Oxford Silver Machine skipper Greg Hancock is looking forward to renewing his partnership with fellow Californian Billy Hamill when the new season gets under way against Wolverhampton next Thursday.

Hancock flew from the United States to Sweden on Monday before arriving in England for the press and practice day at Oxford yester- day.

He said: "It will be great to be riding with Billy again. If anything it will be a bonus for the club and British speedway.

"We enjoyed a lot of good years together and look forward to doing something great for Oxford this season."

But he did reveal that he was worried for his place in the Oxford line-up because of the ongoing dispute with his parent club Coventry over whether they ride for Silver Machine as loan riders or come on a full transfer.

He added: "I'm really keen now. I'm happy that I've actually got a team place.

"Everybody knows there has been a long drawn out saga going on with Coventry and we knew all along it wouldn't be easy.

"Now, with the team that Nigel (Wagstaff - promoter) has put together, we are a strong competitive outfit.

"I phoned Nigel a week ago asking if I had a team place or not as I was getting worried. Now I think once we have everything resolved, we'll have a good team."

Hancock, the only Oxford rider in the Grand Prix series this year, thinks the British league is a must for the top riders.

"To ride in the British league is a major part of a rider's career," he said.

"It starts early and there is a such a variety that keeps you fit and must help when the GP's come around."

Wagstaff is sure the dispute with Coventry over both Hancock and Hamill will be sorted out soon.

"It will be resolved," he declared. "We said a few days ago that Greg and Billy would be in our team and here they are today.

"I can't speak for Coventry or any other clubs in the Elite League, but we all know that riders will ride for the club they want to whether it be on loan or transfers which sometimes are sorted out at a later date.

"I'm fairly confident that all this will be resolved amicably in the next few days. At least I hope so. I'm aware that Coventry could serve an injunction, but that suggestion has come from them and I can't respond to that."

Silver Machine's opener next Thursday against Wolverhampton is a challenge match at Oxford (7.45).