Premiership winner features in a star-studded line-up at Josh Auty’s testimonial in Scunthorpe, including former British champions Chris Harris, Danny King and Charles Wright.

Dorset-based Newman has been working hard off the bike through the winter to be in the best possible shape for the Championship season.

The 30-year-old has adopted a new training programme to build fitness and added two Godden engines to his equipment, which he plans to use through the season having raced GM engines throughout his career.

“I spent a lot of time with Josh (Auty) in Australia during the early parts of my career and I’m pleased to be part of his big day,” said Newman.

“For me, the meeting is about getting some competitive laps under my belt and really understanding my new equipment.

“I plan to get plenty of practice in between now and our first Championship meeting so I’m in good shape both on and off the bike.

“I’ve been very consistent with my fitness routine through the winter and like to get in the gym first thing in the morning when I’m motivated to push myself.

“It takes some sacrifice, but that’s par for the course in professional sport. I’m lighter than what I was at the end of last season so I’m feeling good in myself and looking forward to the season.”