Dan Trent
18-11 2021 09:58
wrote:
I'm very sad to hear of Tony's passing - we had a spell of being on the same events a few years back and I was flattered he was so open and willing to share stories and make a relative rookie to the car world feel so welcome. He was always such fun to be around too - I remember one Guild of Motoring Writers dinner where he grabbed me by the arm, said "this is boring, I know a better bar" and we sneaked off up some hidden staircase to a quiet upstairs bar in the RAC clubhouse and enjoyed a private drink before returning to the throng! Another memory that will live with me forever is joining him for a celebration of the 1908 Dieppe Grand Prix and riding with him in the mighty Benz along public roads. Those who knew Tony will be aware of his colourful turn of phrase at times and clinging to the seat and laughing as he somehow guided this brakeless monster through busy traffic while shouting and gesticulating at the hapless locals around us was an absolute hoot. That he pulled it off at a pace that was exciting from the co-driver's seat but also totally in control of the car and what was going on around him, all the while chatting away, was beyond impressive. Always fun to be around, always fascinating, always funny and generous to those around him his love for life and cars has stuck with me since then, and I'm very sorry to hear of his passing. A true gentleman, and a hell of a driver, too. I feel honoured to have known him and pass on my condolences to all his family and friends.
Dan Trent
18-11 2021 09:58
wrote:
I'm very sad to hear of Tony's passing - we had a spell of being on the same events a few years back and I was flattered he was so open and willing to share stories and make a relative rookie to the car world feel so welcome. He was always such fun to be around too - I remember one Guild of Motoring Writers dinner where he grabbed me by the arm, said "this is boring, I know a better bar" and we sneaked off up some hidden staircase to a quiet upstairs bar in the RAC clubhouse and enjoyed a private drink before returning to the throng! Another memory that will live with me forever is joining him for a celebration of the 1908 Dieppe Grand Prix and riding with him in the mighty Benz along public roads. Those who knew Tony will be aware of his colourful turn of phrase at times and clinging to the seat and laughing as he somehow guided this brakeless monster through busy traffic while shouting and gesticulating at the hapless locals around us was an absolute hoot. That he pulled it off at a pace that was exciting from the co-driver's seat but also totally in control of the car and what was going on around him, all the while chatting away, was beyond impressive. Always fun to be around, always fascinating, always funny and generous to those around him his love for life and cars has stuck with me since then, and I'm very sorry to hear of his passing. A true gentleman, and a hell of a driver, too. I feel honoured to have known him and pass on my condolences to all his family and friends.
