SPEEDWAY NEWS REGULARLY UPDATED  

PRE-SEASON CHAOS AT WASPS

Feb 13 - Newport Wasps co-promoter Nick Mallett has resigned his position at the club. He states its in protest at the decision by the BSPA to adjust Todd Kurtz average following the latter's participation in the Australian Championship. As a result Kurtz loses his 2.5 point deduction in his average. Mallett lost his promoter's licence in 2010 for derogatory remarks made about another club on Facebook. His father, Steve, made his latest threat to close the club due to his dissatisfaction with the BSPA stance on Kurtz. The article below is about season tickets, lol, not the way to market the club!

NEWPORT WASPS CONFIRM ADMISSION PRICES

Jan 30 - New year admission prices at Queensway Meadows are as follows -

Adults: £15
Concessions: £13
Children (aged 5-16): £5
Under 5s: FREE!
Family Ticket: £32


2012 SEASON TICKET PRICES
ADULT: £260
CONCESSION: £240
FAMILY: £600 (two adults and two children).

DAVID HOWE WINS CLASSIC

Jan 2 - Scunthorpe star David Howe ran out victorious in the Tim Stone New Year Classic at Newport this afternoon (it was his third victory in the event). The Scorpions rider rode a fine final nipping past Plymouth's Ricky Ashworth on the third bend of the first lap. Howe started the meeting disappointingly picking up only five points from his four rides. But such are the vagaries of the scoring system that despite finishing badly in the lead up he still managed to get through to the final and made the most of his chance. Aussie duo Kevin Doolan and Mark Lemon were third and fourth in the final. The crowd was over 1000, the car park full and plenty of atmosphere despite the extremely wet and cold conditions. Supporters attended from all over the UK.

WASPS WIN BUT WOLBERT SHINES

Oct 30 - In very wet conditions Newport held off Edinburgh 51-42 to finish their League season in 4th position. The Wasps produced a fine team effort with all riders scoring well but it was German star Kevin Wolbert who impressed.  On two occasions he came from the back (in Heats 1 and 13) to beat Newport's superstar Charlie Gjedde. Wolbert dropped only two points, in Heat 15, when he found his way blocked by Gjedde and Leigh Lanham.

NEWPORT  WASPS...51 1. Charlie Gjedde 1¹,3,2,1¹,2,2¹ = 11+3; 2. Jason Doyle R/R 3. Robin Aspegren 2,1,2,3,0 = 8  4. Anders Mellgren 3,0,1,1,2 = 7 5. Leigh Lanham (c) 1¹,3,2,2,1¹,3 = 12+2 ; 6. Mark Jones 3,2¹,1¹,1¹ = 7+3; 7. Todd Kurtz 2¹,2,1¹,1 = 6+2

GJEDDE-LESS WASPS GAIN POINT AT BERWICK

Oct 28 - Newport Wasps gained a well deserved point at Berwick going down 48-42. The Wasps were without Charlie Gjedde who had a shoulder injury and hopefully he did not read some of the imbecilic web-based comments from Berwick fans about his reasons for leaving the club (for Newport) earlier in the season. Kevin Doolan was a fine replacement tonight.

NEWPORT EASE PAST BERWICK

Oct 22 - Newport easily beat off Berwick at Queensway Meadows by 57-38 on Saturday with Robin Aspegren getting a fine 15 point maximum. Newport Wasps 57: 1 – Charlie Gjedde 14(5); 2 – Rider replacement for Jason Doyle; 3 – Robin Aspegren 13+2(5); 4 – Anders Mellgren 6(5); 5 – Leigh Lanham 10+1(6); 6 – Mark Jones 6+1(5); 7 – Todd Kurtz 8+2(5).

WASPS WIN AT SOMERSET

Oct 21 - The Wasps recovered a seven point deficit to win comfortably at Somerset 47-43. It was their first victory at the Oak Tree Arena. Newport  Wasps 47: 1 - Charlie Gjedde 10+2(5); 2 - Rider replacement for Jason Doyle; 3 - Robin Aspegren 11+1(6); 4 - Anders Mellgren 6(5); 5 - Leigh Lanham 12(6); 6 - Mark Jones 1(3); 7 - Todd Kurtz 7+1(5).

HEAVY DEFEATS IN GLASGOW

Oct 16 - Newport slipped to heavy defeats at Glasgow in the double header. At Glasgow (first meeting) 33: Gjedde 15(6); 2 - Rider replacement for Jason Doyle (); Aspegren 4(5); Mellgren 7(6); Lanham 5(5); 6 - Jones 0(4); Kurtz 2(4)At Glasgow (second meeting)37: Gjedde 9(5); 2 - Rider replacement for Jason Doyle; Aspegren 5+2(5); Mellgren 9+1(6); Lanham 12(6); Jones 0(4); Kurtz 2+1(4).

WASPS GAIN THREE POINTS BUT GLASGOW FIGHT HARD

Oct 15 - Newport Wasps beat off a feisty challenge from Glasgow to take three points and to move up to seventh in the Premier League. The Tigers were mauled on their last visit to Queensway Meadows but put Newport under significant pressure this time before the Wasps sped away from them with a late surge led by Charlie Gjedde, who rode to a paid maximum.  Newport Wasps 52: 1 - Charlie Gjedde 17+1(6); 2 - Rider replacement for Jason Doyle (); 3 - Robin Aspegren 9+2(5); 4 - Anders Mellgren 10+2(5); 5 - Leigh Lanham 8+3(6); 6 - Mark Jones 8(5); 7 - Todd Kurtz 0(3).

