David Leslie & Richard Lloyd killed in plane crash

http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30100-1311171,00.html

I just heard the names confirmed on Sky news. I can't believe it at the moment.. There were other people on board too as yet un-named...

Don't quite know what to say...
May they Rest in Peace.

It's being reported that ex-BTCC racer David Leslie has been killed in the plane crash in Kent earlier today.

David was a true supporter of us Marshals and often attended training days and gave talks.

This is very sad news.

How could words mean anything at such a bad time,I'm sure that everyone will be devastated at this.

Terrible news. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this truly difficult time.

I am sure I echo many people's thoughts in saying he was a top bloke, and a top racer. He will be missed by many.

A sad day for motor racing.

Thats a terrible piece of news, David was a top man, always happy to talk to anyone. A very sad loss to us all.

I can't believe what I've just seen

Could'nt beleive it either, both were Gentlemen. David has been very supportive of my partner in her racing and given so much confidence to her.
Sincere condolences to both families at this tragic time.

Guys, until it is confirmed I think we should refrain from comment ok?

David Leslie (born November 9, 1953 in Annan, Scotland, died March 30, 2008 in a plane crash in Farnborough, Kent) is an auto racing driver. He was Scottish karting champion 5 times before switching to cars, winning the Formula Ford title in 1978. He had spells in Formula 3, Sportscars and ThunderSaloons in the 1980s, but found a regular home in the British Touring Car Championship, first competing there in 1990 and doing his first full season in an Ecurie Ecosse Vauxhall in 1992, taking his first win a year later, and a total of 6 pole positions over those 2 years, both of which ended in top 10 championship placements.

1994 was an unsuccessful season in a Mazda, but for 1995 he joined Honda as they entered the series for the first time. The car was late getting onto the track in pre-season, and reliability as initially poor, however he finished 10th overall after a strong end to the season. 1996 started badly with several collisions, but a victory in the British Grand Prix support meeting kick-started a strong 2nd half of the season, allowing him to snatch 4th overall at the final round of the season.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Leslie_%28racing_driver%29

The news appears to be clear? Utterly appalling. I just can't believe it.

Having followed news reports of the tragic plane crash which killed five on the outskirts of Farnborough in Kent earlier today, it is with great sadness that I have just read the news on Daily Sportscar that two of those killed were David Leslie and Richard Lloyd.

My thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends and all those who were close to them.

Hi there,

Another tragedy hits the close motorsport community.

Stood next to and spoke briefly to David Leslie at a recent motorsport event, really nice guy.

Can't believe it.

My thoughts are with his family and friends.

Regards

Tim

Richard Lloyd has also been named as one of those killed (see Sky News)

Autosport and Dailysportscar.com are both reporting it- apparently they were flying out to the FIA GT3 test at Nogaro

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/66244

Awful news...

sad sad very sad news, only recently saw him racing at britcar meeting on easter saturday

:( :( :( :( :( :( :( :(

Such a sad loos, RIP

Absolutely stunned. I reported the news on another forum just after the
crash happened and had heard it may have been going to Pau, so I hoped
we'd not hear news like this and now we have.


David won the Britcar opener that I was at Silverstone photographing just
one week go and David and Richard (and perhaps yet more we know) will
be a huge loss to motorsport.


May they all rest in peace. :(

Most of us have been enjoying his commentary on Eurosport for the WTCC. I can still hear his voice and it will be difficult to accept we won't ever hear it again. Thanks David for your involvement in the sport, RIP!

There's an established (just) thread in Tributes guys. I'll move this so it can be merged.

Can't believe it - I'm with the poster above, I can hear his voice as well. He seemed to be commentating on almost everything these days. A true gent and a massive loss to the motorsport world. Condolences to the others involved as well - I'm sat here very nervously awaiting the names, yet whoever it is, its a sad day.

Such a tragic loss. My thoughts are with the families and friends of all of the victims of today's accident. RIP

What a tragedy.... no words for it, rest in peace...

I'm Stunned, in shock. :(

David is, sorry, Was, one of Life's Good Guys, a True Gent.

RIP David and Richard, you will be missed.

I was stunned to hear this. David was a nice chap, have watched a fair few races in the press room with him. Richard Lloyd I didn't know but had heard lots of good about him

Just terrible. Why must so many go this way?

I always liked David Leslie - I remember chatting to him and getting his autograph at the 1998 Motor Show. Excellent driver and top bloke it seemed to me. The WTCC coverage will seem really weird now. :(

RIP David and Richard.

I'm stunned - RIP

Just heard the news, absoultely terrible to lose David Leslie. I'll always remember his days driving for Proton in the BTCC as well as his commentry on FIA GT/LMS/WTCC he provided a calmness and reason in what was often a chaotic commentry box.

R.I.P David Leslie and Richard Lloyd. :(

Absolutely knocked sideways by this one.

Having started my love affair with sportscars in the 1980s both David Leslie and Richard Lloyd were both people I respected a huge amount.

My deepest sympathies go out to the families of all.

I've known David for 17 years and I'm absolutely devasted.

He was one of life's gentlemen, would do absolutely anything for marshals and the world will be a much sadder place for his passing.

