Oaktree Arena
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 | |
| Coordinates | 51°13′49″N 2°57′21″W / 51.23028°N 2.95583°W |
|---|---|
| Surface | Speedway (shale) |
| Opened | 2000 |
| Closed | 2021 |
| 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[edit]
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[edit]
- ^ Bamford, R & Jarvis J.(2001). Homes of British Speedway. ISBN 0-7524-2210-3
- ^ "Contact and how to find us". Somerset Rebels. Retrieved 30 September 2016.
- ^ "The Oaktree". Burnham on Sea. Retrieved 30 September 2016.
- ^ "Property & Land Auctions". Tamlyns Professional. Retrieved 30 September 2016.
- ^ "Oak Tree Arena Car Boot Sale". UK Car Boots. Retrieved 30 September 2016.
- ^ "The Oaktree". What's On Bristol. Retrieved 30 September 2016.
- ^ "New opponents". Cambridge Daily News. 14 April 1999. Retrieved 16 May 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- ^ Lethbridge, T (January 2004). Speedway in the South West. NPI Media Group. ISBN 0-7524-2915-9.
- ^ "Somerset: Dickson to Remain at Oak Tree Arena". Speedway Great Britain. Retrieved 30 September 2016.
- ^ "Hancock gains promoter's licence". Somerset Live. 26 February 2009. Retrieved 30 September 2016.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Speedway's Newest Promoter - The Girl with a Track in her Back Garden". Retrieved 30 September 2016.
- ^ "Rebels' future secured by Hancock". BBC Sport. Retrieved 18 May 2024.
- ^ "The Oaktree in Highbridge to be sold by Hancock family". Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News. Retrieved 18 May 2024.