GJEDDE SUPREME IN WASPS WIN AT BROUGH PARK

Oct 9 - Newport's match at Berwick last night was postponed but the Wasps pulled off a fine 49-41 win at Newcastle tonight to continue their brilliant late run. Charlie Gjedde was in dominant form piling up another maximum (18 points from six rides) with good support from Leigh Lanham and Mark Jones. Newport  Wasps 49: 1 - Charlie Gjedde 18(6); 2 - Rider replacement for Jason Doyle (); 3 - Robin Aspegren 5(4); 4 - Anders Mellgren 6(5); 5 - Leigh Lanham (capt) 12+2(6); 6 - Mark Jones 7(5); 7 - Todd Kurtz 1(3).

FINE WIN IN EDINBURGH

Oct 8 - Newport pulled off a first ever win in Edinburgh last night by 45 to 44 with star man Charlie Gjedde scoring 16 paid 17. The win moves Newport up to 8th place in the Premier League. Newport  Wasps 45: 1 - Charlie Gjedde 16+1(6); 2 - Rider replacement for Jason Doyle; 3 - Robin Aspegren 8+1(6); 4 - Anders Mellgren 6+1(5); 5 - Leigh Lanham (capt) 7(5); 6 - Mark Jones 2+1(4); 7 - Todd Kurtz 6+2(4).

NEWPORT WIN CUP

Oct 4 - Newport Wasps easily won the Knockout Cup, retaining much of the handsome lead they built up on Saturday night. They went down 49-41 but an aggregate score of 106-74 fully reflects their superiority over Glasgow. The Wasps victory is the first by a Newport side since the 1964 Provincial League side beat Cradley Heath in a similar competition. Scorers - 1 - Charlie Gjedde 7(4); 2 - Anders Mellgren 7(4); 3 - Robin Aspegren 2(4); 4 - Jason Doyle 10(5); 5 - Leigh Lanham 9+1(5); 6 - Mark Jones 3+1(5); 7 - Todd Kurtz 3(3).

WASPS STUN LEAGUE CHAMPIONS IN CUP FINAL

Oct 2 - Newport Wasps have one hand on the Knockout Cup after a brilliant display at Queensway Meadows last night. In front of a bumper crowd they dismantled the challenge of Premier League champions Glasgow, winning 65-25. Glasgow were taken aback by the ferocity of the Wasps start and never recovered. In Heat 1 Mellgren and Gjedde sent Joe Screen backing, in Heat 2 Kurtz and Jones repeated the dose. In Heat 3 the brilliant Nick Morris was defeated by Jason Doyle for a Wasps 4-2. In Heat 4 Lanham muscled ahead of James Grieves in another 4-2 with Kurtz just ahead of Piper on the charge for the line. In Heat 5 Aspegren and Doyle held off Screen, in Heat 6 Gjedde and Mellgren both went past Grieves. With 6 races over, the Tigers had scored 8 (to the Wasps 28). The only rider to stem the flow was Nick Morris, he brilliantly overtook Lanham in Heat 7 before the Wasps continued their domination. Two maximum scores in Heat 8 and Heat 9 put them 26 in front. In Heat 10 Gjedde missed the gate, Mellgren led the race but was taken by Morris. Gjedde struggled past his team-mate but could not get in front of the young Australian, much to his disappointment. In Heat 11 Lanham baulked Screen to allow Jones through for another 5-1. In Heat 12 Aspegren went through the tapes after Morris twitched. Coming off 15 metres he swooped around Piper with the crowd roaring their approval but Morris held on ahead of Kurtz for a 3-3. In Heat 13 Lanham stormed out of the start and Gjedde held off Screen and Grieves with sparks flying off his back wheel for a 5-1 and a 56-22 lead. Heat 14 saw Doyle and Jones in tandem with Sweetman failing to make an impact. Charlie Gjedde made no mistake in Heat 15 making up for his Heat 10 slip against the Tigers' top rider but Morris did manage to get ahead of Doyle to deprive him of a paid maximum. A stunning performance by the Wasps, with all riders returning scores of paid 9 or more.

Newport Wasps 65: 1 - Charlie Gjedde 12+2(5); 2 - Anders Mellgren 9+2(4); 3 - Robin Aspegren 6+3(4); 4 - Jason Doyle 13(5); 5 - Leigh Lanham 11(4); 6 - Mark Jones 6+3(4); 7 - Todd Kurtz 8+1(4). Glasgow Tigers 25: 1 - Joe Screen (capt) 3(4); 2 - Michael Rajkowski 0(4); 3 - Nick Morris 13(5); 4 - Richard Sweetman 2(4); 5 - James Grieves 5(5); 6 - David Bellego 1(4); 7 - Theo Pijper 1(4).

NEWPORT TAKE REVENGE ON SCORPIONS

Sep 24 - Jason Doyle and Charlie Gjedde were in imperious form at Queensway Meadows as Newport hammered Scunthorpe 56-39 gaining revenge for their loss on Friday. Both recorded paid maximums as the Wasps prepared for next week's cup battle. Rider replacement was used for the injured Robin Aspegren. Newport Wasps 56: 1 – Charlie Gjedde 11+1(4); 2 – Anders Mellgren 10+2(5); 3 – Rider replacement for Robin Aspegren; 4 – Jason Doyle 14+1(5); 5 – Leigh Lanham 11(6); 6 – Mark Jones 4(5); 7 – Todd Kurtz 6(5). Newport Hornets lost 41-30 at Stoke.

