Oaktree Arena

Oaktree Arena
Map
Coordinates51°13′49″N 2°57′21″W / 51.23028°N 2.95583°W / 51.23028; -2.95583
SurfaceSpeedway (shale)
Opened2000
Closed2021
Tenants
Somerset Rebels (2000–2019)

The Oaktree Arena was a speedway racing track located near Highbridge, Somerset, England.[1] It is 300 metres (330 yd) in length, with banking around the edge for spectators and is built alongside the M5 motorway.[2] There is also a restaurant used for weddings and events.[3] It is also used for property auctions,[4] car boot sales,[5] a golf driving range and a boxing gym.[6]

History

The speedway track, which was constructed in 1999 by Australian speedway rider Glyn Taylor, opened for speedway in time for the Somerset Rebels team to race in the Conference League.[7]

The Somerset Rebels team were founded by promoter Andy Hewlett and entered the 2000 Speedway Conference League.[8] Hewlett had been searching for a venue in Somerset to host speedway for some time, when he was offered the site by a local farmer who had hosted banger meetings (cars) there a couple of times.[9][10][11]

Prior to the 2009 speedway season, the Somerset rebels team was purchased by Bill Hancock the owner, of the Oaktree Arena.[12]

In 2021, following difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the venue was closed by the owners, the Hancock family.[13]

References

  1. ^ Bamford, R & Jarvis J.(2001). Homes of British Speedway. ISBN 0-7524-2210-3
  2. ^ "Contact and how to find us". Somerset Rebels. Retrieved 30 September 2016.
  3. ^ "The Oaktree". Burnham on Sea. Retrieved 30 September 2016.
  4. ^ "Property & Land Auctions". Tamlyns Professional. Retrieved 30 September 2016.
  5. ^ "Oak Tree Arena Car Boot Sale". UK Car Boots. Retrieved 30 September 2016.
  6. ^ "The Oaktree". What's On Bristol. Retrieved 30 September 2016.
  7. ^ "New opponents". Cambridge Daily News. 14 April 1999. Retrieved 16 May 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  8. ^ Lethbridge, T (January 2004). Speedway in the South West. NPI Media Group. ISBN 0-7524-2915-9.
  9. ^ "Somerset: Dickson to Remain at Oak Tree Arena". Speedway Great Britain. Retrieved 30 September 2016.
  10. ^ "Hancock gains promoter's licence". Somerset Live. 26 February 2009. Retrieved 30 September 2016.[permanent dead link‍]
  11. ^ "Speedway's Newest Promoter - The Girl with a Track in her Back Garden". Retrieved 30 September 2016.
  12. ^ "Rebels' future secured by Hancock". BBC Sport. Retrieved 18 May 2024.
  13. ^ "The Oaktree in Highbridge to be sold by Hancock family". Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News. Retrieved 18 May 2024.

51°13′49″N 2°57′21″W / 51.23028°N 2.95583°W / 51.23028; -2.95583