Silver Machine face arbitration THE feud between Oxford Silver Machine and Coventry over the signing of top American speedway riders Greg Hancock and Billy Hamill is likely to go to arbitration.

Coventry insist that if the duo ride for Oxford this season, they will have to be bought on a full transfer, something that Silver Machine promoter Nigel Wagstaff is unwilling to do.

It is understood Oxford consider that Coventry are asking for 'silly money' for two riders, who reach their 35th birthdays this year and are both in the twilight of their careers.

The two former world champions are innocent bystanders in the row between the two clubs.

However, as both have been ditched by the Midlands club in recent years and forced to ride in Sweden, they are sure to be keen to ride for Oxford this year.

There is talk of Coventry taking legal action. Any chance of an amicable agreement between the two seems to have disappeared without trace.