My very deepest sympathies to his wife and family at this truly awful time.

Just heard the news, devestated, moreso for me than upon hearing Colin McRae's accident, as BTCC was and is my main motorsport love.

Such a great time watching the BTCC this afternoon, followed by this. It seemed at first that David wasn't comfortable with his first few meetings behind the mic, but he naturally flowed as well as Martin Haven and were a great double act.

And Richard too, a vertiable legend in sportscar racing.

My thoughts go out to all those families affected, and I hope the other tragic losses in the accident aren't from the motorsport world too. :(

Wow.... Auful news, no words can describe it :(

I was only with both of them at Monza two weeks ago, sitting at the bar talking about the Jaguar and then had a few laps in it then next day (great car).

Ca't believe they are gone, RIP.

:(

Gutted, Leslie had always been one of my favourite drivers and later commentators.

Lloyd contributed a huge amount to the sport, I hope his latest Jaguar XKR project is a big success.

Sad news indeed .....

RLR won at my very first sportscar race , 1986 Brands Hatch with Brilliant Bob & Baldi .

Hey , wasnt David Leslie a Motors TV commentator for LMS !!!

A sad loss of both driver and marshal..

A perfect gent and will be greatly missed...


Thoughts with the families of those involved...

I have had the pleasure of meeting David on many occations, this is very sad news.
Thoughts to Leslie and Richards family and friends.
R.I.P.

Dreadful news. I spent a day with David Leslie not so long ago and can vouch for what everyone here has said... a really nice guy that had plenty of time for people. RIP David.

I'm gutted. Having spoken to David many times at Silverstone in the last few years, he would never forget a face and talk to you like a friend. Even when we pushed his Ford C100 back into the pitlane and he called us Lazy B*stards for not pushing him quick enough.

I also remember Richard racing his Morgan against Keith Ahlers in the 750 mc. Amazing racing.

The Parc Ferme in the sky has recieved two more competitors.

RIP Gents.

This is so awful - i just heard on ITV

I have known david since I was a child, and he drove our car for us at goodwood in 06 - I saw him and his wife at goodwood just a few weeks ago, and had a great chat as usual. One of life's genuine good guys, I can't believe he has gone.

So sad to hear of more Motorsport people killed in a private aircraft crash. All my thoughts with their families and friends. May they both be remembered for their successes and contributions.

This is a real bummer as I had recently done a lot of research into Richard Lloyd (thanks in part to DSC's great interview with him a few months ago).

I wrote an article (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Lloyd_%28racing_driver%29) on Lloyd himself on Wikipedia, as well as a full article (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Lloyd_Racing) on Richard Lloyd Racing which was recently recognized as a "Good Article" by Wikipedia. I even had a chance to photograph (http://www.flickr.com/photos/the359/2229380206/in/set-72157603814765768/) Lloyd's 924 Carrera GTR at the 24 Hours of Daytona this year.

So its a real shame to suddenly have this happen, not only for Lloyd though, but Leslie as well. My sympathies.

Awful news once again. I had the pleasure of meeting David at Silverstone LMES last year when he happened to be standing behind me in the Copse spectator area. An utterly charming man, fabulous race driver and an always entertaining and knowledgeable commentator. The coming season will not be the same without him.

Richard I knew only by reputation and from watching his cars back in the Group C days.

Many sympathies to the family and friends of both, a tragic loss to the motorsport world.

Terrible. Rest in peace guys.

Nooooooooooooooooooooo :s

David really was a thoroughly great guy. I'll never forget the very first time i went to Oulton as a marshal and attended the training day when he turned up to have a chat with us. He'd driven about 6hrs iirc and seemed as pleased to see us as we were to see him. He was always championing the marshals cause and almost every time he commentated he'd mention the guys 'n' gals in orange. The world of motorsport is a very empty place without him and Eurosport won't be the same again :brm:

Utterly gobsmacked!!!
Having heard about this crash at Brands earlier today I did pass comment as we were leaving the circuit and wished that no one from the meeting was involved!
Having met David on several occasions I can only endorse what previous posters have said. We have lost a true gentleman in David Leslie. My thoughts go out to the families of all those involved in this tragic accident.
David, may you rest in peace

I'm shocked.

I have just been to Brands Hatch, on the way back we stopped at the Oxford services where on the big screens there was a news report of a plane crashed in Kent, I thought that were strange as we were just in Kent for the BTCC, though at the time there was no mention of the people involved. To cap off a bad day on the way back there was a multi car collision on the M40 ahead of us where by the looks of the cars involved there could have been losses there too.

A bad day indeed.

RIP David.

Rip :(

Sad, sad news...

So sad,and so many;RIP.

What terrible news. I had the pleasure of marshalling with David at Thruxton. He was excellent company and totally unpretentious (which surprised me a lot considering his past racing achievements). The look on his face as 4 FPAs thumped into the barrier under his toes will live with me forever! A sad loss. RIP.

My thoughts go out to the families of all those involved.

I just heard on sky news David Leslie was among the passengers killed in the air crash in farnborough yesterday.Shocked.........

Horrible news. I don't think anymore can be said than what is written here already.

My thoughts and sympathies to those close to David and Richard.

