"YOU would have been champion next year - but you will always be champion in my eyes."

That was just one of the tributes to superbike crash victim Ashley Martin, as friends and relatives continued to pay their respects to the teenager.

Ashley, of Shiptonthorpe in East Yorkshire, died following an accident at Cadwell Park in Lincolnshire on Sunday.

The 18-year-old was taking part in a qualifying session for the British Supersport Championship when he came off his Honda 600 on a bend, and suffered a serious head injury.

He was given lengthy treatment at the trackside before being airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary, where he died on Monday morning.

The youngster's friends and family paid tribute to him in The Press earlier this week, and today more condolences were paid.

Friends John and Janie Wellborne, of Kent, said: "Ashley was a very caring, popular and brave young man with everything to live for, who has been tragically taken from us in the pursuit of his chosen career.

"Ash, you will be sadly missed, but always remembered as an unassuming, talented, and very friendly young man who was always more interested in others than himself.

"We will ensure that your name will live on to the benefit of others."

Ashley's sister Lisa, 22, described him as the best brother in the world, and said: "Thank you so much for all the times you looked after me - you were great.

"I will miss our arguments because you always wound me up. I will miss drinking WKDs with you.

"Max Ashley's nephew and I will miss you loads, especially you flying round on the quad with Max. I will love you forever you will never be replaced."

Ashley's older brother Chris, 25, also a superbiker, said: "You know how much I thought of you - I loved you to bits. In all the time we spent together we got into so much mischief and we had so many good times.

"You were such an outgoing person and comedian. You made everyone laugh and best of all you were my brother and you made the best uncle and Max will miss you.

"I will never forget you, or how good you where getting at racing. The 600CBR was the bike for you. You would have been champion next year, but you will always be champion in my eyes."

Another friend, David, wrote: "You've always been like a little brother to me, but without the fights. You made me laugh so many times and we had so much fun. Without you around it will not be the same, but you will always be with me in spirit."

Close friend, Tom Grant, 18, who used to race with Ashley, said: "We will all really miss you. You'll be sadly missed in the motorcycle world and even more so around your lovely family home."