GRESHAM Oxford Cheetahs boss Steve Purchase says he will not promote at Cowley next year if speedway's Elite League stays as it is.

His warning comes after a BSPA meeting in Rugby, where nothing that was discussed gave Purchase any hope for continuing at Oxford Stadium.

Purchase took the bold step earlier this year to buy the speedway rights at Cowley - his first experience as a promoter.

In fact, it was only his inclusion that enabled the Elite League to function. He was promised plenty of help in his new role, but when the chips were down, it was not forthcoming.

Purchase said: "The league is not being run properly or professionally. I run it as a hobby. I know I shouldn't, but I spend two days a week on the sport and seven days working to pay for it.

"The costs are too high. We should pay the riders what we can afford. There should be standardised equipment so that riders can compete on equal terms.

"They have to be able to make a living without relying on sponsorship."

Purchase, who admits to losing £50,000 this year, added: "There has to be changes in the way the Elite League is run next year. If not, we will not run. The BSPA won't let me drop down into the Premier League."

Meanwhile, Cheetahs' 50th anniversary meeting scheduled for tomorrow night has been cancelled because many of the riders, including former Cheetahs favourite Hans Nielsen, are unavailable.

Purchase added: "The top riders have either gone home or are riding elsewhere. It's a shame we have to cancel, but in the light of things, it's probably best for everyone concerned."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.