Speedway superstar Jason Crump, who has not been outside of the top two in the world finals for the past five years, was a surprise rider at Newport's practice session on Sunday.

He was second to Sweden's Tony Rickardsson last summer having lifted the world crown in 2004 after three successive second places, twice following Rickardsson home. The Swede, in winning the world title last summer equalled Ivan Mauger's feat of six wins.

Bristol-born Crump, who rides in the Elite League with Belle Vue, is the son of Phil Crump, the former Newport rider, and grandson of Neil Street, the Newport team manager and a former rider when the crowds packed into Somerton Park.

Crump was testing three new machines but the world star didn't expect any special treatment and waited his turn for track time along with around 30 other riders of varying skills and including Under-15 riders and learners.

Tim Stone, Newport promoter, who attended a Conference meeting in Rugby yesterday, said: "I was very pleased that we had such a magnificent turnout of riders from all over the country.

"Newport speedway continues to be one of the leading venues for providing track time for riders during the winter and not forgetting we are one of three development centres for the sport."