THE RACER WHO WENT THE EXTRA MILE
BARRY ‘WHIZZO’ WILLIAMS Some people contribute more than their fair share towards making the classic car movement what it is. One in particular will be greatly missed…
t’s such a shame that the recipient of this award isn’t around to receive it, because we suspect that he’d be delighted. But, then again, Barrie ‘Whizzo’ Williams seemed to take huge delight in almost everything – that’s what made him so special. His death in September robbed the historic racing world of one of its biggest
Iand best-loved characters. His motor sport career spanned half a century, starting in 1957, and included the Mini Cooper’s first major rally win during the Welsh International Rally in 1964. It was that event that earned him his ‘Whizzo’ nickname. He later raced single-seaters and moved into saloon and touring cars during the 1970s and 1980s. But it was for his historic racing antics that many will most fondly remember him – ever the showman, he was always keen to give punters an entertaining spectacle, but not at the expense of being competitive, for he continued to bring home the laurels. Off the track, he was one of the friendliest, funniest people you could hope to meet – always approachable, he seemed to have time, a big grin and store of witty stories for anybody he met. That included the younger generation, who he was always keen to encourage. He helped out CCW on many occasions, not least for a tyre-testing feature where he showed David Simister precisely how to drive his MGB. Then there was the time he dropped everything to help me to find one of my dogs when she escaped during an interview at his home – he was a huge animal-lover too. Barrie really was a legend and a true gentleman who enriched the lives of those who knew him, including all of us at the Classic Car Weekly offices. He’ll be missed both on and off the circuit for many years to come.