SPEEDWAY STAR FOUND DEAD

Former Newport Wasps speedway star Paul Fry has been found dead at his home at the age of 45.

Fry, who is currently still registered with Newport Wasps, had an illustrious 26-year career in the sport with various teams. He started his racing career with Cradley Heath in 1984. He raced for a number of teams particularly in the second tier of British speedway. The Fryer was Tim Stone's first signing when Newport returned to speedway in 1997. He joined Stoke the following year and then Swindon where his career was revitalised. In terms of individual honours, Fry reached the Overseas final in 2001 and the Commonwealth Final in 1991.

It looked like he would miss out on a berth for 2009, but he received a phone call from Newport at the end of March, just after the season had started. He replaced the injured Craig Watson. “We are so, so saddened to hear of the death of “The Fryer”, who was one of the nicest blokes in the sport” said Wasps promoter Steve Mallett “He was one of the first riders we got to know at Newport in 1997, and was a brilliant bloke. And he was a mighty fine speedway rider as well.

Newport General Manager Laurence Rogers who had worked with Paul at various clubs since first signing him as a junior at Cradley Heath in 1984 stated: 'This is a very sad day for all of those on either side of the fence who knew Paul as the bubbly friendly character that he was. He was also a true racer and always gave it 100% on track at all times during his long career.' A minute's silence will be held in memory of Paul at the speedway stadium on Sunday afternoon prior to the Premier Trophy fixture against Kings Lynn.

He leaves a widow and two teenage children. The exact circumstances of his death are not yet known.