Newport gained a fine bonus point at Scunthorpe as Gjedde and Doyle secured a Heat 15 5-1 to cap a fine all-round effort. Aspegren withdrew after Heat 7 after crashing in to Jason Doyle in Heat 3. Newport Wasps 44: 1 - Charlie Gjedde 14(5); 2 - Anders Mellgren 5(4); 3 - Robin Aspegren 0(1); 4 - Jason Doyle 11+1(5); 5 - Leigh Lanham 5(4); 6 - Mark Jones 5+2(7); 7 - Todd Kurtz 4(4).

WASPS ARE UP FOR THE CUP

Sep 19 - Newport Wasps maintained their superb form by putting Workington out of the Knockout Cup in decisive fashion this weekend. At Queensway Meadows the Wasps were in dominant form in a match delayed by the inclement weather. As track staff combated the poor weather it was Newport who sailed in to a 15-3 lead after three heats. With Charlie Gjedde in brilliant form and great support from the rest of the team Newport pulled out a 59-31 advantage. NEWPORT WASPS 59: Charlie Gjedde 13+2, Anders Mellgren 7+1, Robin Aspergen 13, Jason Doyle 5+3, Leigh Lanham 8+2, Mark Jones 5+2, Todd Kurtz 8

At Workington Newport maintained their advantage, going down only narrowly. They lost Todd  Kurtz  after two races because he was suffering from bad flu symptoms. They now face Glasgow in the Cup Final.NEWPORT 44 (59): Charlie Gjedde 11, Anders Mellgren 4+2, Robin Aspegren 2+1, Jason Doyle 10, Leigh Lanham 7+1, Mark Jones 7, Todd Kurtz 3

NEWPORT RACE TO STUNNING DOUBLE OVER REDCAR

Sep 1 - Newport completed a stunning double over Redcar winning 54-40 last night at Queensway Meadows and then 51-42 away this evening. Last night's meeting featured some of the best racing seen at Newport for several years with the Wasps riders demonstrating outstanding commitment in tight tussles with Bears' stars Aaron Summers, Jason Lyons and Gary Havelock. Charlie Gjedde passed Havelock on bend 4 with just enough width to squeeze his bike through in Heat 14. Havelock and Mellgren were wheel to wheel in Heat 8 for most of the race before the Swede edged home. Leigh Lanham passed Corey Gathercole and Havelock in a sensational heat 7. Robin Aspegren rode the wide line to pass Juul and then Summers in heat 12. In Heat 15 Jason Doyle swooped under the excellent Lyons. And that's only a taste of an excellent night's speedway. Charlie Gjedde outpaced Lyons in Heat 5 to break Kim Nilsson's track record with a time of 57.34 seconds. Newport Wasps = 54 , 1. Jason Doyle - 3 , 1' , 2' , 1 , 3 = 10+2, 2. Anders Mellgren - 1 , 2 , 1 , 3 = 7, 3. Robin Aspergen - 3 , 1 , 1' , 3 = 8+1, 4. Charlie Gjedde - 2' , 3 , 2 , 3 = 10+1, 5. Leigh Lanham - 2' , 3 , 2 , 0 , 1 = 9+1, 6. Mark Jones - 1 , 0 , 0 , 1 = 2, 7. Todd Kurtz - 3 , 3 , 3 , 0 = 9

WASPS TO FACE REDCAR

Aug 30 - Newport 3Wasps face Redcar in a rare midweek meeting at Queensway Meadows tomorrow night, start 7.30pm.

EMPHATIC AWAY WIN FOR NEWPORT

Aug 28 - Newport Wasps won emphatically at Leicester by 57-36 as they continue their march up their Premier League table. The four point win lifted the Wasps up to 11th place. Charlie Gjedde sealed another fine maximum. newport Wasps 57: 1 - Jason Doyle 11+1(5); 2 - Anders Mellgren 6+2(4); 3 - Robin Aspegren 4+2(4); 4 - Charlie Gjedde 12(4); 5 - Leigh Lanham (capt) 12+2(5); 6 - Mark Jones 2(3); 7 - Todd Kurtz 10+1(5).

WASPS EASE PAST LEICESTER

Aug 27 - Newport Wasps eased past Leicester Lions 57-34 as they proved that they are the form team of the moment in British speedway. With Swede Anders Mellgren replacing Justin Sedgman the Wasps have a strong look to their line up. Newport Wasps 57: 1 - Jason Doyle 7(4) 2 - Anders Mellgren 7+1(4); 3 - Robin Aspegren 10+1(5; 4 - Charlie Gjedde 13(5); 5 - Leigh Lanham (capt) 11(4); 6 - Mark Jones 4+2(4); 7 - Todd Kurtz 5+1(4).

WONDERFUL GJEDDE HAS FANS IN RAPTURES

Aug 21 - Newport Wasps confirmed their dominant home form with a decisive 56-37 win over Somerset Rebels at Queensway Meadows. Charlie Gjedde was in outstanding form securing a brilliant 15 point maximum, winning three races from the back including two scintillating tussles with Sam Masters and a recovery from third to first in Heat 3 passing Heffenbrock and Dakota North. All the Wasps contributed with Lanham, Doyle and Kurtz all solid and Sedgman and Aspegren effective in support. Many Wasps stayed on to enjoy the sweet success of a big victory over the Rebels and to give adulation to the splendid Gjedde. NEWPORT WASPS
1: Jason Doyle: 2 2 3 1 = 8, 3: Justin Sedgmen: 1’ 0 2’ 2’ = 5+3. 3: Robin Aspegren: M 1 2’ 3 = 6+1, 4: Charlie Gjedde: 3 3 3 3 3 = 15
5: Leigh Lanham: 2’ 3 1 3 2’ = 11+2, 6: Mark Jones: 1 1 0 0 = 2, 7: Todd Kurtz: 3 0 3 3 0 = 9

