Oxford speedway promoter Steve Purchase is prepared to put Oxford Cheetahs on the market following the British Speedway Promoters Association annual meeting in Swindon at the weekend.

As things stand, Cheetahs will not have any league speedway for 2003.

The radical changes to the Elite League that Purchase wanted for Oxford to remain a part of it were not forthcoming, and his application to join the Premier League was refused.

Purchase said: "There had been several suggestions prior to the AGM which gave Oxford a chance of remaining in the top flight. These suggestions were not accepted and therefore the Elite League was not an acceptable proposition to Oxford."

Oxford's Premier League application was not accepted, and although the future of two other clubs, King's Lynn and Somerset, is not certain, Cheetahs currently do not have a league to race in for 2003.

Purchase added: "The Elite League has been formed with eight clubs and there is space, irrespective of the Somerset situation, for us to join the Premier League.

"This is not the only problem facing the club, however. We have also not yet agreed terms with our landlords, the Graying Racing Association, and therefore we also do not have a track to ride on.

"To be frank, their commercial requirements are a large part of this equation, with our Friday night rent having more than doubled since the GRA took over."

Purchase is quick to point out that he will continue to act in the club's best interests, but he also needs to think about his own personal circumstances.

He added: "I have applied for an open licence to allow me to run a few meetings in 2003 and ensure continuity, but in the meantime, I would be happy to speak to any potential buyer of the club.

"Subject to the correct commercial terms, I would not stand in anyone's way if they wanted to buy the club and take Oxford forward.

"It really does seem time for me to go. I shall miss Oxford, but I won't miss the politics and hassle of speedway."

Purchase will be at the Save Our Speedway quiz night tomorrow night at Kidlington Green Social Club (7.30).