Speedway boy in career kick-start

Speedway boss Tim Stone believed the Duffryn School pupil, who turns 15 next month, was the youngest rider he had taken on.

And Jamie was thrilled at being given such a kick-start. "It has been my dream," he said. The plucky youngster battled his way back into the hot seat after a horrific crash last year. Last August we reported how Jamie was involved in a terrifying accident at Newport's Hayley Stadium when he raced for Great Britain against Germany.

He was rushed to hospital but, amazingly, was found to have nothing worse than bruises - and the following day was able to collect a trophy for his part in the competition.

And Jamie's father, Fred, is pleased his son is continuing with speedway. "Someone once asked me if I was worried about Jamie because it was dangerous and I said it was not as dangerous as being stood on the street corner taking drugs," he said. Jamie first took up the sport just over two years ago after trying out his older brother Andrew's speedway bike.

"He just sat on it and it came naturally," said Mr Westacott, who lives with his wife Annette and their family in Cormorant Way, Duffryn.

He has been all over the country supporting his son and has also backed him financially - Jamie has three bikes each costing £2,500 - and is now hoping a sponsor will come forward.

"You cannot help notice the progress he has made and he has got natural ability. We are very keen to develop grassroots speedway and Jamie comes into that. We have also signed other riders from Newport," said speedway boss Tim Stone.

"Obviously, it is a benefit to Newport Speedway and to the country if we can keep this development programme going.

"I know Jamie's aim is to be as good as he can be in speedway and our aim is to help him but at the end of the day it's all down to his ability and application and he's got bags of that," he said.

PICTURED: Newport Speedway owner Tim Stone signs up Jamie Westacott.