ASHTON Boughen will not ride for the Oxford Cheetahs next year, despite previously being named in the side.

The talented 17-year-old spent his first full season in both the Premiership and the Championship with Oxford Speedway, and drew huge credit for his performances.

It was announced last month that Boughen has moved to King’s Lynn Stars as their ‘rising star’ for the 2025 Premiership campaign, although he was expected to remain with the Cheetahs in the Championship.

Oxford Speedway said in a statement: “Unfortunately, Ashton Boughen will not be riding for the Oxford Cheetahs in 2025, despite originally agreeing to return.

“We wish him well in the future. Ashton has plenty of potential to become a successful British speedway rider.”

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Stars team manager Rob Lyon said last month when Boughen was revealed as his team’s rising star for 2025: “Once we knew who was available in the pot depending on what Birmingham ended up doing, our first choice was Ashton.

“He’s local, which I think is a major benefit and he will be someone the fans can relate to, and it’s fair to say he’s one of the most promising 17-year-olds in the country given his progress this year.

“I think it’s an exciting acquisition, and we look forward to working with him and helping him improve even further.

“Sometimes you can go for the tried and trusted but other times you go for a signing with huge potential, and I think that’s what we’ve done here.”