TRIBUTES continue to pour in for Worcestershire’s sidecar racer who died in a qualifying round two weeks ago.

Forty-three-year-old Phil Dongworth, from Stanford Bridge, near Bromyard, was taking part in the Southern 100 races on the Isle of Man when the accident happened on Tuesday, July 14.

His death has had a huge impact on the biking community and in Worcester where he was a partner at WAS Autocentre in Bath Road.

Logging on to worcesternews.co.uk, friends have been leaving tributes to the married father-of-two.

Avante from Worcester wrote: “Totally gutted, this is so tragic, Phil was a lovely chap, one of the best mechanics in Worcester and a real gent to boot. I remember him spending his New Year’s Eve frantically trying to get the right parts for my car, and then spending New Year’s Day fitting them! A total star, this is really really sad news.”

Marionc, from Dines Green, Worcester, added: “Such a sad day for the racing world and in particular the closely-knit sidecar family.

“Phil was a true gentleman and would help anyone out. He will be sadly missed in the paddock.”

A forum set up in Mr Dongworth’s memory has seen numerous people in the sidecar community pay their respects.

Many refer to his recent success at the at the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy when he finally achieved his ambition to get a podium place in a sidecar racing competition. Hhbaker wrote: “Terrible news. Phil was one of the best in all respects.”

And Dickyholdsworth added: “A tragic and very sad loss, Phil was truly one of the very best sidecar racers of his generation and a real gent.”

His wife Teresa also logged on to pay tribute to her husband of 20 years.

“Thank you all so much for your kind words,” she wrote. “We had the most amazing TT this year, he certainly was my hero. He always said if he had to choose just one place to race it would be on the Isle of Man. He loved it there, a fitting place for him to go.”

Mr Dongworth’s funeral will take place at Worcester Crematorium on Tuesday, August 4, at 11.30am. Bikers will meet at WAS Autocentre from 10am for a group ride to the service.