Tommy was one of the great characters around the paddock, and there was never a dull moment when he was around. As well as being an extremely talented racer, he always took a genuine interest in the other riders. I don't think either Gail or myself ever had a conversation with him in which he didn't ask how her racing was going.

It's hard to believe that he has gone, but he died whilst living the dream of winning on the TT Course. He'll be in the history books for ever as the first man to record a lap at 120mph in the MGP, and those who were round the course yesterday will testify to the style with which he did it. I was at the end of Cronk-y-Voddy and he was absolutely superb through there on all four laps.

I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to his family and friends, and I hope that all his brilliantly-written diary entries on his website <A HREF="http://www.tomclucas.com/">http://www.tomclucas.com/</A> will be of some comfort to them, as they show just how much he loved racing motorcycles. Thanks for all the memories Tommy.