It look highly unlikely that there will be any speedway at Oxford Stadium this year.

And those who have led the fight to try and save the sport at Cowley have already begun to switch their attentions to the future - and a possible return in 2009.

Stadium owners, the Greyhound Racing Association (GRA), had already announced that they did not want league speedway to be run at Sandy Lane this year, although they did leave the door open for the possible staging of major national speedway events.

But Lakeside promoter Jon Cook's proposals for Elite League shared meetings to be held at Oxford have not gained sufficient favour with the rest of the British Speedway Promoters' Association.

Save Our Speedway spokesman Chris Brown admitted: "It's almost certain that the fight has been lost for this season. But we would like to thank everyone for their support - in particular, the local councillors and Andrew Smith MP.

"While 2008 looks hopeless, the council are still working hard to ensure the stadium remains a facility where speedway could be enjoyed in future years.

"The protection of Oxford Stadium as a sporting venue is now very much on the local planning agenda.

"The club may be in hibernation for a year, but all efforts will be made to return in 2009.

"Oxford Speedway has a proud history dating back to 1949 and is not ready to be consigned to the scrapheap just yet."