So sad news, both were two big names in touring car world. My most sincere condolences. RIP.

Elaine and I wish to extend our condolences to the families of 2 real gentlemen.

Rip :(

Read this very sad news, in the paper, on the way to work.
Very sad news about David Leslie and Richard Lloyd. Pilot Mike Roberts also perished along with two others, yet to be named.
May they all Rest in Peace and my deepest sympathy to their friends and families

Two icons gone very sad.
R.I.P all victims!

Very sad news i met David several years ago when he was racing the primera in the btcc and all i can say is how nice he was laughing and joking after falling off into the kitty litter. Iwould just like to pass on my condolences to the family and friends of all those involved may they all RIP.

Terrible news.

David Leslie - A Hero. i cant seem to find any other words. im gutted. RIP

Absolutely tragic, the loss to the motorsport comunity cannot be put into words. RIP David and Richard, you will be truly missed.

I had the pleasure of meeting David on a number of occasions and he always struck me as a great down to earth bloke. It is indeed a very sad day.

That snowy Silverstone Britcar race will now stick in my mind for both the weather and the fact that I saw David's last race, and a win at that!

Richard was a legend in the world of touring cars and sports cars, he always seemed to popup with a new project just when you thought he had disappeared from motorracing!

They will both be greatly missed.

My condolences go out the their families.

very sad news

It's all been said above so I'd just like to add my condolences to the families and friends of all those who died in this crash. I will miss David, especially as I remember him from his early F3 days. Richard was a legend in his own lifetime and will be sorely missed by the sport.

RIP.

What!

Many my heart goes to the families of Mr. Lesile and Mr Lloyd.....

Wow, that is shocking, I was just watching the WTCC from Curitiba the other day.

Can only echo the words of all the above posters. Nothing more can be added.

Another 2 gentlemen lost to the track in the sky. Thanks for the memories.

RIP

Nothing I can say that hasn't aleady been said. They were both great enthusiasts, had a good understanding and time for those of us involved in the 'our side' of the sport and were both gentlemen - an increasing rare commodity in this day and age. They will both be missed
RIP and thoughts are with their families and friends

Am in total shock.
Thoughts go out to family and friends.
RIP

Very sad to hear this news. I didn't know David although I would occasionally see him out and about, living as he did just outside Banbury. I worked for Richard for several years, both for his Northern Engravings and Frazero companies, also I was involved in the modelling of the Audi LM coupe and had the chance to get to know both he and his colleagues. A great shame, my best wishes to both families.

Shocking news. I still cant believe it. A black day for British and indeed worldwide motorsport. RIP guys

A sad loss,I never encountered David Leslie in the flesh but I know several people that worked with him and every one has remarked on what a nice bloke he was in addition to being a good driver.Richard Lloyd has left behind quite a record of achievement and it is a great pity that he has not had the chance to add to it with the GT3 project.Condolences to their families and friends and indeed to those of the other occupants of the plane.

My heartfelt condolences to David's family and everyone affected by this horrible tragedy. I have had the pleasure of David's company on a number of occasions and can echo everyone's comments of him being a true gent. He always had time for everyone and was a big supporter of the marshals - he will be truely missed. RIP.

David was a top bloke who was always willing to give of his time and offer his help and experience where possible. Not only that but he was a bloody good driver. Had the pleasure of his company at an event a few years ago, it left a big impression on me.

RIP David.

I always think of BTCC Akai VW's, Audi's and Group C Canon Porsches when the name Richard Lloyd crops up. His cars were always immaculate and competitive. Let's hope the GT3 XKR8 Jaguar does well in his memory!!

RIP David,Richard and not to forget the other 3 victims of this awful tragedy :(

From the MSA

MSA pays tribute to David Leslie and Richard Lloyd following Sunday's air crash in which it is believed that they were among five people killed:



"David Leslie was a hugely popular figure in almost every formula of motor racing in Britain and had been a member of the MSA's Safety Advisory Panel for the last four years. His long and successful driving career had not yet come to an end, but he was always keen to use his experience to help younger drivers coming through the sport. Just this week, he had been involved in selecting the most promising young talent in the UK to join the MSA's British Race Elite scheme.



"Richard Lloyd was equally well regarded throughout the sport. Having been a successful driver, it was as a team manager and owner that Richard really made his name, working with some of the best drivers in the world and winning numerous titles. But the pinnacle of his achievements surely came with the Le Mans-winning Bentley team in 2003, which was a great success for British motor sport.



"They were both lovely, gentle people and the entire motor sport community will be shocked and saddened by this tragic news. Our thoughts and prayers are with the five families at this time."



Colin Hilton

Chief Executive

Motor Sports Association





Editor's notes:



David Leslie (1953-2008)

David Leslie began his career in single seaters, winning the 1977 Formula Ford and 1979 F2000 titles. After spells in F3, sportscars and Thunder Saloons, he found a regular home in the British Touring Car Championship. He was one of the BTCC's most consistent and popular figures, winning many races and finishing as runner up in the series in 1999. In recent years, David had enjoyed a hugely successful period of sportscar and endurance racing, although he had become almost as well known for his insightful TV commentary on Eurosport. He leaves a wife, Jane, and two sons.



