Race ace Stuart Smith dies

Rochdale stock car racer Stuart Smith has died.

Mr Smith has been described as the “first true super star of stock car racing.” He passed away on Thursday 23 December 2010.

His achievements include six World titles, 13 National Points Championships, 3 British Championships and 3 European Championships.

A tribute posted on the BriSCA Stock Car Racing website, reads:

“It is with deep regret and sadness that we advise the passing of Stuart Smith Senior on Thursday 23rd December 2010.

“The entire BriSCA family extend our deepest sympathies at this extremely difficult time to Andy, Stuart , family and close friends.

“Stuart was possibly BriSCA Stock Car Racing’s most iconic legend with a racing career spanning three decades.

“He commenced racing in 1965 strangely enough at Long Eaton and finally retired in 1988 at Manchester's Belle Vue with his Testimonial meeting although in recent years he made a guest appearance at Peter Falding’s testimonial.

“His record will be difficult to emulate - 497 Feature Final wins plus 3 dead heats, six World titles, 13 National Points Championships, 3 British Championships and 3 European Championships.

“Stuart has been present around the raceways since his retirement supporting the developing careers of his two sons Andrew and Stuart who have gone on to begin emulating his success. He was also one of the main feature characters central to the recent BBC 1 GEARS & TEARS series.

“Well loved, respected and a superb stock car racing raconteur he touched the entire BriSCA community at some point in time and his departure will leave a massive void.

“However, Stuart would always wish to have the final word, he lived for today and enjoyed a fulfilled life in everything he has done. His last request would not be for sadness, but as to who was getting a round in at the bar to toast him.”

A post of the F1 Stock Cars website describes Mr Smith as a maestro, it reads: “If ever there was an appropriate time to use the term legend, then it would be now, for the memories and achievements of BriSCA F1 driver “The one and only” Stuart Smith will live on for many decades and more in the hearts, minds and souls of all the stock car fans he entertained over his years in the sport.”