WASPS SNATCH BONUS AT HIGHBRIDGE

Aug 20 - Newport Wasps snatched a bonus point with a last heat 5-1 from Gjedde and Lanham at Somerset last night. The point was merited as the Wasps put in a big effort at the Oak Tree Arena only to face a fine effort from the Rebels particularly from Alex Davies and Sam Masters. They went down 48-44. Newport Wasps 44: 1 - Jason Doyle 5+1(4) 2 - Justin Sedgmen 1+1(4); 3 - Robin Aspegren 8(4); 4 - Charlie Gjedde 12(5); 5 - Leigh Lanham 11+1(5); 6 - Mark Jones 2+2(3); 7 - Todd Kurtz 5+2(5)

HORNETS WIN AGAIN

Aug 15 - Newport Hornets beat Hackney Hawks 54-39 as they continued their recent good run. Todd Kurtz scored paid 13 and Jay Herne paid 14 for the Hornets.

WASPS DESTROY PLYMOUTH

Aug 14 - Newport Wasps hammered Plymouth achieving their biggest victory ever at Queensway Meadows last night. The Devils managed just one race winner as the Wasps pulverised their opponents by 68-22. Doyle and Gjedde achieved paid maximums while Leigh Lanham was denied in his first race by Ricky Wells. Aspegren on his Swedish machinery was in fine form and Mark Jones enjoyed a good night, holding off Ben Barker in a fine defensive ride in Heat 11. Newport 68 - 1. Jason Doyle 3, 3, 3, 2' = 11+1, 2. Justin Sedgmen 1, 1, 3, 2' = 7+1, 3. Robin Aspegren 2', 2', 3, 3, 1 = 11+2, 4. Charlie Gjedde 3, 3, 2', 3 = 11+1, 5. Leigh Lanham 2, 3, 3, 3, 3 = 14, 6. Mark Jones (r) 1, 1, 2', 2' = 6+2, 7. Todd Kurtz (r) 3, 1', 2', 2' = 8+3

HORNETS BEAT OFF MILDENHALL, LITERALLY!

Aug 6 - Newport Hornets held off Mildenhall 47-46 last night recovering a significant deficit to win the match. The victory was marred by disorder after Heat 14 when an altercation between riders led to a mass brawl eventually subdued by the referee. A Heat 15 4-2 from Todd Kurtz (who scored an 18 point maximum) and Jay Herne secured the one point victory.

HORNETS WIN

July 31 - Newport Hornets beat Isle of Wight Islanders 47-43 this afternoon (July 31), Todd Kurtz scored a 15 point maximum, he and Jay Herne secured a last heat 5-1. Scorers - 1. Todd Kurtz 3, 3, 3, 3, 3 = 15, 2. Steven Jones Fx, 0, F, 0 = 0, 3. Brendan Johnson 3, 1, 3, 2* = 9+1, 4. Matt Bates 1, 0, 2*, X = 3+1, 5. Jay Herne 3, 2, 3, 0, 2*= 10+1, 6. Richard Andrews 2, 0, 0 = 2, 7. Jamie White-Williams 0, 0, 2, 3, 3 = 8

WASPS DRAW AT LEICESTER

July 30 - A final race 4-2 salvaged a draw for Leicester in another exciting meeting. Previously unbeaten Charlie Gjedde lost out to Magnus Karlsson. The meeting was extremely tight with no more than four points separating the teams at any stage. NEWPORT WASPS 1: Jason Doyle: X 3 3 2 0 = 8, 2: Justin Sedgmen: 2 2’ 1 1 = 6+1, 3: Robin Aspegren: 0 1 F 3 = 4, 4: Charlie Gjedde: 3 3 3 3 2 = 14, 5: Leigh Lanham: 2 1 2 1’ = 6+1, 6: Mark Jones: 1 0 1’ 0 = 2+1, 7: Todd Kurtz: 3 1’ 0 1 = 5+1

EXCELLENT SPEEDWAY AND A FIGHT AT QUEENSWAY MEADOWS

July 29 - Newport beat off a much improved Leicester side at Queensway Meadows in an entertaining match. The conclusion was marred by a bizarre incident when a frustrated Magbus Karlsson attacked the Newport start marshall setting off a melee involving other riders, mechanics and track staff. Prior to that the match was marked by competitive racing and a number of fine races particularly involving Newport riders fighting their way through on the outside. Charlie Gjedde was spectacular. In Heat 3 he came from last to first passing the Lions' Russian Ilya Bondarenko on the final bend. NEWPORT WASPS 1: Jason Doyle: 2 2 3 1 3 = 11, 2: Justin Sedgmen: 0 0 1 = 1, 3: Robin Aspegren: 1 1’ 1’ 2’ = 5+3 4: Charlie Gjedde: 3 2 2 3 = 10, 5: Leigh Lanham: 3 3 2 3 1 = 12, 6: Mark Jones: 3 0 0 F = 3. 7: Todd Kurtz: 2’ 1 3 1 3 = 10+1
 