Richard Lloyd (1945-2008)

Richard Lloyd's motorsport career spans over thirty years, beginning as a driver in the 1970s (British Saloon Car Class Champion three years running) before combining his duties behind the wheel with team management and team ownership. In 1976 he established GTi Engineering which changed its name in the early 1980s to the eponymous Richard Lloyd Racing and quickly became a race-winning team in the World Sportscar Championship, working alongside drivers such as Jan Lammers, Jonathan Palmer, Keke Rosberg and Damon Hill. Second place at Le Mans was the highlight of the 1980s, then Lloyd's operation claimed the BTCC title with Audi in 1996. Under the new name of Apex motorsport, Lloyd managed Bentley's victory at Le Mans in 2003 and was currently spearheading Jaguar's FIA GT3 XKR programme. He leaves a wife, Philippa, and three daughters.

Absolutely shocking. I knew David since 1977. He was racing his Royale RP24 in FF back then (the one he restored to race in the WHT in recent years), sponsored by Allan McNish's father. David lived in Carlisle and every Friday night would hook up the trailer on the back of the camper van and head off to a track, sometimes two circuits in a weekend and return to Carlisle Sunday night ready for work Monday. It did not matter if it was Brands one weekend and Thruxton the next, he knew the M6 very well indeed! Most recall his relatively modern career in the BTCC, however don't forget he was a proper good old fashioned racing driver who came up the traditional way through karting to single seaters. He was stunning in single seaters, a regular winner in FF, 2nd in the festival, won the FF2000 Championship, stunned Ayrton Senna to put the under- financed and not yet sorted F3 Magnum on pole at Silverstone in '83, won in F.Atlantic and brilliant in sportscars. Already a winner this season in Britcar over Easter.

Richard too has done an incredible amount for the British motor racing scene. I never met him, but have known of him most of my life. The first time I saw him he was racing his 'Gold Seal' modsports Triumph Spitfire at Snett in 1968.

What a terrible loss. RIP Gentlemen.

Both were real gentlemen and great racers the sport will be much poorer without them.
RIP

Just to add my condolences to the families of all those in the crash, David and Richard were know to all of us and along with the three others who it is believed are mechanics or engineers are in our thoughts.

These things come on the news every now and then like Graham Hill and Colin McRae and your heart just sinks when you realise that the people involved are know to you either directly or indirectly, very sad for all concerned

Such a sad loss..... David raced with us at GTS with Harry in the Britcar series - we are all devasted at this tragic news which has taken such a close friend and true gentleman from us and the racing fraternity. - from ALL the Team at GTS Motorsport...

On a personal note, David was one of the kindest men i have ever met, he spent time with me in my first races offering his advice, guidance and support. He was brave enough to share my car with me at the Silverstone Classic and was due to do the same again this year.... He touched a special place in my heart that i will treasure forever.... I am very proud to have known him and his family.. My thoughts are with Jane and the boys..
- God Bless - from Roz Shaw

Two sad losses to British motorsport. The sad pattern of motorsport figures and aviation crashes continues. My condolances to their families and friends.

Can only add to the comments

Two men with motorsport and racing at their core, and two men who managed to take on and beat the very best in thier time.

Very sad news for all concerned

If i can just offer my thoughts here, we were at home with the odd glass or two to finish a super day then Marcus called with the sad news. David Leslie was simply an ace bloke, I first met him when I worked for Eddie Jordan and ran David in the RT3, he was down to earth, practical and stunningly quick. From then on whenever our paths crossed he was always interested and interesting, always keen to share the latest news and hear yours. Geoff Wyatt who works with us was his mechanic in his all conquering F2000 season and says the same, David never changed. Simply put, we raised our glasses to one of motorsports good guys........

Absolutely agree on those comments, David was one of those types who would always find the time for a chat.Richard was pretty much the same, if slightly reserved until he got to know you, but then he was always game for a bit of banter.

Both the above posts copied from a thread in the Historics forum.

RIP David and Richard, and to the three others lost in this tragedy.

David lived in the next village and was often seen around so I know this terrible loss will be felt locally. I met David on a few occasions sometimes in the local doctors or the post office etc, he spent a day marshalling with us at Thruxton which I know he enjoyed and like some many others I recall him in the 70's travelling to and from Carlisle. I can only add my condolences not only to him, Richard and all those who perished in this awful accident but also to all those families involved as well. RIP - Bladders

A sad day indeed. Condolences and sympathy to all families. The world is a poorer place.

I got to meet David a few times through working for team dfr.

Have to say he was a true gentleman and had time for anyone.

Condolences to David's wife, children, "Father" Leslie and David's Stepmum.

RIP David

Well, I'm a bit stunned.
What is it with plane crashes at the moment? :(
Mcrae, then (nearly) Richards, a few years ago Steve Hislop and now this :s

I saw David on Saturday and he was jovial and cheery. When i was trying to take a candid "team in conversation" picture of him and his crew, and he ended up doing a cheeky pose in front of the car. Sadly, the picture didn't turn out too well, but I don't think I'll regret having seen him race a few times.

