Newport speedway promoter Tim Stone is hoping to link again with six-times world champion Ivan Mauger next month when he flies into Britain for Exeter's last meeting at the County Ground track.

The big goodbye is on October 10 and Mauger and American Scott Autrey (another former Exeter star) will be among the guests for the end of an era meeting and will also attend a celebration lunch the previous day.

Tony Lethbridge, club spokesman, said: "It is more than 20 years since Ivan rode at the County Ground but everyone wants him to be here and the response has been amazing."

With New Zealander Mauger making the trip, Stone spotted his window of opportunity and would like to stage another Mauger training school the following day at the Hayley Stadium.

He said: "We are talking about the possibility of holding another training day. I have held three or four in the past and they are always well attended. It is a full day's tuition."

The last was in March and among the youngsters who took full advantage of the opportunity was Newport Mavericks rider Billy Legg and he has had a good summer at reserve with Sam Hurst.

Both Legg and Hurst are riding at Somerset tonight in a junior riders' championship meeting. The Mavericks have a strong representation with Karlis Ezergailis leading their challenge for honours along with Danny Warwick but Karl Mason has been forced to decline the invitation through injury.

Because of Mason's injury it is likely that Ezergailis will get a recall for the Wasps' last meeting of the season at title-chasing Rye House tomorrow night and if the crown finds its way to the Hertfordshire track then it will meet with Stone's approval.

He said: "I think they will win the league and if they do then I congratulate them on the achievement. I feel they have been the best team throughout."

On Sunday the Mavericks team up again for a Conference League meeting with Boston who ride at the King's Lynn stadium at Saddlebow Road.

* The British Academy League Knock-out Cup final will be staged by Newport a week on Sunday followed by a meeting staged by the Southern Track Riders, all the action starting at noon.

* Newport's New Year Classic will take place at the Hayley Stadium on January 8.

Tonight's fixtures. Premier League: Edinburgh v Exeter 7.30pm. Junior Individual: Somerset 7.30pm. Conference League: Weymouth v Rye House 7.30pm.