Oxford star from years ago

[gak]

Hello, I recently met a chap when visiting an old folks home here in Kings Lynn. His name is Arne Pander, a Danish gentleman, who used to ride for Oxford many years ago. Apparently he was a one man team. I wondered if anyone has any info about him or photos of the team from that time? Many thanks, Gerry.

[johnw]

Hi

Arne Pander was indeed a star for Oxford Cheetahs!!
He came to Oxford as a virtual unknown (apart from in his native Denmark) in 1959 and I was there to see his first meeting. He took British speedway by storm and was for several seasons Oxford's best rider. A serious track accident at Coventry in 1961 resulted in a fractured skull and he missed the rest of that season and all of the following one. He returned to the track for Oxford in 1963 but although he tried very hard to recapture his skill and confidence his points scoring didn't match his effort. 1964 to 1967 saw Arne back on form and scoring lots of points but sadly he broke his leg in May and was ruled out for the remainder of the season. Back again for 1968 he had more injuries which ruled him out for several months. 1969 saw Arne end his association with the Cheetahs and ride for Halifax.
He was without doubt a "star" at Oxford and is still fondly remembered by many. On occasions Oxford was a "one man team" and that man was Arne. He had the neatest riding stile and never seemed to hurry but was very fast. He was a good gater and could tune engines as well as anyone.
Please pass on my best wishes to him and tell him of the great pleasure he brought to us Oxford supporters. Like many of us he must be advancing in years and his health will not have been helped by his many speedway injuries.

Regards John White