IT'S the Gresham Chee-tahs that will do battle on their Elite League speedway debut following a sponsorship tie-up with Gresham Computing.

The deal is thought to be substantial, although no figures have been released. Gresham are a computer software and services company whose UK sales headquarters are based in Abingdon.

Cheetahs boss Steve Purchase, who is sales director of Gresham, had to act fast after JT Commercials pulled out after backing the team for the last two years.

Gresham's director of corporate marketing, Mike Hudgell, said: "We are very pleased to be associated with Oxford Cheetahs. Speedway provides an exciting, fast-paced promotional vehicle and the Oxford Stadium is an excellent venue for corporate hospitality.

"Speedway has a strong community following and as a local employer, this is very important to Gresham."

Oxford boss Purchase said: "I am delighted with the tie-up with Gresham, particularly as they have no direct link with speedway."

Gresham also sponsor the Jamun motor racing team in the Formula Ford championship.

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