Oxford Cheetahs could still be riding in the Elite League next season, following yesterday's meeting at the British Speedway Promoters Association headquarters in Rugby.

(RAWXML: <image large="sport-speedway.gif" small="sport-speedway.gif" type="portrait"></image>Oxford boss Steve Purchase had warned at the end of this season that the club could not continue to operate in the top flight, due to Grand Prix and television demands, adding that a switch to the Premier League next year was on the cards.

However, after yesterday's meeting, he said: "I was mildly surprised, and it was one of the most productive meetings in speedway I have attended.

"There was good, open discussion and other tracks were in the same boat as Oxford regarding the challenge of TV, Grand Prix and stadium availability.

"A numbers of ideas were passed around and we shared a similar number of problems."

Purchase was expecting an answer to his application to join the Premier League, but that is still on hold after the parties agreed to meet again in November.

Asked if the Elite League was still out of the question next year, Purchase replied: "The Elite League as it is now is out of the question

unless there are radical changes.

"I was encouraged today and more enthusiastic than before, but any changes that are made within the Elite League will have to be substantial for me to change my mind."