Could world champion Jason Crump (pictured) be set for a shock move to the new-look Oxford Cheetahs?

Speculation on the internet continues to link the 31-year-old double world champion with a switch to Cowley to team up with new promoter Colin Horton.

The Australian has already quit Belle Vue, for whom he has topped the averages for the last five years, and has admitted he needs a fresh challenge.

Could that be a return to Cowley for the sensational rider, who last year shook off the ghost of formidable opponent Tony Rickardsson to complete his double triumph?

Crump, who lives just down the road from Oxford in Northampton, would appreciate the shorter trip every Wednesday and the race night would surely not hinder his Grand Prix plans.

The double world champion last rode for Cheetahs in 1999 alongside Todd Wilt- shire, and could be on the way back.

The move would see Oxford track two world champions in successive seasons following the short term contract of Rickardsson last year.

New owner Horton and fellow promoter Aaron Lanney have already mapped out their proposed riders, but are keeping their plans under wraps.

Lanney said: "The Oxford fans know already that they can expect a new No 1 with Todd Wiltshire not returning next season.

"It's not fair to name riders at this stage of the season because we want their names on the contracts, so at this stage I cannot even comment on speculation."

Meanwhile, there is a chance that either Neils Kristian Iversen or Jesper B Jensen could be making a quick return to Sandy Lane.

Oxford's sister track, Peterborough, also owned by Horton, may have to dispense with Iversen, Jensen or Ryan Sullivan depending on the points limit set by the BSPA - who hold their annual conference next weekend at their Rugby headquarters.

One contentious subject on the agenda must surely be the tactical ride rule, where riders score double if their team is nine points adrift.

A recent poll among fans showed an overwhelming 1,067 wanted it outlawed, with only 94 voting to retain it.