Neew Oxford owner revealed.

Oxford Speedway owner Steve Purchase has agreed a deal to sell the club meaning that the 'Cheetahs' will return to race in the Elite League in 2006, although the formal paperwork has yet to be signed and the deal is subject to ratification by the BSPA ahead of the Promoters Conference later this month.

Aaron Lanney, a south coast business man, has agreed to take the Oxford Cheetahs forward. Steve Purchase was pleased that a deal had been concluded: "As soon as it became clear, following consultation, that this was the right direction to take, I have worked hard to ensure that a deal could be done quickly so that Aaron is able to get himself ready for the 2006 season".

Steve, who purchased the club from Dave Pavitt in 1997, has also confirmed that this is not another lease agreement: "This deal is for the complete rights to Speedway at Oxford and I wish Aaron the very best throughout his time at the club". Steve Purchase, and his wife Vanessa, first took Oxford into the Elite League in 1998 and the pinnacle of their success was winning the Elite League title on 2001.

For the last three years the club has been run by Nigel Wagstaff on a lease basis however, following Nigel's recent announcement that he would not be continuing at Oxford, Steve has had to make a decision on the future direction for the club and this deal will signal the end of his direct involvement at Oxford: "I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Oxford and I would like to thank everyone who supported me and wish all connected with the club the very best for the future. I have been very proud to be the custodian of the Cheetahs, my time at Oxford will always remain as something special to me. I hope to be able to continue my involvement with the Cheetahs in some way and certainly anticipate coming along to watch a match or two".

Aaron Lanney, who lives in the Poole area, has been a long time speedway supporter and this is his first venture into Speedway promotion. He is intent on bringing success to Sandy Lane: "I want to put the fun back into speedway and restore Oxford back to its glory days of the eighties". He was also quick to confirm that he will return to the traditional team name and colours."

"Oxford will once again be known as the Cheetahs and I will be going back to the original club colours of navy blue and yellow".

Aaron was also quick to pay tribute to his predecessors: "Waggy (Nigel Wagstaff) has done a great job over the last three years and I hope to build on his success." He was also thankful to the outgoing club owner: "My dealings with Steve have been very straightforward and I thank him for his support in reaching a very quick deal".