Don Padgett, who alongside older brother Peter put Padgetts of Batley on the motorcycling map, has died.

He had been troubled by indifferent health in recent years, dividing much of his time between his home in the Isle of Man with regular visits to Portugal.

Don along with Peter started the now famous Padgetts of Batley organisation in the late 50s which has expanded into what is now one of the biggest motorcycle dealers in the country. From the outset the Padgett name has always been synonymous with racing and Don played a big part in this with his own successful career in the 60s and early 70s - particularly at the Manx GP.

Competing between 1964 and 1984 Don was runner up in the 1974 250 MGP with two third places in 1967 and 1969.  His career was effectively ended after an accident at Mallory Park though he did ride in two classic MGPs in the 80s.  In later years Don moved to the Isle of Man when Padgetts opened a branch there and he remained in the island for the rest of his life.   

His nephew Clive said: “A real gent. We will miss him so much.”