Californian Billy Hamill breezed into Sandy Lane looking as fit as a fiddle - but his outward appearance couldn't disguise the fact that he suffered serious injuries in a crash at Swindon before Easter.

Oxford Silver Machine's clash with Arena Essex Hammers last Thursday was his first social outing since the crash that left him with a punctured lung, four broken ribs and five broken bones in his back.

The smash has also had a drastic effect on Silver Machine, leaving them as a struggling outfit.

Hamill said: "It's the first time I have been outside hospital or my house in a social place and I have to say I am enjoying myself.

"I have had a nice meal with my lovely wife and kids, so yes, I am having fun and it was a fantastic meeting.

"Unfortunately we lost, but got the bonus point. I thought it was a valiant performance by the Machine in the end.

"Obviously, I think they are missing me, so I can't wait to get back."

Hamill, who walked the track with the Oxford team before the start, added: "It's just nice to be back in my realm. It's been a very tough time, especially for Billy Hamill in particular.

"I'm just glad to have this opportunity for you nice folks in inviting me back into your fold.

"I just want to get back on a bike and show you what I can do as unfortunately I had only three meetings to do that, so I just want to get fit and healthy and prove myself."

Getting himself well again has been at times a difficult process for Hamill.

"I'm taking it day by day, to be honest," he said. "I have my good days and bad days, and the good days are very good.

"It's nice to know that so many people are concerned. Having only had three meetings for Oxford the reception tonight is pretty darn awesome.

"I'm pretty focused on the future. I'm not thinking about what has happened or what's going to happen. In fact, I know what's going to happen. I'm going to get better, I'm a healthy 5ft 7in American guy."

Speculating on how long it will be before he gets back on a bike, the former world champion said: "I was told eight weeks after the multiple injuries I suffered.

"I'm looking at around May 21, but I don't know if that's possible," he said. "I'm due another scan this week. It's a target I set myself, but in the end I will follow doctors orders.

"My biggest problem right now is my lung. An organ in your body has to heal naturally, but broken bones will mend with some help. Because of my lung, I can't go on an aeroplane or go on holiday.

"It's been a tough time for Billy Hamill and his family, but I intend to repay the faith you have in me."