OXFORD Cheetahs have completed their 2022 British Championship squad with the signings of Josh MacDonald and Dillon Ruml.

The duo are the sixth and seventh riders to arrive at Sandy Lane ahead of speedway’s much-anticipated return to the city this spring.

They join captain Scott Nicholls, Troy Batchelor, Cameron Heeps, Kyle Newman and Jack Thomas in the Cheetahs line-up as the club competes in its first Championship season since 2007.

MacDonald arrives after an impressive maiden campaign in Britain with Scunthorpe Scorpions.

The 24-year-old teams up with fellow Australians Batchelor and Heeps at Oxford Stadium and knows what it means to ride for Cheetahs.

He said: “I’m very pleased to sign for Oxford Speedway and would like to thank Jamie (Courtney, promoter) for his warm welcome to the club.

“Riders I looked up to as a kid in Australia represented the Cheetahs badge, so to be part of the club’s regeneration is really exciting for me.

“There is a lot of prestige attached to Oxford Speedway and with the squad we have in place I’m hopeful we’ll be able to compete for silverware.

“I can’t wait to meet all the fans at our opening meeting, it’s going to be a memorable year.”

American rider Ruml is also entering his second campaign in British speedway following a successful stint with Plymouth Gladiators.

And the 22-year-old is desperate to push on with Cheetahs.

Dillon Ruml Picture: Blumonkey Media

Dillon Ruml Picture: Blumonkey Media

He said: “My first season in British speedway was a huge learning curve and I’m ready for new challenges in 2022 with Oxford.

“At home in California, we’re used to racing on technical tracks which require good levels of throttle control and balance, so the Oxford Stadium track should suit my riding ability.

“Oxford’s return is great news for British speedway and will help take my career to the next level.”

Cheetahs, who are five-time British champions, confirmed their return to the city in November as part of the regeneration of Oxford Stadium.

They quickly signed seven-time British champion Nicholls, ex-Grand Prix rider Batchelor and triple Western Australian State champion Heeps.

Before Christmas, Cheetahs added three-time Premiership champion Kyle Newman and 2019 Championship winner Jack Thomas, with MacDonald and Ruml completing the team.

Courtney said: “Josh and Dillon are both young riders with great potential who have the attitude and determination required to improve their existing averages.

“We’re pleased to have reached an agreement and look forward to welcoming them back to the UK soon ahead of our return to the shale this spring.

“We’re not here to make up the numbers, we want to compete and challenge for top honours which I believe is possible with the team we’ve put together.

“I’d like to thank everyone for their messages of support thus far, we’re really excited to welcome our fans trackside later this year.”