NEWPORT TOO STRONG FOR WITCHES

July 23 - A depleted Ipswich side was no match for Newport as the Wasps breezed through 58-32 to the semi finals of the Cup where they will face Workington. NEWPORT WASPS 1: Jason Doyle: 2 2 3 3 2’ = 12+1
2: Justin Sedgmen: 0 1’ 3 2’ = 6+2, 3: Robin Aspegren: 0 1 3 3 = 7, 4: Charlie Gjedde: 3 3 2’ 3 3 = 14+1, 5: Leigh Lanham: 3 3 2 2’ = 10+1. 6: Mark Jones: 3 0 1’ 1 = 5+1, 7: Todd Kurtz: R 2’ 2’ 0 = 4+2
 

WASPS PUT ON FINE SHOW AT IPSWICH

July 22 - A stirring performance from Newport Wasps at Ipswich tonight has given them a great opportunity to progress in the Knockout Cup. Newport were beaten home and away by Ipswich earlier in the season but proved much more formidable opposition in the first leg this evening. Gjedde, Lanham and Doyle all scored heavily with useful support from Sedgmen and Kurtz. Gjedde and Lanham pulled off a Heat 15 5-1 to secure victory by 48-42.  NEWPORT WASPS 1. Jason Doyle - 2,2*,2,2* = 8+2, 2. Justin Sedgmen - 0,3,1*,0 = 4+1, 3. Robin Aspegren - Ex,1*,1*,0 = 2+2, 4. Charlie Gjedde - 3,2,2,3,2* = 12+1, 5. Leigh Lanham - 1,3,3,3,3 = 13, 6. Mark Jones - 2,1,0 = 3, 7. Todd Kurtz - 1*,0,2,3,0 = 6+1
 

NEWPORT HOLD OFF DIAMONDS

July 18 - Newport went in front, lost a healthy lead and then snatched victory in an exciting battle with Newcastle. Todd Kurtz was in outstanding form, grabbing paid 13 from his five rides. Newport took an early 10-2 lead but were pegged back before the Diamonds secured a four point advantage by Heat 12. Two maximums and a 4-2 won the match 48-42 for the Wasps. NEWPORT WASPS 1: Jason Doyle: 3 3 1 3 3 = 13, 2: Justin Sedgmen: 2' 1 0 X = 3+1, 3: Robin Aspegren: 0 0 0 1' = 1+1, 4: Charlie Gjedde: 1 2 2 3 = 8, 5: Leigh Lanham: 3 1 3 1 2' = 10+1, 6: Mark Jones: 2' 0 X = 3+1, 7: Todd Kurtz: 3 2' 2 2 2'= 11+2
 

SECOND STING FROM SCORPIONS

July 16 - Newport were out-ridden by Scunthorpe for the second time this month. The Scorpions won 52-41 despite a battling effort by Leigh Lanham.  Newport 41 1. Jason Doyle 3, 2, 1, 2^, 1 = 9, 2. Justin Sedgmen 0, 0, 1, 0 = 1 = 1
3. Robin Aspegren 2, Fx, 1', 1' = 4+2, 4. Charlie Gjedde 1', 1, 2, 3 = 7+1, 5. Leigh Lanham 2, 2, 4^, 3, 3 = 14, 6. Mark Jones 2, 0, 0, 2 = 4, 7. Todd Kurtz 1', 1, R, 0 = 2+1
 

WASPS EASE PAST REDCAR

July 10 - Despite a fine 18 point maximum from the Bears' Jason Lyons Newport won a comfortable victory with solid performances throughout the team giving them victory by 55-38. Newport 1: Jason Doyle: 3 2’ 1’ 2 2 = 10+2, 2: Justin Sedgmen: 2’ 3 1 2 = 8+1, 3: Robin Aspegren: 1’ 2 2 2 = 7+1, 4: Charlie Gjedde: 2 1’ 1’ 3 = 7+2, 5: Leigh Lanham: 3 2 3 1’ 1’ = 10+2
6: Mark Jones: 3 0 2’ 1 = 6+1, 7: Todd Kurtz: 1 2’ 3 1’ = 7+2

NEWPORT WIN AT PLYMOUTH

July 9 - The Wasps recovered from last week's home disaster to comfortably beat Plymouth Devils 53-40 away at the St. Boniface Arena last night. The depleted Devils were heavily reliant on the brilliance of Ben Barker (18 point maximum) supported by Jesper Kristiansen (9 points). NEWPORT WASPS = 53  - 1. Jason Doyle - 1*,3,3,2,1* = 10+2, 2. Justin Sedgmen - 2,1,3,2* = 8+1, 3. Robin Aspegren - 1,1,1*,2 = 5+1, 4. Charlie Gjedde - 3,3,2,3,2 = 13, 5. Leigh Lanham - 3,2,3,1* = 9+1, 6. Mark Jones - 2,0,0,1 = 3, 7. Todd Kurtz - 0,2*,2*,1* =5+2

WASPS STUNG BY SCORPIONS

July 3 - Newport Wasps were stung by a fine Scunthorpe performance at Queensway Meadows. The revamped Scorpions outfit (victors by 49-43) were fired on by the eccentric antics of team manager Richard Hollingsworth. Clearly critical of the track Hollingsworth alleged it had been prepared to assist the Wasps, even though his own side took full advantage of the attractions of starting from gate 3. Thomas Jorgensen scored paid 16 from his first five rides out of reserve but all the Scorpions made key contributions to take away the spoils. The Wasps started and ended the meeting with a 5-1 but lacked the strength in depth of their opponents despite a big effort from Doyle and Lanham to keep them in touch. Mark Jones in particular is completely out of touch at this level.

FISHER NETS OPEN

Jun 27 - American Ryan Fisher won the Welsh Open at Newport yesterday despite the fact that Aussie Kevin Doolan had appeared unstoppable in the qualifying rounds. Doolan won all five of his races only to be pipped by Coventry's Fisher in the blistering heat.

