Betfred, the world's biggest independent bookmaker, will back the Championship of Great Britain Final at Oxford on Sunday, July 10.

Oxford Silver Machine boss Nigel Wagstaff said: "We are proud to be associated with Betfred and their presence lifts the event on to another level."

Bernard Casey, head of operations at Betfred, said: "We are a fast expanding company and we also see speedway as an exciting, expanding sport and we are genuinely delighted to be the main sponsors of this prestigious event."

Betfred is privately owned by brothers Fred and Peter Done, and they have recently successfuly launched internet casino and poker.

Wagstaff is hoping to turn the event into a mini British Grand Prix.

He added: "There will be a village of trade stands, local rock band Sugar Creek Trio and the group Nevade will play on the centre green and there will be a collectors' fayre.

"There will be also lots of entertainment for the kids. I want to make the night an occasion not just an event."

The normal Sunday greyhound BAGS meeting has been moved to Hall Green in Birmingham, so that preparations can go ahead without interruption.

One thing Wagstaff has to get in order in time for the big day is the track.

On his own admission, he said: "The track was tricky on Thursday and it has a little too much clay in the surface at the moment.

"The track needs to be bladed back because it's not the surface our riders have been used to.

"On Thursday, it proved just right for riders who perform well on the gras track scene."