Oxford Cheetahs' promoter Vanessa Purchase has welcomed the news that Sky Sports are to sponsor the Elite League.

It is a big boost to British speedway, following on from the lucrative £5m five-year TV deal, announced just before Christmas.

The league will now be known as the Sky Sports Elite League and Purchase said: "I don't know how much they are putting into the league, but for clubs like us who don't have a main team sponsor it can't fail to help us. It's great news for the sport."

It's the first time since Homefire backed the sport in 1992 that speedway in this country has enjoyed sponsorship and is another reflection of its increasing popularity.

BSPA chairman Terry Russell said: "The riders deserve a lot of credit for the way thay handled the increased TV exposure, and we expect them to continue with the positive attitude.

"We feel Sky Sports will be delighted with the way their name is projected throughout the UK tracks and we will continue to work with them to take this great sport forward."

Oxford open their season with a challenge match at Coventry on Saturday, March 17.