And Richard Lloyd and his Porsches will always be remembered- I'm fairly confident in saying that 1990 they finished 3rd at Le Mans with Tiff Needell and (ex David Leslie teammate) Anthony Reid, amongst other stuff.

A sad loss :(

Terrible news.

Heartfelt condolences to the families of all involved.

Shoot. I last saw Mr. Leslie in the pits at the Silverstone Britcar.
He had an impish grin, ducking and weaving as Minime tried to get his picture. Then he posed.

I don't think a word was exchanged, but a lot of good humour was flowing.
At least he won his last race.

RIP David.

Richard Lloyd. I have 3 1/43 scale models in the office at home.
One's a Golf GTi, another is the Canon 956... Nuff said?

RIP guys.

My sincere condolences to all affected by this loss.

TTG

A sad day for motorsport.

R.I.P. David

Terrible.

R.I.P David and Richard.

Richard I only knew by reputation, and those beautiful cars. David I was privileged to meet a few times, mostly when whatever he was driving had just failed him and he chose to remain with us on the marshal's post. On every occasion he was unfailingly polite and charming, giving insightful opinions of how the race was progressing. To both of their families, and to the families of the other three unfortunate victims, I can only offer my sincerest condolences. R.I.P.

Gerry

Very sad news, both great guys. My condolences to their families and also the families of the others who were killed on board. Also lets breath a sigh of relief that due to the skill of the pilot a much larger accident involving people on the ground was avoided and also that the house was empty.

Shocking news! It was only last week when I saw David in the BRDC Clubhouse at Silverstone where he later went on to win the first round of the Britcar.

David is also a lecture of mind at Swansea Metropolitan University teaching BSc Motorsport Management. He was a good lecturer and gave myself and the other students a great insight into the industry.

My heart goes out to David and Richards family and the other who lost their lives in the accident.

Patrick

A very sad time for all concerned. Its ironic that they both were killed by something out of their control (as others have) David always had time for a chat regardless of what he was doing . This is a double whammy for me as a friend that runs my local recording studio was also killed on Saturday !
RIP.

A statement from the BTCC website, from Alan Gow

“It was my privilege to know both David and Richard, which began during their involvement in the BTCC and continued throughout the ensuing years.

“David of course was a great competitor within the BTCC for many years - always exciting to watch, fiercely competitive and incredibly passionate about his sport.

“Richard I never knew as a driver, but as the team owner of Audi Sport UK – and he was a thoroughly likeable person, of real integrity and determination.

“The BTCC is a close-knit community and we mourn the tragic loss of both David and Richard. However our sense of loss is nothing compared to those of their families and our thoughts go out to them at this terrible time.”

terrible news I would like to send condolences to all family of those killed
from every marshall in the Bentley Drivers Club.

Words fail me.

Both Gentlemen and fantastic ambassadors for motorsport.

A truly monumental loss.

Rip David and Richard.

The Motorsport world mourns for two super people so cruely ripped from this existance.

:(

I only knew Richard by reputation, but I had the opportunity to speak to David several times over the years, and he was one of the most personable and approachable drivers I have ever met. A truly sad loss both for the motorsport world and for their respective familes.

News I never expected to wake to this morning. Just as shocking as it is saddening. Condolences to all who knew Richard or David well - they will be so missed in the sport. :(

I don't know if it has already been posted or not but let's not forget that race engineer Christopher Allarton has been named as the third passenger killed in this crash.

Terrible news. :( :( :(

R.I.P.

this is horrible, david is a top bloke, really friendly and approachable and a brilliant bloke, he will be thoroughly missed and although i dont know much about richard he will be missed greatly, condolences to the families of the victims.

R.I.P david and richard

an allround nice guy .
thanks for the memories.(drinking at pembrey and donington and listening to all the stories)
my condolances to all the families.
R.I.P.

I heard the news of the accident last night but only this morning found out who was on board - a terrible tragedy, my condolences to all involved. Rest in peace. :(

David has taken the final chequered flag. My condolences to all involved. Rest in Peace.

RIP

I never got to talk to David, but from what I heard from others is that he was a great guy to have a chat with.

The paddock wont be the same with out David or Richard.

Very saddened to hear about this. Always enjoyed seeing David Leslie and i remember him spending time with us on Sear at Snetterton when his car was helped our way. Thoughts and prayers are with families of all concerned.

He was, i had a really nice discussion with him about his lovely blue Royale RP24 Formula Ford, in the BRDC clubhouse, after the Walter Hayes Trophy a couple of years ago. Top bloke

a great driver, i hope all the famillies are alright and thoughts to them

RIP to David and the others onboard,
David was one of the first btcc i had the nerve or guts (as a 8/9 year old) to ask for his autograph!
I remmeber the underdog days in the ecurie ecosse cavalier(sorry if spelt wron) and then as people say his days throughout the btcc and in the successful nissan primera.
Racing on toca touring cars ps1 was always a delight battling round britain against him(he always seemed to come out first or better off though!)
Hope they can join Colin Mcrae (RIP) in the best place possible for them all, a true motorsport great lost again through a tragic accident

On one of the occasions I spoke to David we got chatting about kart racing. He said that his karting years were possibly the most fondly remembered of his entire career and particularly important to his dad. David said that he'd begun collecting some of the karts he used to race back in the day, mainly for his dad's sake. I told him that the retro kart scene was starting to gain traction and maybe he could race them again... like he was doing with the FF1600 and he started laughing.

