We are saddened to share the news of the passing of Sir John Whitmore. One of sportscar racing’s greats, Sir John passed away last Friday, the 28th of April, at the age of 79.

Brian Caldersmith has written a lovely vale, which he has kindly offered to share with the Club.

Thanks to Brian Caldersmith

John was one of the great drivers of the 1960s, winning many titles in Mini Coopers, Lotus Cortinas, Shelby Cobras and GT40s. He co-drove with Jim Clark at Le Mans in a Lotus Elite.

John was a friend who spent some time at our home during his Australian visits and he shared my Elite at a Tasman Revival meeting. There was one Sunday when we were preparing to watch the Australian Grand Prix when Frank Gardner turned up – “I heard Whitmore was in residence!” They both shared development work on the Ford GT40s. It was a funny afternoon.

Sadly both are now gone.

I am pleased now that on my last visit to the UK I was able to organise a reunion with John and Chris Barber. They had not seen each other for 30-odd years. The photo above was taken at the pub in Potters Bar, with myself and Warren King sitting opposite them. (Read more about this reunion here – Ed.)

This colour pencil portrait is my tribute to John. One of the good ones.
Brian