SPEEDWAY fans from Southampton and beyond can wallow unashamedly in happy memories long gone by thanks to a new book produced by Images of Sport.

Southampton Speedway, compiled by Paul Eustace with the valuable assistance of men like Jim Knott, charts the history of speedway at Banister Court Stadium from the pioneer days of 1928 through to its sad and premature demise in 1963.

Efforts have been made since by Dave Croucher, son of former rider Bert Croucher, to revive the club, but without being able to find a track in or around the city, they had to be aborted late last year.

All that is left is a glowing history of a speedway team from Southampton who aspired to become the best in the land.

Southampton were one of the founder members of the first speedway league in 1929.

Southampton promoter Jimmy Baxter had the idea that dirt track racing needed competitive league racing and under the influence of the "The Guvernor" Charlie Knott, Southampton or the Saints as they were known, evolved into national champions with many of the sport's biggest names wearing their distinctive striped race jackets.

The new book with over 200 illustrations and accompanying words, revives memories of those great days and it sure to be of great interest to all speedway enthusiasts.

Released by Tempus Publishing Limited, it sells at £10.99.