John Price
The Boss. The Metro Master.
The Governor. John Price was the most professional of clubmen rally drivers, starting over
800 events in a career that spanned 50 years.
Price started competing in
1965 but it is his UK Asphalt appearances in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s that he will always be remembered for, behind the wheel of a Renault 5 Maxi Turbo and the mighty MG Metro 6R4.
Taking his maiden title in
1984 alongside Derrick Davies, Price would go on to claim the 1985, ’88-89, ’91-92 and ’97 titles with Mike Bowen co-driving before sealing the ’98, 2000, ’02, ’04 and ’05 championships with his wife Caroline. Nine of those 12 ground-breaking triumphs were in the Metro with which he will always be associated with.
For years, Price was the benchmark for UK Tarmac rallying but he would be quick to help other competitors. As meticulous and assured in the workshop as he was in the cockpit, his prowess inspired his son Stephen – nicknamed ‘Half Price’– too, who himself became a rally winner in a 6R4.
It is hard to think of a Tarmac rally on these shores that Price didn’t contest and conquer but his extensive career also took him to
Ireland, Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Czechoslovakia. The Epynt Ranges in his native Wales was his happiest hunting ground as he notched up a sublime 23 victories.
Price was last seen on the
2016 Mini Epynt Stages driving the course car. Fittingly, he was behind the wheel of the same Metro 6R4 that made him so successful.
He died peacefully on Tuesday
April 21 surrounded by his family after a five-year battle with illness. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, John’s funeral will be a closed service for close family only but a memorial service will be arranged later in the year.
MN’S thoughts are with John’s wife Caroline, children Stephen, Cathi, Kevin and Stephanie as well as his grand and great grandchildren.