| 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]
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]