Ace with pace and grace

Sir,

Some years back, my son wanted to go to the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, but became ill and had to stay at home. He gave me a letter to give to James Hunt. At the track during Saturday practice, a friend took me to see Mr Hunt. He was not too happy about his car, but took the letter and put it in his top pocket with a nod. And that, I assumed, was that. At about midday on the following Monday, a hand-written letter arrived from James, wishing my son well and hoping he would soon be better. He must have taken the trouble not only to reply that day but to have someone go out to catch the post. No prizes for guessing my favourite British champion in your recent poll.

Alan Nye, Stock, Essex