LETTERS Two true gentlemen

BEATEVANS WHOCAN SERIES? ISED REVITAL IN TONESALE SILVERSCLOSER MOVES N’S REDMA PLUS BRIAN STCARS GREATE

Over the last few weeks, British rallying has lost two great names that brought so much to so many.

Dave Stokes the cheeky Gloucestershire baker whose love of rallying will possibly go unrivalled, had so much success behind the wheel of his beloved Escorts. It was not only in recent years alongside Guy (Weaver), but also in the ’70s with the late Bill Andrews in REV 120 K when they took the Castrol/ Autosport series in ’76. Peter Ashcroft then offered him the ex-russell Brookes Mk2 HHJ 702N and more success followed.

A mark of what people thought of the man was that over 800 people packed into the church at Wotton-under-edge. Lots of people from the 1970s were also present: Malcolm Wilson (despite his very busy schedule) made time to pay his respects to his old friend. We all gathered to say farewell to one of British rallying’s great characters and what a fantastic send off it was.

The other loss is John Horton, the ultimate professional in my book.

Much like David Stokes, I knew John for a very long time from his days of Dunlop Motorsport boss through to running the British Championships so successfully. I knew him in later years as media officer on both Rally GB and the British GP and also as a compere from rally forums, awards ceremonies,and book launches.

Like David Evans said in MN (March 2) there was so much more to John. If you had an issue or problem, you’d ring JH.

Their names will hopefully live on for a very long time. Perhaps we can call on Motor Sports Associtation cheif executive Mr Rob Jones to open a ‘British Rallying Hall of Fame’ in the future?

Rest in peace David and John.

■ Ty Croes, Anglesey

Rallytech Lee Holland Memorial Rally Starts 0900hrs Admission £10 Web angleseycircuit.com

■