Jon Dooley 1946-2020

As Alfisti go, Jon Dooley who died last week, aged 74, was among the greatest. The British racer, rally driver and speed eventer’s contribution to the Alfa

Romeo marque’s history is equal to that of many Italian disciples, and resulted in three times finishing third in what is now the British Touring Car Championship. Many thought his blood ran green as well as red and white.

As Cambridge University Automobile Club chairman, Dooley promoted slaloms and sprints at Snetterton. His first event was very wet, won by Gerry Marshall driving a TVR Griffith in wellingtons! Jon and rollcage pioneer John Aley subsequently organised (and CUAC marshalled) the circuit’s European Touring Car Championship round.

An ardent Alfa Romeo Owners’ Club member alongside father Alfred, Jon edited its magazine and competed in Giulia Ti and Giulietta models, even an exotic TZ coupe. Later, as financial controller of Alfa GB – headed by enthusiast Carlo Cattaneo – he had access to cars, including a Montreal he drove in the 750MC’S Birkett Six Hour Relay until its brakes fried!

In late 1975, with Michael Lindsay and Leo Bertorelli, he formed the Alfa Romeo Dealer Team, which became a fixture in the British Saloon Car Championship, synonymous with loyal sponsors Napolina tomatoes and John West salmon. Having finished second in the Avon Tour of Britain in 1975, Dooley raced his Alfasud Ti in 1976. After switching to an Alfetta GTV, he went back to the faithful Sud for 1981 (above), winning the 1300cc class title.

A GTV6 netted him another class title in 1984 before the new 75 came on stream, initially V6-engined, then with a 1.8-litre turbocharged four until 1987. There was little help from the factory’s Autodelta competition department.

The small team developed its own cars, achieving 19 BSCC class victories due to Dooley’s tireless graft with top engine man Brian Rouse, ace technician Bob Dove and team-mate Rob Kirby.

In subsequent years Dooley went historic racing, forging links with the factory-blessed Scuderia del Portello and preparing Alfas at his Brookside Garage in Wrestlingworth, near Cambridge.

An erudite, generous and hugely knowledgeable man, Dooley continued to write fascinating features for the AROC magazine until recently. He is survived by his wife Meg and brother James.