STOKE WIN NL PAIRS

Jun 19 - Simon Lambert and Tim Webster were victorious in the National League Pairs event at Newport on Saturday. The Stoke Potters duo finished top of their qualifying group, which also included Mildenhall, Dudley Heathens, Buxton and the Isle of Wight. Against hosts Newport Hornets in the final, Lambert and Webster finished second and third to win the title. Todd Kurtz battled to the front in an exciting race but partner Jay Herne could not find a way through.

NEWPORT FIXTURES OFF

Fixtures against Berwick, home and away, and Newcastle, away were all postponed due to the weather.

REVAMPED WASPS SCORE BIG VICTORY

June 5 - It may be mid-way through the season but at last Newport Wasps have a team that can challenge the very best. Charlie Gjedde capped his debut against Glassgow last night with an outstanding 15-point maximum and received solid support from Doyle, Lanham and Aspegren. The Dane was outstanding, well suited to the Newport track and very quick. The Wasps were never threatened by a Glasgow side weakened by the loss of Graszonjek, Morris and Henry. Their guest Chris Schramm had a heavy fall and withdrew from the meeting on his third ride. Joe Screen battled superbly and enjoyed some thrilling races with Leigh Lanham. A big Newport win, 57-37. Roll on the rest of the season. Newport Wasps : 1: Jason Doyle: 3 3 3 1 = 10, 2: Justin Sedgmen: 2’ 1 1 0 = 4+1, 3: Robin Aspegren: 2’ 1 2’ 3 = 8+2, 4: Charlie Gjedde: 3 3 3 3 3 = 15, 5: Leigh Lanham: 2 3 2 3 1 = 11, 6: Mark Jones: 2’ 0 1’ 1 = 4+2, 7: Todd Kurtz: 3 0 0 2’ = 5+1

GJEDDE SIGNS

June 3 - Newport Wasps have signed Danish star Charlie Gjedde to replace the injured Kyle Legault. Legault suffered a serious injury to a finger on his right hand in a crash two weeks ago at Edinburgh. The Canadian has suggested to promoter Steve Mallett that he may return home to Canada to recover.
 

The match v Plymouth this evening (May 28) is off due to a rain affected track.

WASPS GO DOWN FIGHTING AT IPSWICH

May 27 - Newport went down fighting at Ipswich last night despite their depleted team, losing by only 49-41. NEWPORT WASPS: Justin Sedgmen 13, Jason Doyle 10, Leigh Lanham 8 +2, Todd Kurtz 6+1, Mark Jones 4 +1, James White-Williams 0, Rider replacement rule for Kyle Legault.

WASPS WIN AT HOME AT LAST!

May 21 - Despite stuttering at times Newport squeezed a home win against Sheffield in an entertaining match at Queensway Meadows. The Wasps ran out 48-44 winners taking victory with a last heat 4-2. Leigh Lanham was in fine for the Wasps scoring 16. The team was depleted by the loss of Kyle Legault. NEWPORT WASPS = 48 1. Jason Doyle - 1,2*,3,Ex = 6+1, 2. Justin Sedgmen - 3,2*,3,3,1,1 = 13+1, 3. Robin Aspegren - 3,2*,0,1,3 = 9+1
4. R/R, 5. Leigh Lanham - 3,3,3,2,2,3 = 16, 6. Mark Jones - 2,0,1,0,1 = 4, 7. Todd Kurtz - EF,0,0,0 = 0
 

REVAMPED WASPS FAIL IN EDINBURGH

May 20 - Edinburgh lost their number 1 Kevin Wolbert in Heat 1 but still won 51-42 against Newport. New riders Jason Doyle and Justin Sedgman were solid if unspectacular and Kyle Legault, once again, was the Wasps' stand out rider. NEWPORTWASPS...42 - 1. Jason Doyle (c) 2,1,2,2,F = 7, 2. Justin Sedgmen 1¹,3,0,3,1¹,2 = 10+2, 3. Robin Aspegren 0,Ex,1,2,2 = 5, 4. Kyle Legault 1,6,2,3,2,Ex = 14, 5. Leigh Lanham R/R 6. Mark Jones 1,2¹,0,0 = 3+1, 7. Todd Kurtz 0,0,2¹,1¹ = 3+2
 

WASPS' RE-SHUFFLE

May 15 - The Newport Wasps have signed Elite League rider Jason Doyle of Poole Pirates and Australia to spearhead the team alongside Leigh Lanham. Newport also announced the signing of young Australian Justin Sedgmen who was with Birmingham last season.

The reshuffle means that Swedish rider Kim Nilsson is released after an issue about his availability and that struggling Mark Jones is bizarrely recalled at the expense of the highly promising Alex Davies.

Steve Mallett stated : ' It's all go at Newport at present. Kim had indicated that he would be missing for several fixtures and I felt that I had to act because we need to be firing on all cylinders in order to pull our season around. Jason became available after recently covering for Steve Boxall at Rye House and he is clearly a class act at Premier League level. To fit him in we have handed a reprieve to Mark Jones and I'm confident he can now do a good job from the reserve berth.'

WASPS OFF

May 8 - The Newport Wasps fixtures with Somerset (away) and Scunthorpe (home) were both cancelled due to heavy rain.

