Save Oxford Speedway
By Dudley Jones

Under Threat - Cowley Stadium

I saw today that Cowley Stadium is apparently being offered to the local Council as a site for housing development, apparently because it does not make money.

For several years, following some rather unfortunate promoting, the venue has been closed to speedway, but Oxford is part of speedway history and should have a team in the Premier or Elite leagues.

Starting in the late 1940s, in very much the same way as Coventry did about that time, Oxford survived the lean years of the mid 1950s, when things were dire, and were one of the teams that took part in the amalgamated National League in 1957.

When I first went to speedway in 1962, the Cheetahs were among the 7 teams in the top division, albeit with a reputation for finishing last! All that changed a year or so later, when they won the championship.

Down the years Oxford have mostly been around, occasionally dropping down to Division 2, but bouncing back, until about 5 years ago.

Speedway needs Oxford more than Oxford needs yet more social housing. Can I ask that you all write to Oxford City Council without delay, asking the Authority to work with all who love speedway to broker a way to save the venue? Perhaps promoters, either singly or together, could make a fresh approach to ensure a future for the sport in one of its traditional homes? It has been successful, and can be again.

Please help save Cowley for our sport.

This article was first published on 11th June 2011