We finished that day talking about this particular rare piece of footage which he remembered. I believe it was his first TV appearance. Its brief but poignant and I'm sure few ten-tenthers will have seen it before.

You'll need to go here (https://www.britishpathe.com/index.html) and enter the words 'Terry Fullerton kart' into the search window and do the usual registration stuff to download it.

Just two weeks ago I sat in the Jaguar GT3 with David and made a media lap at Monza. Unbelievable he isn´t here anymore. The same is for Richard Lloyd. He tried everything to send a Jaguar to our German GT3 championship (which worked out for the final races at Hockenheim). Both have done a lot for motorsport and especially sportscar racing. Have a good journey whereever you are guys!

What a genuine man David was. Spent many a time chatting to him in the paddock at all sorts of meetings. I didn't know Richard at all, but knew who he was. My condolences to their families, and to the others lost in this tragic accident.

I don't know if anyone can find it, i can't, but there is some great footage of David in his Royale RP24 at the Walter Hayes Trophy, starting from the back in the wet and working his way up through the pack. really give you a feel for how good he was.

A sad loss to the sport. Richards passion and davids skills should of put jag back on the sportscar map. David was always willing to chat when we met in the pits or paddocks. A true gent and a great loss. The paddock will not be same without them.

Tragic news. RIP to the people that were killed and my thoughts are with all their families.

Another big loss to motorsport and yet another aircraft crash. David was a class pilot and great to watch during the BTCC classic years.

Here is classic Leslie making his feelings known after a coming together with Bincliffe. RIP David

http://www.motorsportmad.com/view/4255/david-leslie-btcc-legend---died-march-30th-2008-rip

There's a special podcast tribute to David and Richard now available on www.radiolemans.com

Thanks Graham

another sad loss for british motorsport RIP guys

http://www.stuartscott.net[URL="http://www.stuartscott.net

It's been lovely to read people's tributes.

Rest in peace all involved.

R.I.P. and condolences to all families :(

It's taken me this long to find words to type...such dreadful news, David I had spoken to many times, as others have said he would always stop for a chat in the paddock, pitlane or at sign on, he always had time for everyone.

I'm sure I must have come across Richard, it sounds like his contribution to the sport has been huge.

Today's Metro has details of the third passenger Christopher Allarton, just a week into the motorsport job he had always wanted.

What a tragic waste of life and talent. Much sympathy to their families and to those of the crew. RIP.

I met David on several occasions and he was always a pleasure to talk to. He was also very interested in marshals, and occasionally marshalled with us. How many top line drivers do that?

I would like to pass on my sincere condolences to David's family and friends.

My sentiments are exactly as Paul said. Motorsport has lost another truly nice guy. My thoughts are with the families and friends of all those who lost their lives.

R.I.P.

I don't know if it has already been posted or not but let's not forget that race engineer Christopher Allarton has been named as the third passenger killed in this crash.

Thats another sad aspect to this story. Christopher just starting his dream job at Apex...then this!...RIP

Really sad tale for all involved, all SMRC members will miss Leslie greatly. Took the following picture on the pitwall on Sunday during the warm up for the Scottish Saloons and Sportscars - it's a 1996 Motorsports Developments Honda Accord Super Tourer of the sort Leslie drove 12 years ago, now in the hands of Stewart Whyte. It was a little bittersweet to see the car at the track and to then find out David had died later in the day.

http://img219.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0788wt6.jpg

Extremely sad; both David and Richard were amongst the most successful and nicest people in motorsports. RIP

Awful, awful news. Scottish Motorsport took a very hard hit when Colin passed away and it's happening all over again.

May all of the victims of this accident rest in piece.

Never met him, but then I don't think that was necessary in his case. He was clearly such an intelligent, well grounded, very nice and fantastically fast racing driver. He loved the cars, the circuits and the racing. I remember seeing him at Pembrey wringing the neck of the EE Cavalier in a way unlike anyone else out there. His skill stood out so brightly to me that day, but I suspect he was always like that.

The class of the field. In every respect. RIP.

what a shame, I met David Leslie a couple of times, he was one of the most friendly top drivers I ever met, happy to pose for photos and give me autographs.

RIP.

An absolute tragedy for the motorsport world and my thoughts are with the families of the victims.

David Leslie drove my car at some point in 97/98.

Very sad.

Richard

David Leslie was one of the mst engaging people to talk to. Motor Sport has lost one of the Good Guys, he will be missed

Awful news. David was a great mentor and driver and well I would think that everyone in the motorsport world will miss him.

RIP

Nice tribute to Richard Lloyd by Jonathan Palmer on the motosportvision website, link below.

http://www.motorsportvision.co.uk/brands-hatch/news/article.asp?NewsID=3617

Terrible news, I can only really remember him for his BTCC drives, great driver!

I saw the plane crash on the news here in Holland yesterday, but no mention was made about who were inside, I only read just now it were these guys. Two guys who certainly helped many people (including Bentley) to stardom...

RIP

I hope that someone will pass all these tributes on to the families of those concerned.

We didn't know Richard but were obviously impressed by his achievements.

We may have come across Christopher at Formula Student, as he was involved with the Coventry car. If that body of students is anything to go by then he was a well focused and polite young man who should have had a golden future in front of him. Sincere condolences to his family and girlfriend.

David - didn't know him well but every time we met him he was a true gent.

God bless each.

Shelagh & Bill

I didn't follow touring cars when David Leslie was driving, but I know a lot about him having watched many past seasons on video.

RIP both.

I hope that someone will pass all these tributes on to the families of those concerned.



I know that the families are being kept up to date with the enormous number of messages of sympathy and goodwill that are pouring in.

At dailysportscar we have literally been overwhelmed - Some of those we have so far received are posted in our headline pages - Together with full obituaries for both David and Richard, they are, of course, free to view

Sincere condolences to all involved, a great loss to the motorsport world.

farewell mr leslie

i had the pleasure of talking to him a couple of times a few years ago at donington on a race morning as he wondered around the paddock (how many top drivers do that)

very friendly bloke, top man, will be sadly missed.


i still have a nissan flag with his sig on somewhere.

RIP

David Leslie
A very good racer one of the Touring Car drivers that really got me hooked when I was a nipper. Now marshalling and hooked even more than ever.

I never saw him 'live' as it were just on TV but would have loved to meet him.

Richard LLoyd
Never saw him driving but great achievements.

My thoughts to David's family and that of Richard's and others on the plane.

Went to uni with Chris Allarton, such a nice genuine guy with a true passion for motorsport. Couldn't believe it when I heard. He was over the moon when he got the job, biggest oppurtunity of his life.

We are out racing on Saturday at Snetterton with one of the uni cars, he did a lot of work on the car and helped out at all the previous races so lets hope we make him proud.

RIP

I first met David in the early eighties on a trip with Fiat when his dad owned a dealership.Since then our paths have crossed numerous times and without fail David always stopped and chatted.Nice man and will be sorely missed.My Condolances to all the family.

Dad


Thank you to all of you who have left such warm comments not only on this forum but across the internet, as well as the cards and letters of condolence we have received. I am not sure what he (dad) would have made of it all, but to us it is a help in what is a strange time for us. Please pass our thanks on to all those who have made their condolences as there are so many tributes to read and it has taken us some time to read them all.

Please do not be sad by his death, he didn’t do sad, celebrate his life after all it was very bright, colourful and action packed right up to the last second. Most of all please enjoy your racing over the weekend and forever, he did and that is why we go racing whatever the level.


I get the distinct impression that many of you are marshals for whom he gained a huge respect when he had a day with some of you at Thruxton when whoever marshalled with him had cleared the first drama before he was able to do much, I remember him coming and telling me about it.


He has gone in the best way possible, he can’t have felt a thing so never suffered, not many are that lucky. He didn’t want to grow old and as he always said, a job worth doing is worth doing well, and he certainly left with a bang.


David Leslie 9th November 1953 Dumfries - 30th March 2008 Farnbourgh


My Dad was and always will be my perfect dad, also my best friend and my hero. He may be dead but I will always look up and aspire to him. I may be the luckiest and certainly the proudest son in the world. I know I am biased but can you blame me.


Our family send our best wishes to Richards , Chris` and the pilots families who must be going through something similar to us our thoughts are with you.

Graham Leslie

A fantastic post Graham. My heartfelt sympathies but as you say, your dad would wish us to remember his racing.

Thank you for posting.

A lovely post Graham, thank you for taking the time to come and respond to us at this incredibly difficult time for you.

You sound as nice a chap as your Dad was, I think you are right to be proud of him, I'm sure he was and still is equally proud of you.

Best wishes for the next few weeks.

Superb message from David's son. Affected me possibly more than some , as I was the Observer at the Chicane when David spent a whole day with us! Brought his own overalls & gloves and kept up a constant dialogue with all the marshals on the post that day. He seemed to really want to know what made us tick and thanked us all personally at the end of the day. The frequent incidents did not have to be stage managed , so he got a good introduction!!
Great chap, sorely missed.

RIP to all who we sadly lost in the accident. I met David a few times and he was a pleasure to be around. I loved his WTCC commentary, he will be sadly missed.

Graham , thanks for coming on here. Your Dad really was a lovely genuine bloke, always had time for a chat whenever I bumped into him, since first meeting him when he raced his Royale RP24 back in 1977. At the time I was 'gofer' for Trevor van Rooyen on his RP24, many a battle between David and TvR, Mansell, Chico Serra, Blanchet, Roe, Sarazin, Devaney, etc in those days!

Later on I did a painting for him that was presented to him by Val Adaway of 'Formula Services' of his MG Metro that he raced in '84. Val's company did the paperwork, entries, commentator notes etc, for many teams and drivers back then, David was one of many clients. I also did a pen & ink drawing of the Group C Ecosse for David, presented to him by the Silverstone lady marshals as his 'Dish of the Day' award, presented to the driver they found the most 'dishy!'

He will be sorely missed. A great competitor, brilliant bloke and a fine gentleman. Sincere condolences to you all.

