Mini Cooper tribute to ex-rally champion

Loton Park Hill Climb, near Shrewsbury, is hosting the finale of the British Hill Climb Championship and organisers Hagley Car Club are dedicating the meeting to the renowned driver and club stalwart – who died in 2009.

Tony won all four of the British Rally Championships in 1962 as a 'privateer' in a self prepared Mini Cooper 997cc.

For more than 50 years he and his wife Pat were both actively involved with Hagley Car Club and its hill climbs at Loton Park, which is set in the deer park of Sir Michael Leighton's stately home at Alberbury, near Shrewsbury.

He was club president on two occasions in 1977/79 and in 1995/96, was responsible for the public address systems.

His widow Pat, from Barnt Green, Birmingham, was club treasurer for 30 years and still plays an active part in the running of events, looking after catering services and signing on for the army of volunteer marshals who ensure safety at the venue. The couple's daughter Jayne is currently a member of the Rescue Unit at Loton Park.

Tony's great friend, racing legend Barrie 'Whizzo' Williams, a Mini specialist himself and campaigner in more than 800 races since the 1960s, has been invited to open proceedings this weekend by driving one of Tony's iconic Mini Coopers up the course.

Practice and qualifying was taking place today, with timed competition and fastest 12 run-off competitions tomorrow.