Tributes to 'true gentleman' killed in race crash

The chief executive of Brooklands Museum has paid tribute to the former vice chairman of its Members organisation, who died in a racing crash on Saturday.

Julian Grimwade, 72, died in a crash at Donington Park circuit on 24 May while competing at the Vintage Motorsport Festival.

Alex Patterson hailed Mr Grimwade, from Weybridge, as a "wonderful character and a wonderful man".

National governing body Motorsport UK said it "sends its sincerest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Julian, as well as the Vintage Sports Car Club".

Speaking on Radio Surrey, Mr Patterson said: "He was very passionate about his pre-war cars and about Brooklands.

"It's truly a tragic loss to us all in the community - not just at Brooklands but across the wider historic car community as well.

"He was just a true gentleman who always had time for anyone."

Mr Grimwade is credited by Brooklands as being one of the founders of the Members organisation as it is today and served as its vice chairman until 2023.

A spokesperson for Leicestershire Police said it was notified of a single vehicle collision at a licensed track day at Donington Park on 24 May.

The force added: "The driver of the vehicle – a man in his 70s – was taken to hospital where he was later pronounced deceased."

Enquiries are ongoing on behalf of the coroner, it added, but no criminal investigation is taking place.

Motorsports UK said it would also conduct into the crash.

International governing body the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) also issued a statement on X, following the Donington Park death which it said was one of three fatal motorsport incidents, including one in Scotland and a third in Denmark.

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.