EASY WIN FOR COMETS

May 1 - Workington comfortably disposed of Newport 57-38 with the Wasps never in contention. The Wasps deployed two tactical rides with Kyle Legault again winning his race (as at Newport the previous night). A solid effort from Todd Kurtz but a poor return for Mark Jones who experience bike problems. Newport Wasps : 38
1. Leigh Lanham 1,1,4!,3,2 = 11, 2. Kim Nilsson R/R, 3. Mark Jones 0,0,0 = 0, 4. Robin Aspegren 1,2,2,0,2,0 = 7, 5. Kyle Legault 2,1,6!,2,0 = 11, 6. Alex Davies 0,1,0,1',0 = 2+1, 7. Todd Kurtz 3,1',0,1,1,1' = 7+2
 

ANOTHER POOR SHOW FROM WASPS

Apr 29 - Newport's fitful start to the season was emphasised as they were defeated by Workington at Queensway Meadows. Despite a strong finish to the meeting the Wasps weaknesses were again exposed. The starting was generally woeful and given that there was very little passing on a heavily watered track they were at a severe disadvantage. With Kim Nilsson unavailable they were lacking firepower. Alex Davies returning at reserve after his recent back injury failed to score. Mark Jones struggled again and looks to be short of what is required at this level. On the plus side, Todd Kurtz had another good meeting. Newport Wasps
1: Leigh Lanham: 2 3 2 1 1 = 9 / 2: Mark Jones: 1’ 1 0 0 = 2+1/ 3: Robin Aspegren: 3 0 1’ 3 2’ = 9+2/ 4: Kim Nilsson R/R / 5: Kyle Legault: 3 1 3 6! 0 0 = 13
6: Alex Davies: X 0 0 0 = 0 / 7: Todd Kurtz: 1 1 1 2 2’ 3 = 10+1

EDINBURGH TOO STRONG FOR WASPS

Apr 23 - The harsh realities of life in the Premier League were underlined as the Wasps were easily beaten by Edinburgh with German star Kevin Wolbert prominent for the Monarchs.  Newport Wasps/ 1: Leigh Lanham: 1 3 2 2 3 = 11
2: Mark Jones: 0 1 1 0 = 2, 3: Robin Aspegren: 0 1 2 2 = 5, 4: Kyle Legault: 1 R 1’ 2! = 4+1, 5: Kim Nilsson: 2 3 2 0 = 7, 6: Anders Mellgren: 2’ 0 3 = 5+1
7: Todd Kurtz: 3 1’ 3 0 1’ 0 = 8+2

WASPS DOWNED AT REDCAR

Apr 21 - Redcar beat off a plucky challenge from the Wasps who were ahead after Heat 10 following an Aspegren/Legault 5-1 to win 50-40. Newport Wasps / 1: Leigh Lanham: 2 2 1 3 3 = 11, 2: Mark Jones: 0 0 3 0 = 3, 3: Robin Aspegren: 1’ 1’ 3 1 = 6+2, 4: Kyle Legault: 2 2 2’ 1 F = 7+1, 5: Kim Nilsson: 1’ 1 3 0 = 5+1, 6: Anders Mellgren: 1’ 0 1 0 = 2+1, 7: Todd Kurtz: 2 2 2’ 0 = 6+1

UNEXPECTED AWAY VICTORY FOR WASPS

Apr 16 - Newport recovered from recent disappointments to record a brilliant 49-41 away victory at Rye House. Newport Wasps 49 / 1: Leigh Lanham: 1 2' 3 3 2’ = 11+2, 2: Robin Aspegren R/R. 3: Mark Jones: 0 0 F 2 = 2, 4: Kyle Legault: 2 3 2 2 3 = 12
5: Kim Nilsson: 2 R 3 1 2’ = 8+1, 6: Anders Mellgren: 3 2 3 2’ 0 1’ = 11+2, 7: Todd Kurtz: 0 1’ 3 1 0 = 5+1

NEWPORT OUTCLASSED AGAIN

Apr 15 - Newport were easily beaten by Rye House as their disastrous opening to the season continued. They started the meeting poorly and were unable to stay in touch with the Rockets. Newport Wasps 37 /
1: Leigh Lanham: 1’ 2 2’ 1 0 = 6+2 / 2: Robin Aspegren R/R / 3: Mark Jones: 2 0 3 1’ 1 = 7+1/ 4: Kyle Legault: 1 0 2 1 = 4, 5: Kim Nilsson: 0 3 3 3 0 1 = 10 / 6: Anders Mellgren: 2 0 1 1 0 = 4 / 7: Todd Kurtz: 1’ 1 1’ 3 0 = 6+2
 

NEWPORT OUTCLASSED BY WITCHES

Apr 10 - Newport Wasps were taught a painful lesson by Ipswich Witches as they made it three losses out of three in a dreadful start to the new campaign. The Wasps lost Robin Aspegren after a heat 1 crash and with Joe Haines and Kim Nilsson failing to fire had little hope of containing a solid Ipswich side. The only resistance came from Leigh Lanham and Kyle Legault, both of whom rode with outstanding commitment. On the plus side, the crowd was reasonable and the track afforded excellent racing. Final score 50-42. Newport Wasps / 1: Leigh Lanham: 1 2 3 1 2’ = 9+1 / 2: Robin Aspegren: M = 0 (withdrawn) 3: Joe Haines: 0 0 3 = 3 / 4: Kyle Legault: 3 2 2 4! 3 = 14 / 5: Kim Nilsson: 2 1 3 0 = 6 / 6: Mark Jones: 0 3 0 1 1’ 0 0 = 5+1 / 7: Todd Kurtz: 1 0 1’ 3 0 0 = 5+1

HAINES REPLACES DAVIES

Apr 7 - Newport Wasps management have moved to sign British Under-21 Champion Joe Haines on a short term contract to replace Alex Davies, out with a broken vertebrae. He will come in on a six-plus average which means that Mark Jones will drop to a reserve berth in the riding order.

