The calendar has rolled around again to March and the roar of the bikes can be heard again at Oxford Speedway.

Aaron Lanney came in and saved the day last year, but by any standards it was a disappointing year on the track. There seems to be a lot more optimism about the Cheetahs chances this year, but is that optimism justified?

Most teams that are successful are built around one or two out and out stars who can go out and win races. Over the years Oxford have had their share of superstars in Hans Nielsen, Simon Wigg, Jason Crump, Leigh Adams, Dave Perks, Martin Yeates and Dag Lovaas to name but a few (sorry, but my first hand knowledge doesn't go back beyond the mid seventies). But where are the race winners in this team? Jesper B Jensen is a good solid rider, Pepe Protasiewicz will have good and bad days but neither will be a consistent number 1 scorer.

The next critical area is that you need two or three riders that can significantly incerase their average. Cheetahs hopes in this area probably rest on the shoulders of Eric Andersson and Freddie Eriksson. I hope that these two are able to make great strides, but I just don't see it. They may be able to add a point each, but much beyond that is a bit of a stretch.

The final area is a couple of solid mid order scorers who are going to get 6-8 virtually every meeting. I think the Cheetahs have this covered with Ales Dryml and Steve Johnston.

For me, for the Cheetahs to make some noise this season, 3 things need to happen.

1. Jesper Jensen had a 2006 season that greatly surpassed anything he has done before. He needs to show that this was not a one off.

2. The reserves need to improve greatly. If they can up their averages to between 5 and 6, it will become a very solid looking team.

3. Ales Dryml needs to at least maintain his starting average. This is a tall order after his near tragic accident last season. However, I for one am delighted that Colin and Aaron have given him the chance. Too often in Speedway, a high average equates to unemployment.

Will this team be crowned champions? Probably not. But it's an entertaining team and Colin and Aaron have doen a great job in turning around Oxford Speedway, and have put together an entertaining if not title winning team.

So get down there on Friday night and cheer on your team. There should be some great entertainment this season.