PROFESSOR SID WATKINS 1928 – 2012

In common with the worldwide motorsport community, everyone at the BRSCC was deeply saddened this morning to hear that Professor Sid Watkins had passed away, aged 84. As has been well documented, Sid played a leading role in the advancement of safety and medical practices in Formula 1 for more than 30 years, which of course greatly influenced all disciplines of the sport.

BRSCC director Stuart Turner, who as a Trustee of the Motorsport Safety Fund, enjoyed a great friendship with Sid. This started when Stuart approached the Professor about lending his name to the Fund’s proposed annual safety lecture. Thus, the Sid Watkins Lecture was born and Sid presented the inaugural Lecture at the NEC during the 1998 Autosport International Show.

On hearing the sad news, Stuart paid the following tribute to his friend. “From the moment I approached Sid at a Jackie Stewart Golf Day at Gleneagles he gave total & unwavering support to the Fund. I thought initially that we would just have use of his name but he gave much more than that. Through his direct personal involvement, we were able to attract a very impressive list of guests who gave their time freely to take part in the Lecture. The Fund and motorsport have lost a tremendous supporter and I would like to pass on my sincerest condolences to Sid’s wife Susan”.