WEYMOUTH Doonan Wildcats star David Mason is aiming to put on a good show against his former club the Rye House Raiders tonight (7.15pm).

The Radipole Lane outfit's number one rode for the Hertfordshire side between 1999 and 2003, and in that spell was crowned Conference League Riders' Champion in 2001.

The 30-year-old was also the most successful Bronze Helmet holder when he was at the Raiders. He was in possession of the accolade 29 times with 24 undefeated defences.

Mason, who went on to captain Rye's Premier League side the Rockets, said: "I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Rye House. Len Silver is undoubtedly one of the best promoters in the business and the whole set up at Hoddesdon is one of the most professional around.

"I left Rye House after gaining a six-point average which ruled me out of the Rockets line up and I then moved to Weymouth. Unfortunately, I always seem to have a bad meeting against the Raiders particularly at home.

"I have been suffering with mechanical gremlins this year like I have never known before but it seemed like I turned a corner at the Boston Barracudas last Sunday and hopefully things should now start to get back on track."

The Barracudas defeated the Wildcats 47-42, ending a fine run of form from the Radipole Lane outfit that saw them claim five wins on the spin.

Mechanical problems was the reason for the defeat and Mason is hoping his side's luck will change over the weekend when they also travel to the Buxton Hitmen for the second leg of their second round Knockout Cup clash on Sunday. The Wildcats won the first leg 51-45.

Mason said: "It is very difficult when you are suffering bike problems to get any track time to test out your equipment between meetings.

"We have also been unfortunate not to have had many away meetings as several have been rained-off but it's just one of those things.

"The team spirit is fantastic in the pits and all the lads get on well. Karl Mason is doing a great job as captain and I just hope we can start to have some good luck as I think we are due some."

The Wildcats will use the rider replacement facility in tonight's Conference League encounter to fill the void left by Lee Smart. The 19-year-old will be riding for Premier League side Birmingham at the Somerset Rebels.

Gates will open at the Wessex Stadium at 6pm.

Wildcats: 1 D Mason, 2 R/R, 3 K Mason, 4 Hurst, 5 Irwin, 6 Herne, 7 Day.

Raiders: 1 Luke Bowen, 2 R/R, 3 Karlis, 4 Cottham, 5 Mear, 6 Strudwick, 7 Halsey.