THE devoted father of teenage Hereford motorcycle brothers Jay and Corey Lewis has died suddenly, aged 41.

Simon Lewis, from Credenhill, ran the SL Racing team in which Jay and Corey are rising stars.

“Simon was devoted to bikes and the two boys - and this has been a huge shock,” said his widow, Fiona.

“He did plumbing and heating and he ran the racing team. Without him, the team no longer exists.”

Lewis was taken ill on Friday and died at Hereford Hospital on Sunday night.

NG Road Racing (formerly North Gloucestershire Motor Cycle Club) chairman Nino Pezzini said Lewis was a livewire of the paddock.

“He was a true character and a gent. He will be greatly missed. Simon was so proud of his boys and his memory will live on through them.”

Mark Adcocks, a motorbike racing friend from Hereford, said: “Simon was a larger than life character.

“He was full of fun and always on the go. He is going to be sadly missed by everyone.”

Jay and Corey Lewis are pupils at Whitecross School.

Jay is competing in the National Junior Superstock 600 class in the 2009 British Superbike Championship series.

Younger brother Corey is racing in the 2009 Relentless British 125GP Championship and ACU Cup.

Simon Lewis’ funeral service will take place at Hereford Crematorium next Tuesday (May 19) at noon.