THE history of speedway in Newport forms part of a collection of fan-published magazines.

Freelance journalist Howard Jones, 68, has been compiling speedway

magazines and books now since the mid-90s.

A former assistant sports editor of the Stockport Express Advertiser

newspaper in the mid-80s, Mr Jones now resides in Greenhalgh, Nr.

Preston, Lancashire.

South Wales Argus:

He has been writing about defunct speedway tracks for 41 issues, starting with Doncaster back in 2001.

Since then he has covered tracks up and down the country which have since closed down.

Mr Jones said: “Sadly speedway has been in decline for some time now.

“In Newport the one-time club raced at two different venues, Somerton Park (1964-1977) and Queensway Meadows (1997-2011) also known as The Hayley Stadium.”

Both tracks have long since shut up shop, Queensway Meadows only closing for good in 2012, but the memories of the sport are still vivid in the city.

South Wales Argus:

Mr Jones explained that his decision to include Newport’s speedway history in his magazine series was as much influenced by another sport played at Somerton Park.

Somerton Park was once home to Newport County and Mr Jones was press officer to Stockport County FC when they were in the Football League in the late 1970s, early 80s.

“I twice visited Somerton Park with the team,” he said.

“I also visited Somerton Park on four occasions to watch speedway as well, the first time on September 1, 1972, so have a personal knowledge of the place.”

Mr Jones’ 68-page publication includes all the rider stats, facts and seasonal information any former fan might wish to know and also includes more than 200 photos.

South Wales Argus:

“It’s a comprehensive history of the Newport Wasps speedway club from their time at Somerton Park,” he said.

“Defunct Tracks history fascinates me.

“I also have a series of magazines which are devoted to one particular speedway year and my latest is: ‘The Speedway Years - 1964,’ which incidentally was also the first year speedway ran at Somerton Park, so is heavily featured inside.”

Copies of Newport Speedway – The Pocket Size History of Defunct Speedway Tracks are £13.

Visit speedwaymags.co.uk to order your copy.