Racer John Goodall died following a crash at the Manx Grand Prix Senior Classic on the Isle of Man on 25 August, 2008, just days after the event's organisers gave him a prestigious honour.

The previous week the 67-year-old had received the Spirit of the Manx award having competed in every single event since the Senior Classic race was founded 25 years previously. He won the inaugural event in 1983.

Mr Goodall was an engineer from Haverfordwest in Pembrokeshire where he ran his own machine shop. He was a well-known figure on the amateur motorcycle racing circuit around the world and had more than 40 trophies to his name.

He came off his Matchless G50 bike at the fast Ballacraine turn on the first lap of the notoriously dangerous race round the Isle of Man's legendary TT track. He suffered chest and rib injuries and was airlifted to hospital. His death was confirmed the following day.

A spokesman for the Manx Motor Cycle Club said: "He was an experienced rider, winning the 1983 Classic Senior race and having been awarded 40 replicas during his Manx Grand Prix career. The MMCC wishes to express its sincere sympathy to the family and friends of the late Mr Goodall."

He began riding fast bikes while serving with the RAF in Asia in the 1960s and competed in the Manx amateur races in the 1970s, but was forced to retire when he reached the 40-year age limit. When the events were reorganised to allow senior racers to compete in the Senior Classic class in 1983, Mr Goodall returned with a win.

Upon receiving the Spirit of the Manx prize, the fourth such award given out, he vowed to continue racing. He was one of four riders still competing from the original '83 race and had been nominated for the accolade by fellow racers. "Getting the award was a huge surprise but I am delighted," he said.

David Garland, a fellow motorcycle shop owner and friend of Mr Goodall's, said: "He was well known throughout the motorcycling world, even as far away as New Zealand. His death is one of the great losses to engineering in Pembrokeshire.

"He was always consistent in his lap speeds, he was a smooth and non-aggressive rider. You always knew he was out there enjoying himself, doing something he loved. John lived for those two weeks at the Manx."