Tributes as Aussie racing great dies aged 48

Former AMA Pro, World Superbike, and 500cc Grand Prix racer Anthony Gobert has died at age 48.

Australian racing great Gobert, who became the youngest rider to win a World Superbike race, was hospitalised with an undisclosed illness and was receiving palliative care.

The talented rider was a fan favourite but struggled with addiction issues throughout his career, which led to losing his spot with the Suzuki factory 500cc Grand Prix team after failing a drug test in 1997.

"My heart is breaking as I write this as my first born beautiful son Anthony has passed late this afternoon," his mother Suzanne Gobert wrote on social media.

"I loved him from the moment he was born until the day I die. At times he was challenging to say the least but he always had a kind heart and cared for everyone. Sadly he was a victim of addiction which runs deeply in our families.

"He tried many times to get better but he couldn't quite make it. I am so proud of him and thank all those good people who added to his life. You know who you are "

Gobert placed on the podium several times in races all around the world during a career that spanned from 1994 and 2006.

He won the final leg of the Speedway World Cup season at Philip Island in 1994, becoming the youngest ever race winner in World Superbike history, aged just 19 at the time. The record was broken two years later by Yuichi Takeda.

World Superbikes paid tribute on social media: "The WorldSBK paddock sends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Anthony Gobert.

"'The Go Show' was an eight-time race winner and appeared on the WorldSBK podium 16 times in his career.

"Ride in Peace, Anthony."

The British Superbike Championship added: "We are saddened to hear that Anthony Gobert has passed away and express our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

"Anthony made six memorable appearances including a fourth place at Brands Hatch during the 2000 BSB season with Team Virgin Mobile Yamaha, replacing the late Steve Hislop when he was sidelined through injury." (Wide World of Sports)