Former AMCA Superclass champion Cliff Barton has passed away suddenly, and tributes have flooded in from former rivals, friends and people in the bike industry.

Barton was a great all-rounder, winning championships on solos in the 1970s and 1980s and then on sidecars. He was AMCA Superclass champion in 1975.

Hailing from Eccles in Manchester where he used to run a Cagiva dealership after stopping racing, Barton spent much of his career racing for Doug Hacking motorcycles and was well especially known in the north of England. His flamboyant riding style and cheery off-track personality made him a well-liked figure for decades.

He had many great races with other northern AMCA legends like Anwar Hafizullah, Bob Bentham and Martin Snape. Our thoughts are with his wife Julie, family and many friends at this tragic time.