Former leading Manx Grand Prix rider and well-known motorcycle dealer Don Padgett died earlier this week.

Don rode consistently in the MGP between 1964 to 1977. He had third place finishes in the 1965 and 1967 Lightweight, and runner-up to Eddie Roberts in 1974.

He had several other top-six finishes, including sixth in his final Lightweight in 1977 at the (then maximum) age of 40, won by Peter Hickman’s father Dave. His last ride was on a 350cc Aermacchi in the Classic Manx in 1984.

He rode the Southern 100 10 times between 1965 and 1977, finishing runner-up to Charlie Williams in the 1972 solo championship race.

Locally he set up the Isle of Man branch of Padgett’s Motorcycles in Myrtle Street, Douglas. This later relocated to the old Scott’s Garage in Victoria Road. Don had a home in Onchan.

He is uncle to top team owner, tuner and former GP rider Clive Padgett.