AFTER last weekend's rain-induced disappointment in Stoke, Reading Racers cross the Solent in search of sunshine this evening (Thursday) as they visit the holiday isle to face the Wightlink Wizards in the Southern Development League.

Skipper Nick Laurence leads the way again looking for a big performance as he bids to attract the attention of the National League bosses.

William O'keefe has found new enthusiasm in recent weeks and like his team captain he hopes to catch someone's eye.

Rhys Laker makes his first visit to the country's biggest track aiming to pick up some points and in a twist of fate, Jamie Bursill, a Racers squad member at the start of the season who then admitted he couldn't make any of their fixtures, returns to save the day.

It will be a keenly contested match, as the Wizards, like so many before them, bring their best team to face the Racers, with teenage National League star Chad Wirtzfeld returning to lead a team which includes ex National League rider and Reading local Jamie Sealey.

While both teams are unlikely to reach the top of the table this season, pride is still at stake as the Racers look to avenge defeat in the first match of the season.

The match will follow the National League encounter between the Isle of Wight Warriors and the Mildenhall Fen Tigers.

Thursday's teams:

Isle of Wight: 1. Chad Wirtzfeld, 2. Morgan William's, 3. Jamie Sealey, 4. Chris Watts.

Team Manager: Kevin Shepherd.

Reading Racers: 1. Nick Laurence (c), 2. Rhys Laker, 3. William O'keefe, 4. Jamie Bursill. Team Managers: Mat Stevens and Gene Carter.