Oaktree Arena Explained

Oaktree Arena
Coordinates:51.2303°N -2.9558°W
Opened:2000
Closed:2021
Surface:Speedway (shale)
Tenants:Somerset Rebels (2000–2019)

The Oaktree Arena was a speedway racing track located near Highbridge, Somerset, England.[1] It is 300m (1,000feet) 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]

External links

51.2303°N -2.9558°W

Notes and References

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