THE 2,500 fans who witnessed the return of speedway to the Wessex Stadium last week might well have seen a future World Champion in action.

That's the verdict of Wildcats promoter Brian White in his analysis of 15-year-old sensation Ben Barker.

The Cornish schoolboy, who rides for the Trelawny Tigers, finished third behind experienced duo Justin Elkins and Danny Warwick in the Wessex Rosebowl Individual meeting, setting a new track record in the process.

And for those who missed the youngsters amazing exploits, there's another chance to see him in a Wildcats jacket tonight when Weymouth take on Bristol Bulldogs in the first of a two-legged challenge match at Somerset's Oak Tree Arena (7.30pm) with the return match at the Wessex Stadium on Monday (6pm).

White explained: "Ben is already the Under-16 125cc World champion and he's a wonderful future ahead of him. I've no doubt he'll go on to become one of the biggest names in the sport and there's no reason why he can't follow in the tyre prints of some of the greats such as Tony Rickardsson and Mark Loram.

"I first saw him riding down at Trelawny a couple of years ago and where he's so small and slight he looked about eight or nine-years-old. He doesn't look like much more than 10 or 11 now and what helps him undoubtedly is the fact that he's built like a little jockey.

"Ever since then I've kept a close eye on him and would obviously love to get him into the Weymouth team on a regular basis. He's an absolute awesome talent and anyone who saw him in action last Friday night will know what I mean."

He added: "For now I'm just happy to having him guesting for us and I know he's more than happy to be riding in a Weymouth jacket. He's agreed to turn out in the challenge match at Somerset against Bristol tonight and he'll be back down at the Wessex Stadium for the second leg on Monday."

Joining Barker in the Wildcats line-up for both meetings will be highly-rated Sheffield asset Matt Cambridge who is on the comeback trail with Wimbledon after recovery from a broken leg.

The rest of the side is made up by Warwick, Aussie Brendan Mackay, skipper Elkins and reserves Nathan Irwin and Chris Johnson.

"It's a big couple of meetings for us," explained White. "and it's important that we make the most of these challenges matches ahead of our Conference League campaign next season.

"They might be down on the fixture card as friendlies, but personally I want to win every heat we race in and fans can be assured of some competitive action on both nights."

Tonight's line-ups: Wildcats: Cambridge, Barker, Warwick, Mackay, Elkins, Irwin, Johnson

Bulldogs: Holmes, AN Other, Walker, Finlow, Cross, Hackett, Candy

* Brian White today apologised to parents who were forced to pay £2 instead of £1 for their children to watch last Friday's action at the Wessex Stadium.

And as a goodwill gesture, all under-16s will be admitted free on Bank Holiday Monday evening.

He explained: "I think only a handful of people were effected and I'd like to apologise to anyone who was charged too much. It was human error on our part and so, as a goodwill gesture, the club have decided to let all under-16s in for free against the Bristol Bulldogs."