Tributes after death of businessman

IPSWICH: Tributes have today been paid to a well-known former Ipswich businessman who has died at his home in Spain.

Tim Stock was probably best known for the Stocks BMW business he ran, at the corner of London Road and West End Road.

He died from a heart attack at his home in Spain on Sunday morning.

In the last few years, the 65-year-old had made his home in Altea, Spain, but was a regular visitor to the UK and the Castle Combe racing circuit.

The former racing driver had been a director of the circuit for ten years.

Mike Novosad, of Airport Garage, Ipswich said: “It is a great shock.

“I first knew Tim when he was at Copdock and had the Vauxhall dealership.

“Then he came to Ipswich and opened up the BMW dealership, perhaps 14/15 years ago eventually selling out to Mann Egerton.

“He had property abroad and lived in Gibralter and Spain, and he was heavily involved in motor racing and was an advisor for Lamborghini.”

Castle Combe Circuit bosses paid tribute to Mr Stock.

Chairman Howard Strawford said: "Tim raced at Castle Combe in the BMW County championship during the early 1980s but I got to know him through the British Racing and Sports Car Club.

"We recruited him as a non-executive director because of his incredible experience on the financial front. He could read a set of management accounts like no one else.

“I have known him for 25 years and he was a fantastic man. It's such a shock."

He had also been Vice Chairman and Chief Executive of the BRSCC.

He leaves behind a son and two daughters.

It is understood his funeral and cremation will take place in Spain, with a memorial service to follow back in the UK.

n. Do you want to pay tribute to Mr Stock? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or email eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk