Alan McKechine

Motor racing lost one of its best-loved team owners of the 1960s and ’70s with the recent death of Alan McKechnie at the age of 72. Although confined to a wheelchair for 50 years, McKechnie supported the racing careers of many young drivers including Nigel Mansell, Andy Rouse and Barrie Williams. McKechnie had been a rally driver of repute until struck down by a virus aged 22. It was in Formula 5000 that he achieved the most, winning the British title with Bob Evans.

“He was a tremendous practical joker and a great comic,” said lifelong friend Williams. “He helped a lot of people go racing.”