Peter Duke attended the latest round of the MotoGP championship at Silverstone last weekend to accept a Hall of Fame medal on behalf of his late father, six-times world champion Geoff Duke.

The presentation was made by MotoGP chief executive officer Carmelo Ezpeleta during the 12th round of this year’s series, recognising the outstanding contribution of the legendary TT figure to motorcycle racing.

Geoff Duke, who sadly passed away in 2015, was one of the sport’s true pioneers and dominated the early years of the World Championship. He won the premier 500cc title four times, in 1951, 1953, 1954 and 1955, while also claiming the 350cc crown in 1951 and 1952.

His influence extended beyond his success on the track and road. With the assistance of local tailor Frank Barker, Duke developed what is regarded as the first custom, skin-tight, one-piece leather racing suit, which helped pave the way for the protective racing equipment used today.

Duke’s achievements were recognised across the wider sporting world and in 1951 he was named Sportsman of the Year, an award regarded as an early equivalent of today’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

After securing six race victories at the Isle of Man TT, he eventually made the island his home following his illustrious racing career.

In 1953, Duke was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to motorcycle racing, an honour bestowed even before many of his greatest successes had been achieved.

His final grand prix victory came in 1958 at the Swedish Grand Prix, bringing the curtain down on an extraordinary career.

The MotoGP Hall of Fame was only launched last year and recognised those riders who have World Championships and/or 25 or more MotoGP wins.