NEWPORT Wasps' meeting against Newcastle Diamonds on Bank Holiday Monday is still on despite the tragic death of rider David Nix.

The King's Lynn rider was killed riding against Newcastle Gems on Wednesday night and it was thought Monday's meeting might have to be postponed as a mark of respect.

Nix, who rode in a Conference League match against Newcastle's second-string team on Wednesday, suffered fatal injuries after losing control of his bike on the back straight in heat six and was thrown over the safety fence at Norkfolk Arena. No other rider was involved.

Newport face the Diamonds on Tyneside on Monday when there will be a minute's silence in memory of the 25-year-old.

Premier-league side Newcastle ride against Arena Essex tonight and Rye House on Saturday before taking on the Wasps on Monday (7.30pm).

With the speedway world still recovering from Exeter's Lawrence Hare breaking his back at Newport recently, Nix's loss is a sad blow for the sport.

Wasps promoter Tim Stone spoke to Newcastle promoter George English yesterday morning and both men agreed Monday's meeting should go ahead.

Stone said: "I spoke to George and he is obviously very distressed, just like eyeryone else. "The meet is still going ahead. No doubt when things have settled down there will be some sort of event organised and there will be a minute's silence observed." The death is especially poignant for Newcastle who lost rider Wayne Garratt in 1992, the last speedway rider to die in Great Britain, and the club have said they will hold a tribute event for Nix.

The Wasps are back to full strength for the visit of Hull on Sunday (2.30pm), Ben Howe still recovering from his knee injury after making his return against Workington Comets last weekend.

Australian Scott Smith is back in form after recovering from his back injury and captain Craig Watson has put his bike problems behind him and is approaching his best. Hull enjoyed a narrow win against Glasgow Tigers on Wednesday night, Garry Stead top scoring for them with 15 points as team boss Eric Boocock welcomed back Robbie Kessler, Ross Brady and Jamie Smith from injury.

Newport Wasps: C Watson, F Smart, S Smith, L Dicken, B Howe, B Evans, C Wilkinson. Hull Vikings: P Thorp, G Stead, R Brady, R Kessler, J Smith, L Smethills, C Branney, D Speight.

Directions to Newcastle Speedway's Brough Park, Fossway, Newcastle upon Tyne venue. (tel: 0191 265 6581; website: www.newcastle-speedway.com): Take A1 north past Washington Services, take left fork (A1) and first slip road (A167) through Gateshead over Tyne Bridge on to central motorway (A167M). Take first slip road and fourth exit from roundabout (A193). After about a mile and a half take third exit from roundabout signposted Brough Park leading on to Fossway (A187). Adults £9; concessions £5.50; children £3.50; programme £2.50.