Rally great’s family get to say goodbye
AFTER a long delay caused by the pandemic restrictions, the family of the late John Price, one of the legends of the British rallying world and particularly here in Wales, were at last able to arrange the celebration of John’s life.
His 76 years were recalled with affection and by many tributes from his peers in the motorsporting world, including many drivers and co-drivers alongside the many that had been able to count ‘JP’ as a friend.
Over 150 people gathered in Herefordshire to pay tribute to the former Swansea man who for many years ran a garage business here, with help from his irrepressible brother Denzil, himself also a well-known figure and competitor as well as organiser and RAC official in motorsport, and who passed away some years ago.
John latterly moved his garage and motorsporting operation to Wormbridge in Herefordshire, the ‘Old Forge’ garage becoming almost as well known and regarded as John himself as it became home to John Price Rallying and his Renault 5 Turbo and MG Metro 6R4 rallycars that ‘JP’ drove to so many successes on home soil and internationally.
His rallying career spanned over 50 successful years, and John competed in some 900 events over that half a century, as enthusiastic about driving at the end of his career as he had been at the beginning.
He became the UK National Tarmacadam Rally champion driver no less than 12 times, and his partnership with his wife Caroline extended to her becoming his co-driver, and they competed together for a remarkable 90-plus events.
His rallying also took him into Europe, notably the Monte Carlo International Rally. He also competed on the RAC Rally of Great Britain and the Welsh International Rally, including loose surface events as well as tarmacadam rallies, the latter type including the many famed events in Ireland and other legendary UK events such as the Lindisfarne, Granite City, Manx International and the Isle of Mull Stages to name but a few.
His co-drivers included Swansea man Mike Bowen, who linked the name of Swansea company Zenith Motorsport with the Price cars for many years.
Bowen recalled the many successes and occasional drama with a smile, telling the tale of a very high speed excursion in Longleat Park, the car sliding off the asphalt and between the trees, over a bank and very rapidly down a very long way to the bottom of a very steep grass hillside.
Finally at rest and still on four wheels, there was a quiet interlude as both he and Price pondered what might have happened.
Price spoke first: “Got any cigars, boy?” (Bowen always carried cigars.)
When Bowen replied “Yes”, Price said: “Better make it a big one, then!”
That they had more success than failure is shown by a partnership that lasted for 70-plus events.
The tales are myriad, many recalled at the Hereford celebration, one by driver Bob Fowden who was ‘servicing’ for them on the Monte Carlo Rally, Price teamed with the late Hywel Thomas of Neath.
The Renault Turbo inexplicably flew off the road, damaged and out of the rally. Co-driver Thomas calmly announced that the impact had broken his back. When the car was finally recovered a spent bullet was found inside a tyre!
A rather extreme French way to take out the opposition, it seemed, though the exact truth was never discovered.
Other co-drivers over the years included Noel Orr and Anne Marie Smith on Irish events, the late Mike Sones in Price’s Porsche 911 and Alpine Renault A110, Nigel Evans, Paul Cook and current MSUK National Asphalt Championship co-ordinator Paul Morris all in the MG Metro 6R4s, Derrick Davies in a Renault 5 Turbo, and Maesteg man John Payne on the International Welsh Rally in a Ford Escort Twin Cam.
‘JP’ remained a leading figure in rallying throughout, in the WRC, ERC, Irish National, West Euro Rally Cup and Scottish championships, remembered for his attacking driving style and the wide variety of cars he drove.
Many of those cars his family – wife Caroline, children Stephen (and his son Oli), Cathi, Kevin and Stephanie – managed to get on display at the moving celebration of Price’s life.
Another top driver, Phil Collins, summed Price up perfectly.
“‘Legend’ can be over-used,” he said, “but that’s what John was – a fierce competitor in the car but friendly out of it.
“He caused me to have a huge crash on one rally we were both in. How?
“Well I was trying to keep up with him, but obviously I wasn’t as good as ‘JP’, bless him.”
International rally co-driver Ian Grindrod also has fond memories of Price, recalling a trip to the famed Mull Rally on the island of that name.
“He was great company and a great driver,” said Grindod. “I remember him on Mull in 1972 when he had the Alpine-renault, and that was a combination. He gave the club secretary, the late Taff Edwards, a rapid trip over the lochs in the dark. Taff couldn’t speak for a whole hour.”
Price may have departed this life but his legend lives on. The Herefordshire garage is now home to his son Steven’s business JPR Classics, preparation specialists and Renault 5 Turbo & Metro 6R4 restoration experts. Previously trading as John Price Rallying, the operation has over 30 years of experience working at the highest standard.
SWANSEA Bus Museum & Transport Heritage Centre’s week of special events to salute the 40th anniversary of the end of AEC Regents on Swansea Roads includes this evening’s cavalcade of the museum’s five running AEC Regents around Swansea Bay, the city’s Lord Mayor and invited guests aboard the world’s oldest running AEC Regent V.
The parade leaves the Viking Way Museum Winch Wen at 6pm for Bracelet Bay and a brief stop before returning to the SBM&THC.
This rare photo opportunity is attracting interest from all over the UK so don’t miss the chance to relive the sights and sounds of these beautiful buses parading.
The week culminates in a series of journeys from the museum when it hosts the Regents Return Show this Sunday (May 22), with trade stalls and refreshments.
A souvenir edition brochure is available for £5 + £1 postage but free to show visitors. Open from 11am to 3pm. Admission is £5 adults, £2 children.
More details from the museum on 01792 732832 or via swanseabusmuseum.com.