FORMER Oxford Speedway promoter Bernard Crapper passed away on Tuesday, aged 73, after a period of ill-health.

A Cheetahs fan since childhood, Mr Crapper got involved in the Save Our Stadium group after Oxford Stadium was sold for redevelopment in 1975.

Mr Crapper then took charge of the team from 1980 – alongside great friend John Payne – and was at the forefront of the team’s greatest-ever years.

After signing some of the biggest names in the sport, Mr Crapper and Mr Payne helped Cheetahs win the British League championship three times as well as the Knockout Cup (twice), League Cup and Gold Cup.

As a young man, Mr Crapper served in the RAF for a number of years as an aerial photographer.

Photography was also his profession later in life.

He leaves a widow, Janet, two daughters and five grandchildren.

John Payne said: “I’m gutted. I’ve lost my biggest mate.

“We went through some great times.”