PETER GAYDON 1941-2022

Peter Gaydon, who died recently aged 80, was a highly capable racer who became better known for his other roles within the sport.

Gaydon began racing in 1964, claiming a class title in the inaugural Clubmans series, and continued in sportscars before stepping into Formula 3 in 1967. He showed enough promise to win a prestigious Grovewood Award, but lack of funds meant he did not graduate properly to F2 until 1970, taking a best result of seventh at Hockenheim in a Gerard Racing Brabham. He then returned to sportscars, racing Martin and Chevron machinery in the early 1970s.

Gaydon had already set up Motor Race Consultants with Paul Watson in the 1960s, to help with drivers’ admin as they attempted to race across Europe, as well as organising non-championship F1 and F2 races in Europe and South America. They were joined by the late Barry Bland, under whose charge MRC became famed as the coordinator of the Macau Grand Prix.

A charming and highly articulate man with a long stream of racing stories, Gaydon served as a director of the British Racing Drivers’ Club, and from 1997-99 had responsibility for running the British Grand Prix. He also held the role of managing director at Donington Park and, later, Croft.