OFFICIALS, riders and fans of Newport Wasps say they are determined the club will carry on as a tribute to promoter and club owner Tim Stone, who died of a suspected heart attack on Saturday evening.

The 55-year-old's body was believed to have been found close the city's Royal Gwent Hospital, where it's thought he was visiting his ill mother, Marion Wood.

Yesterday's British Premier League Knockout Cup first-round second leg meeting with Rye House Rockets at Hayley Stadium was postponed when match referee Daniel Holt was informed of the news.

"I'm deeply shocked," said Wasps' Australian star Craig Watson, now in his second spell with the club after Stone brought him to Wales when he formed the Wasps in 1997.

"I owe a great deal to Tim Stone because he gave me my first chance to establish myself in British speedway and I'll always be grateful to him."

Also paying tribute at Hayley Stadium was Rye House's Chris Neath, a former Wasps team-mate of Watson.

"I was gobsmacked when I heard the news," said Neath.

"Tim was regarded as Mr Newport Speedway and he will be sadly missed."

Bar manager Andy Havelot said he had lost a very good friend: "Tim loved Newport Speedway and he will be sorely missed by all involved with this club."

An impromptu public meeting was held at he venue yesterday when a five-strong committee consisting of skipper Tony Atkin, track manager Peter Brook, start marshall Ken Petherick, clerk of the course Brian Woodward and club administrator Jayne Morris was formed.

It's understood there could be a break in scheduled meetings at Hayley Stadium for a number of weeks annd the committee is to make contact with the British Speedway Promoters' Association to seek advise on how the club can be taken forward.