Cult heroes -- Brian Jones

Brian Jones spent the weekend of his 70th birthday last month commentating on a 750 Motor Club meeting at Brands Hatch — and he wouldn’t have had it any other way.

For three decades Brian’s baritone has rung in the ears of (mainly) Brands Hatch spectators, to the extent that you can still feel your eardrums vibrating even as you drive off up the A20 at the end of the day. If you just want information, clarity and a no-frills approach, he’s not your man. But he is if you want to be entertained by a great character who loves his sport and the personalities involved.

Jones was once interviewed in Motoring News as part of the preview to the Formula Ford Festival, his favourite event. At the bottom were listed “10 things you will hear Brian Jones say this weekend”, a round-up of his most-used catch-phrases. It clearly tickled him, for during the final lap of the Festival final he trotted them all out. What a good sport.

Brian, we hope your birthday was exciting, exhilarating and electrifying. You’re still high, still wide, but we’re not sure about the handsome! —  MS