MSA pays tribute to David Leslie and Richard Lloyd

MSA pays tribute to David Leslie and Richard Lloyd

Posted: April 1, 2008 8:39 AM

SA 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  

 

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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.