Tributes are being paid to Kirk Michael sidecar passenger Colin Hardman, who was killed during yesterday's practice session for the Cock o'the North meeting in Scarborough.

Hardman and driver Gary Bryan's outfit carshed at the entrance to The Esses at the Oliver's Mount course. Bryan is stable in hospital with arm, chest and leg injuries.

Just a month ago, the pair secured a fifth place finish in the T.T. Sidecar "A" Race.

Colin Hardman's racing highlight came in 1989, when he was the passenger for Dave Molyneux's first ever T.T. win around the Mountain Course.

Road Racing forums are full of tributes to the popular competitor who was known by his nickname "Cocker".

One is from his brother Alan's family in Australia - a line reads "To Jessica his loved wife, and Colin Junior, Paul and Karen his loved children, our thoughts, love and prayers are with you - from all of us in Australia".

Yesterday's Sidecar Race at Scarborough was cancelled, but crews completed a lap at the end of racing as a mark of respect.

The organising Auto 66 Club is extending it's sincere condolences to family and friends, as well as launching a full investigation into the first ever sidecar fatality during sixty years of racing at Oliver's Mount.