DEFEAT FOR WASPS

Apr 7 - Only Kyle Legault offered any resistance as Newport Wasps were comprehensively beaten at Sheffield 56-35. The Wasps were never in contention. Scorers - Newport Wasps / 1: Leigh Lanham: R 1 3 1 0 = 5
2: Robin Aspegren: 1 R F 2’ = 3+1 / 3: Joe Haines: R 1’0 2 = 3+1 / 4: Kyle Legault: 3 4! 1 3 2 = 13 / 5: Kim Nilsson: 1’ 3 F! 0 = 4+1 / 6: Mark Jones: 2 0 1 1’ = 4+1
7: Todd Kurtz: 0 2 1 0 = 3

SOMERSET TOO STRONG FOR NEWPORT

Apr 2 - Somerset's reserves proved the difference between the two sides in the Wasps League opener at Queensway Meadows. Only Kim Nilsson had the measure of the Rebels early on but he was unfortunate to have an engine failure while leading Heat 11. With Kurtz and particularly Paul Starke struggling it was Somerset's duo of Dakota North and Kyle Howarth who racked up 14 paid 18 points from reserve to aid the Rebels' thoroughly deserved 50-43 victory. Newport Wasps / 1: Leigh Lanham: 2 2 2' 0 1' = 7+2
2: Mark Jones: 1' 0 1 3 = 5+1 / 3: Robin Aspegren: 1' 2 0 3 = 6+1 / 4: Kyle Legault: 2 F 6! 1 = 9 / 5: Kim Nilsson: 3 3 R 3 2 = 11 / 6: Paul Starke: 0 1 0 = 1 /
7: Todd Kurtz: 1 1 0 F 2' = 4+1

FISHER WINS

Mar 19 - Ryan Fisher carried off the Prince of Wales Trophy beating Niels Kristian Iversen, Leigh Lanham and Daniel Nermark respectively in the final. Mar 26 - The Wasps beat a Rest of the World team 53-39.

IVERSEN HEADS LINE UP

Mar 5 - Elite star and former Wasp Niels Kristian Iversen heads the line up for the Prince of Wales Trophy opener on Saturday March 19 at Queensway Meadows, start time 7pm. The line up is as follows - 1. Kim Nilsson (Newport) 2. Lee Smart (Plymouth) 3. Leigh Lanham (Newport) 4. Joe Screen (Glasgow) 5. Niels K Iversen (Kings Lynn) 6. Todd Kurtz (Newport) 7. Shane Parker (Sheffield) 8. Robin Aspegren (Newport) 9. Kyle Legault (Newport) 10. Ben Barker (Plymouth) 11. Jason Doyle (Australia) 12. Alex Davies (Newport) 13. James Wright (Birmingham/Workington) 14. Ryan Fisher (USA) 15. David Howe (Scunthorpe) 16. Mark Jones (Newport).
The 16 riders will contest an initial 20 heats with the four top-scoring riders qualifying for a Grand Final.

HORNETS TO RUN

Feb 7 - Newport Hornets are set to run in this year's National League with the following team - 1. Jay Herne / 2. Todd Kurtz / 3. David Gough / 4. Richard Andrews/ 5. Matthew Bates/ 6. Tom Young/ 7. James White Williams

The Newport Wasps go into their Premier League speedway campaign from mid-March with a Newport-born rider in their ranks.  The club's website states "James White-Williams from the Ringland area of the city is named as number eight and is the first Newportonian since the late Mike Powell in 1975 to be promoted to the senior squad. Mike was a second-half rider at Somerton Park in the days when no third tier existed in British Speedway whereas James has the plus of having been a member of the Newport Hornets National League team at Queensway Meadows in 2010 - a role he will continue with in 2011."

SMART WIN FOR LEE

Jan 3 - Lee Smart (Plymouth Devils) emerged as the surprise winner of the New Year Classic yesterday. He outgunned fancied finalists Ben Barker, Kevin Doolan and David Howe capitalising on a second bend error from Doolan to slide through for an impressive victory. Howe (Scunthorpe)finished in second place and Barker (also of Plymouth and possibly Coventry) came through in third. Prior to that it was pretty uneventful meeting with only one notable pass from Barker to lift the spirits of the 1000-plus crowd.

CLASSIC LINE UP CONFIRMED

Jan 1 - The line up and draw has been confirmed for the New Year Classic at Queensway Meadows. It reads as follows - 1 Richard Hall (Leicester Lions) 2 Lee Smart (Plymouth Devils) 3 Adam Roynon (Redcar Bears) 4 Leigh Lanham (Newport Wasps) 5 David Howe (Scunthorpe Scorpions) 6 Ben Barker (Coventry Bees) 7 Carl Wilkinson (Scunthorpe Scorpions) 8 Lewis Bridger (Coventry Bees) 9 Patrick Tarp (Denmark) 10 Andreas Westlund (Sweden) 11 Kevin Doolan (Ipswich Witches) 12 Steve Boxall (Rye House Rockets). Guest of honour is Nathan Cleverley, The British, Commonwealth, European and Interim World Light-Heavyweight boxing champion . Tapes are up tomorrow at 1pm with a big crowd anticipated.

2011 TEAM

Newport Wasps 2011 team has been announced -

Kyle Legault, Leigh Lanham, Kim Nilsson, Robin Aspegren, Mark Jones, Todd Kurt, Alex Davies.