Les Palmer - RIP

Autospeed were saddened to learn that former BriSCA F2 Stock Car racer Les Palmer had passed away.

Having previously raced Sports & Productions/Hot Rods, Les switched to BriSCA F2s in the mid-1970s.  He won the prestigious AA/Westward TV Grand Final in 1977, and was a regular superstar graded driver in the early 1980s, during which time he served as the Chairman of the BSCDA F2 - the Drivers' Association.  In 1983 at Newton Abbot and in 1985 at Bristol, he started the World Final on the front row of the grid.  Amongst a selection of fantastic BriSCA F2s that he raced, there were cars built by former World Champions Colin Higman and Bill Batten, and by iconic Northern Irish star Ivor Greenwood.

Les also continued his interest with National Hot Rods.  Having spent a period of time on the Isle of Man, he was a representative from the island in the 1988 and 1994 BriSCA F2 World Finals - the latter being the occasion of a well publicised clash with the winner of the race, 218 Rob Speak.

Never shy of expressing an opinion, Les was a real larger than life character, who revelled in controversy.  In recent years, he had keenly pursued the reintroduction of one of his Silverline trophies, which included a clutch start to the feature final.  The Silverline day regularly boasted plenty of bonuses for low grade drivers, and often featured Total White Out, solely for 'C' grade drivers.

Les's contribution to short oval motor racing is impressive, as a driver, a committee member, a sponsor and most certainly in recent years as a strong minded fan of racing.  He will be much missed for his lively involvement.  Life was never dull when Les was around.

Autospeed pass their sincere condolences to Les's family and friends at this sad time.
Les Palmer

 

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