That message has honestly left me at the edge of tears. Beautifully put, and it's clear that David's will live on through his son. A week on I saw MotorsTv's trailer for the first LMES race and it stopped me in my tracks realizing David's insightful and charming contribuitions would be missing.

David may have gone, but he's NOT forgotten...
http://www.gurneyflap.com/lmsbarcelona08.html

Look for the Pescarolo front end shots. The Rollcentre car has the guys listed, as REMEMBERED.

Thank you so much for your post Graham, like so many others, evidently, it moved me so much.

I have been asked to post this announcement to the thread.

RICHARD LLOYD

Funeral arrangements:

Wednesday 16 April 2008

Church Service 2.30pm

St Peters Church (Additional car parking available at Honda F1, Brackley NN13 7BD)
Church Road (please be there before 2.00pm in time for transport to church)
Old Town
Brackley
Northants
NN13 7BX

Followed by a celebration of Richard’s life to be held at 4.15pm

Silverstone Circuit,
Nr Towcester,
Northants.
NN12 8TN

Friends and colleagues are welcome to attend either or both.


The family has asked for no flowers:
Donations to: Cystic Fibrosis Trust,
BRDC Benevolent Fund
c/o undertakers J&M Humphris, 32 Albert Street, Banbury, Oxon. OX16 5DG


Any further details from Apex Motorsoprt, 01280 824445 success@apexmotorsport.co.uk www.apexmotorsport.com

details also available on www.hscc.org.uk/News%20headlines.htm

rip.a sad loss.david was a top bloke i met him many times and he was allways equal with everyone.i had the pleasure of working with his son graham at team jlr in 2006 and graham just like his dad is a top bloke and a gentle giant who i miss working with.ive just read what graham wrote on here and it brought tears to my eyes.graham youre dad and everyone else is proud of you. R.I.P richard lloyd

i have never met rich lloyd but i had met on many occasions david leslie. i can say he was one of the nicest guys in the paddock, no matter what he was doing, if he was doing pr, he was talking to his race team or even getting in and out of a car, he always had time for you for a chat and whatever. a true gent of the sport and he shall be sorely missed by all, thoughts are with his friends and family and to all involved!

just a link to me and him at britcar 2007, as i said always time for everyone!!!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/14543184@N05/2112177620/?addedcomment=1#comment72157604445174374

I worked with David whilst doing data analysis at RML during the Primera years and since then I kept bumping into him at various meetings, recreational and professional, from then on. As has been said many times, David was always really friendly and keen to find out what was going on. The last time I saw him was whilst I was competing in the VSCC Pomeroy in February and, true to form, he had a smile and a friendly hello. My shock on seeing the tragic news was immense and my thoughts immediately went out to his family and the other passengers of those departed. David, you will be hugely missed........

http://www.knockhill.com/news.php?a=210

That is a great tribute to a great man.

I have been asked to post this:

Funeral details, David William Leslie (November 9 1953-March 30 2008)

Monday, April 14 2008

A private cremation in Dumfries - invited family only.

13.00 hrs: A memorial service celebrating David’s life at the Crichton Memorial Church, Dumfries, to which all friends and family are invited. No flowers please. A collection will be taken in memory of David for the Cancer Research charity and a kidney disease research charity tba. Alternatively, please make your own arrangements to make contributions directly in David’s memory.

A further service/celebration will take place at a later date at or near Silverstone for the many friends who are unable to attend in Dumfries.

Graham, thank you so much for taking the time to post such a moving tribute and message of thanks. Your message will mean a great deal to the many people here who knew your Dad in some capacity.

I hope you'll forgive me for quoting your message in full in the tribute thread on another discussion forum I use.

Snetterton Britcar-20th April.
I attended this race today, at a rather gloomy snetterton,and witnessed a fine tribute to both David and Richard on the grid prior to running the four hour endurance race. Without exception,ALL the spectators stood at the fence during the fine tribute and to witness the parade of Davids early race winning car(sorry, can't remember which it was )but struck by the genuine regard for such fine gentlemen.During the silence,everything fell quiet punctuated only by the skylarks......very fitting in my opinion.
Great respects to two such fine people.

Does anyone know which kidney research charity has been decided upon for donations in memory of David? Please send me a PM.

Dave Bewley has done an excellent tribute to David Leslie in this month's Karting Magazine. 50% of it is devoted to his karting career where David excelled in both direct drive and gearbox classes. The fact that as a young junior he had the measure of one of the world's greatest ever drivers, Terry Fullerton, demonstrates that were it not for a lack of funding in the late 70s, David may well have made it all the way.

Karting meant a lot to David and his dad, and when I last spoke to him he was talking about restoring some of his old rigs. As well as motorsport in general, karting too has lost a great ambassador.

We attended the memorial party last night at Silverstone - there were some lovely tributes and it was very nice to meet Graham - congratulations onyour Masters.

Wonderful evening - very well done to all involved

Also attended the evening celebration of David. A wonderfully run evening and so many paying tribute to a true gentleman, racer and proud Scot.

Possibly the strangest rap ever seen was aired on the screen, now how funny was that to end the evening? I think it summed up the idea of the celebration being a fun happy night.

Thanks to all involved