Darran Lindsay won races throughout Ireland

Lindsay's sponsor Noel Johnston said he was "an unbelievable talent who could beat any rider on his day".

Mervyn Whyte, clerk of the course at the North West 200, described him as "a brilliant road racer, a modest cheerful character who will be sadly missed."

Rider Adrian Archibald said he was "a great racer and a pleasant person".

Johnston, who is clerk of the course at the Ulster Grand Prix, said he was "devastated" to hear of the death of his friend.

"Darran won at every circuit in Ireland and his death is a big blow to us all but especially to his family who will miss him most."

Whyte said it was "hard to believe that another top road racer has been taken from us".

"Darran gave me a lot of help at the North West 200 and was instrumental in assisting with some of the work on the circuit, playing a major role in the set-up of the chicanes.

"He had a lot of bad luck at the North West for many years but then got a win in 2005.

"He was always there or thereabouts in every race and had his own quiet way.

"Off the track, he was friendly, modest, cheerful and laid-back and always had a wee smile on his face, always fond of a bit of banter."

Archibald described the death of Lindsay as "a tragic loss" and said that Lindsay had been "in great form on the track this season".

Leslie Moore, race co-ordinator at the Ulster Grand Prix added: "Darran was one of the last great characters in the paddock and was one of the best racers out there with a great following".