Tonight's the night when a galaxy of former Oxford Cheetahs heroes assemble at Oxford Stadium to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their glory years of 1985/6.

The 80s really were a magical time for the Cowley aces and their fans as the Cheetahs won the British League title three times in '85, 86 and 89, as well as plundering nearly everything else on offer.

Added spice for tonight's event is the appearance of Swindon to face Silver Machine in the Craven Shield, which should attract a decent crowd to pay tribute to the boys of yesteryear.

Hans Nielsen, Oxford club's greatest rider, has travelled over from Denmark to watch Silver Machine.

He will then take part in a golf day at Waterstock tomorrow as the celebrations continue, before the gala dinner and dance at the Hawkswell House Hotel, Iffley in the evening.

He said: "I don't get to speedway much these days, but this is something I've been looking forward to."

Nielsen will be joined by a host of ex-Cheetahs, including Klaus Lausch, Jens Rasmussen, Andy Grahame, Per Sorensen, Troy Butler, plus local lads Ali Stevens, Jon Surman and Nigel De'Ath, among others.