Friends and family of Richard Lloyd have paid tribute to an “honourable” and “all-round nice guy”.

The 63 year-old father of three had devoted his life to motorsport and had enjoyed countless successes throughout his career.

His wife Philippa led the tributes, saying her husband had earned respect and admiration through his integrity and modesty.

She said: ”We have received hundreds of calls and messages of sympathy and support for which we are so grateful.  Richard knew so many people through his work, his racing and his previous connections in the music business and they have all been so kind.

“They have all talked about him as an honourable, kind, decent man with an old-fashioned sense of doing the right thing.  He always worked hard and achieved great things but was never one to boast.  You may even say he was unassuming but people always knew when he was around – he added a quiet confidence to anything he was involved in.

“You knew when Richard was there you could rely on him totally – and he was never the sort to let anyone down.”

The couple, who lived in Helmdon, had three daughters – Amy, Sophie and Chloe – and an Irish terrier called Ruby, all of whom would “sorely miss” Mr Lloyd.

“He will be hugely missed by so many people all over the word but especially his family,” said Mrs Lloyd.  “The girls adored him and he played such an important and loving part in their lives.

“As a family we will always remember him as a remarkable and talented man who had a positive influence on so many lives.”