Autospeed were extremely saddened to learn that Paul Butler, one of the co-promoters at Trackstar Racing who stage Stock Car & Banger events at the Norfolk Arena, Kings Lynn, had passed away on 22 November.

Andrew Carter and Crispen Rosevear, Autospeed's co-promoters, each had a long association with Paul, stretching back more than two decades.

Living close to Odsal Stadium, Bradford, gave Paul his introduction to Stock Car racing.and he became an ardent follower of BriSCA F1 Stock Cars in particular.

Paul's connections within the sport began to grow, evolving into a working relationship with Vince Moody and Hazel Cooke for Trackstar - most notably at Skegness, Boston and Swaffham.

After Vince's operations fragmented, Paul was joined by long-standing friend Graham Robinson, to emerge as the new guiding force for Trackstar at Kings Lynn.

In the past decade, Paul spent many years as the Chairman of the Saloon Stock Car Association.

In late 2016, after Autospeed had announced plans to stage the 2017 BriSCA F2 World Championship at Coventry, the disappointing news that Coventry was not going to reopen threw plans into turmoil.  Paul and Graham at Trackstar offered Autospeed the opportunity to switch venues to Kings Lynn, once again underlining the respectful connection between the two promotions.

In the past couple of years, Paul's health had been a concern, which included numerous stays in hospital.  Yet, as recently as 30 October, Crispen (from Autospeed) had sat between Paul and Graham (from Trackstar) at the BriSCA F2 promoters' meeting at Bradford.  To have lost Paul so soon after that get-together has left the Stock Car & Banger racing community stunned and downcast.

Autospeed extend their heartfelt sympathies to Paul's family and friends, and to our fellow promotion at Trackstar.