FORMER Newport speedway ace Lawrence Hare, now with Exeter, is in hospital with a serious back injury.

Hare, 32, crashed into the safety fence at speed during the Premier Trophy meeting with Newport at Hayley Stadium yesterday afternoon.

The incident happened on the pits corner in heat ten of a close meeting, Hare trying to split the Newport pairing of Craig Watson and Lee Dicken.

Within seconds of the spill, ambulance personnel were attending to the motionless rider.

Hare's family travelled from Ipswich to be at his side in Newport's Royal Gwent Hospital last night.

Newport promoter Tim Stone said: "It is quite a distressing time not only for the rider but also his family, his teammates and everyone involved in the sport.

"His family have asked me to relate that he will not be receiving visitors other than family for at least the next couple of days."

Newport rode to a 47-42 over Exeter yesterday, as they won the Premier Trophy fixture 95-84 after beating the Falcons away last week.

Australian rider Frank Smart was in stunning form as Wasps squeezed a five-point victory out of a determined Exeter side, but the injury to Hare marred the meeting.

Wasps now need a win at Trelawny tomorrow night to gain a place in the semi-finals of the Premier Trophy after picking up the bonus point against Exeter.

But the thoughts of those at yesterday's meet will be with Hare today as doctors further examine the extent of his injuries and everyone involved in speedway will want to wish him a full recovery.