SAM Masters will return as interim captain for the Oxford Cheetahs in their 2025 Championship campaign.

Scott Nicholls is to miss the beginning of the season with a dislocated left shoulder, and has undergone surgery on the injury.

Masters though will step up to skipper Cheetahs in in the interim.

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He said: “I didn’t need to think about it, I love turning up at Sandy Lane and racing for the Cheetahs on a Wednesday.

“Pete [Schroeck, Oxford Speedway team manager] and Jamie [Courtney, promoter] are so easy to deal with and we have a great relationship. This is a real family club.

“I hope I can be half the captain that Scott is, and I hope he is back quickly as he’s one of the best teammates I have ever had, a massive part of the Cheetahs set-up.”

Nicholls previously posted an update on his injury, saying: “It’s a race against time to be fit and I will work hard to be back as soon as I can, but sadly, I won’t be ready to start the season.

“I’m truly devastated by my current situation, but as you all know, I’ll do my best to be back to my best as soon as possible.”