READING Racers are set to return to track action this year.

There has been no speedway in the town since Smallmead closed in October 2008.

But the Reading Speedway Action Group got a young team together for a short challenge match at Weymouth last September and were encouraged by the support they received.

Chairman Emma Pike said: “We are very proud of the achievements we have made so far and have made the decision to enter a team into the new Southern Development League for the 2017 season.”

The Racers will use Eastbourne’s Arlington Stadium for matches, and the RSAG are looking for sponsors for the team and riders.

Pike added: “There are many expenses connected with running a team. We rely on funding solely from our own fundraising events and the support of local businesses and supporters.

“If anyone in interested, we can be contacted on info@readingracers.co.uk”

  • READING Cricket Club have recruited one of their former players, Dan Housego, in a coaching capacity.

The Sonning Lane club are preparing for next season in Division Two of the Home Counties Premier League, and as Housego played for them during their days in that division, he knows what the team can expect .

Housego – who currently plays for Wokingham – represented Gloucestershire, Middlesex and Berkshire before going into coaching.

The 28-year-old runs his own school and is part of the Berkshire Academy set-up, working with head coach Tom Lambert.

Former Oratory School pupil Housego was in attendance when Reading got their winter nets under way at Crosfields School last Sunday, with a healthy turn out.

On the field, Earley Town Council groundsman Roger Beaven has done an excellent job in helping to repair the damage on the Sonning Lane ground after someone “silly idiot” had decided to drove their car over both pitches last week.

As a result of that incident, the club are reviewing security at their ground.