JOHN MITCHELL 1938 – 2010

The BRSCC was sad to hear last month that John Mitchell had passed away aged 71. John was a long serving marshal both for the Northern & North Western Centres and served the Club and motorsport for over 40 years.

John’s long association with the Club started in 1964 when he joined the BRSCC Northern Centre and quickly became their Chief Start Line Marshal, officiating at Cadwell Park, Croft Autodrome, Rufforth and, later, Aintree and Donington Park.

As an active member of the Northern Centre Committees, John was especially famous for his responsibility for the setting out (and clearing away) of three miles of rope and stake barrier to delineate the crowd area at each or the four Rufforth meetings every year – a not insignificant task at this highly unusual, temporary race circuit.

A move to Cheshire in the mid ‘70s saw John appearing at the North Western Centre circuits of Oulton Park and Anglesey. When he became Chief Start Line for Oulton Park he rescinded his duties with the Northern Centre, but not before having ensured that a fully competent replacement had been trained and installed.

As a family man, John did not want to be away motor racing all weekend, and when two day meetings became more regular, again he ensured a continuity of competence if he only appeared on one of the days.

John was particularly respected for his hard work, attention to detail, team building and most especially for always making everything enjoyable. He will be sadly missed throughout the motor racing fraternity.

Many BRSCC members (several of whom had covered considerable mileages) joined the mourners at John’s funeral which was held in Macclesfield on the 17th September.

The BRSCC would like extend its deepest condolences to John’s wife Christine and son Karl.