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1 Nov 2009, 12:50 (Ref:2573388) | #1 | ||
The Honourable Mallett
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Tom Wheatcroft Dies aged 87
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/79938
RIP Tom, at least he got his dream of a GP at Donington. A true enthusiast who helped many racers. |
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1 Nov 2009, 13:27 (Ref:2573395) | #2 | ||
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RIP Tom, thankyou for all the years I spectated at one of the best circuits in the country.
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From redshoes: ''I have no idea who the second Team Hard driver is, and I suspect after the name is announced I'll be none the wiser.'' |
1 Nov 2009, 13:49 (Ref:2573409) | #3 | ||
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Really sad news. RIP Tom and let's get Donington back to full strength in memory of him
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Do you ever have motorsport dreams at night? : Down F0rce: "More than a few, but the strangest one was when Jos Verstappen and Enrique Bernoldi scored a one-two for Arrows and were apparantly so impressed by each other's driving, they sang "Wind Beneath My Wings" to each other in the press conference." Brilliant |
1 Nov 2009, 15:12 (Ref:2573455) | #4 | ||
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Shame he passed with Donington in such a mess.
RIP Mr Wheatcroft, a gentleman, a racer, an enthusiast. |
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Like all who stand before the inquisitor, your judge shall be... yourself! Oh smeg..... Oh smeg indeed, matey! |
1 Nov 2009, 16:31 (Ref:2573522) | #5 | |
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Condolences to the Wheatcroft family
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1 Nov 2009, 19:25 (Ref:2573617) | #6 | ||
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My memories of Tom and his family are many. I have known Tom since 1976/7 when I had retired from racing and went up to Donington to help get the track ready. Skipping through the years, I ran the Donington shops, including the old wooden one in the Paddock, the one with the tree in the centre of it. Then later, Tom gave me the rights to the Donington logo for race jackets and badges, caps and decals. Tom allowed me to organise that famous (and some say illegal) "Citizens Band Radio Day", in the 80's, which was so successful we blocked the exit from the M1! Tom used to say to me "What are we up to next son?" I used to spend a lot of time with Tom in his office, just talking racing, along with his young family. After races we would all gather in "THE RED GATE" pub, with Tom and his family and the drivers that had raced that day, and see the evening well under way. He was a down to earth, some would say basic type of man, but you knew just where you stood with him, what you saw, was what you got. I have seen his kindness to strangers and I have seen him sack people "on the spot!" I have laughed with him, and kept out of his way at times too. My dear friend Roger Williamson was like a son to him, and was taken into Tom's family, as if he were one of his own. When Tom laughed it was loud and gregarious, and that deep gravelly voice of his was unmistakeable. Tom, in his day was definately THE BOSS, make no mistake. But he was Mr Motor Racing, he loved it, he lived it; Donington Park was his life.
Thank you for eveything Tom. You will be missed by the ordinary racegoer and the elite organisations too. But you know what? I betcha Tom would be happier standing in the bar with a pint than "Obnobbin' with the toffs" Bless you Tom and all my love and sincere condolences to all your family. Gerry. |
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1 Nov 2009, 19:38 (Ref:2573621) | #7 | ||
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Devastated at this sad loss, had the pleasure of meeting him in about 77 when we visited the museum, a very nice man who had time to talk to all who would listen.
A very sad day. RIP Mr Wheatcroft. Last edited by Justin Moran; 1 Nov 2009 at 19:41. Reason: wrong year. :( |
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There goes My Hero. Hes ordinary.....(Dave Grohl c1995) An I/O's brief should be like a miniskirt, short enough to hold the attention but long enough to cover the important bits! |
1 Nov 2009, 20:45 (Ref:2573670) | #8 | ||
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Goodnight Mr.Tom...
You will be missed. |
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Tim Yorath Ecurie Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch Fan of "the sacred monster Christophe Bouchut"... |
2 Nov 2009, 08:21 (Ref:2573926) | #9 | ||
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A fitting obituary Gerry. Rest in Peace Tom and thanks for giving me my most memorable racing experiences on the best track in this country.
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You can't polish a turd but you sure can sprinkle it with glitter! |
2 Nov 2009, 12:18 (Ref:2574069) | #10 | ||
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I remember marshalling at Donington soon after it opened and during an extended lunch break I went in to the museum in my 'Oranges' hoping for a free trip around, my hopes were extended when I saw Tom sitting in there, I said, any chance of a look around Tom, to which he replied, 'Yes not a problem, just pay over there'.....................
Tom did an one helluva lot for motorsport in this country, RIP Bladders........................ |
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Life is for living, it is later than you thinkā¦.. |
2 Nov 2009, 16:51 (Ref:2574246) | #11 | ||
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Tom will be sadly missed, a true lover of motorsport. I just hope that whoever now gets control of Donington has even half of his enthusiasm and concern. If they do then the circuit will be back as one of the best and a fitting tribute to him.
My deepest condolences to all of his family at this very sad time. |
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Thanks to Tim the Grey for the avatar |
3 Nov 2009, 00:59 (Ref:2574575) | #12 | ||
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Having met Tom many times, I can honestly say he was a true motorsport fan. His hospitality, especially in his suite at Goddards, was unrivalled. He will be sadly missed. RIP Tom.
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Thanks to Jeff Bloxham for photo(avatar) |
18 Nov 2009, 17:25 (Ref:2584359) | #13 | ||
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There is an obituary to Tom in today's Daily Telegraph.
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21 Nov 2009, 04:39 (Ref:2586198) | #14 | ||
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I was heavily involved with the Nottingham Sports Car Club as a committee member and in 1976, we had a combined stand with Donington Park at the Donington Speed Show.
I built a Scalextric version of the track which was a huge drawcard, but during the construction phase, Tom wandered past, with some pithy comment about my construction techniques. "True Tom", I said, "but it will be up and running before yours..." He wandered off laughing. Ronnie Peterson competed on 'my track'! Then the NSCC ran the first post war car meeting at Donington, end May 1977. Needless to say, Tom was there beaming from ear to ear, revelling in the realisation of his dream. A fantastic guy who fought the long battle to get the nation's best track reopened, despite dozy short sighted councils. We all owe him a real debt and although I now live on the opposite side of the world, Donington is very dear to me and Tom's battles were not a lot different from the hassles experienced here in NZ, trying to get the new Hampton Downs circuit up and running. Fights with authorities that delayed it two expensive years. I'll read the signed copy of his book, purchased from the museum in September soon, and I am sure it will be a favourite. RiP Tom. |
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