Tim Stone build the Newport Wasps club up from scratch back in 1997

The world of Speedway is in shock following the death of Newport Speedway promoter Tim Stone at the weekend.

The 55-year-old, who founded the Newport Wasps in 1997, suffered a suspected heart attack after visiting his mother in hospital on Saturday.

Craig Watson was one of Stone's first signings back for the Wasps and said the team was still trying to come to terms with the news of his death.

"I still really can't believe it," he said. "Everyone's just in shock."

Stone, known as "Mr Newport Speedway" was the man who brought Speedway to Wales and financed and built the Hayley Stadium, the club's home.

"We were racing for him on Saturday and he wasn't there due to his mother being ill. To hear the next day that he'd died was a real shock," added Watson.

"I was one of his first signings and he gave me my first break in British Speedway and I'll always be grateful to him."

Tim was a very passionate man, he cared deeply about his work and was very protective of Newport Speedway BSPA

The British Speedway Promoters' Association said that it was "saddened" to hear of Stone's death.

"He is the man who revived the sport in south Wales back in 1997 and he will always be remembered for that," said a spokesman.

"Tim was a very passionate man, he cared deeply about his work and was very protective of Newport Speedway. He is a very sad loss to the sport."

It is not clear what effect the promoter's death will have on the future of the Wasps and the team said Stone will be "greatly missed" by everyone who knew him.

A statement on the team's website said: "He will be greatly missed by a large number of people both from within the Speedway community and his friends from other areas.

"At this time we are unsure how this affects the stadium or the Newport Wasps Speedway team.

"As soon as we learn anything we will let everybody know."