Saturday Northampton

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missdiane

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13,993 posts

255 months

Tuesday 16th February 2010
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Very fitting tribute for a local Lotus owner

http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/Lotus-drive...

Lotus drivers in parade tribute to F1 mechanic killed in car crash

Up to 100 Lotus drivers are set to parade through Northampton in tribute to former McLaren Formula One team mechanic Simon Woodward, who was killed on a county road earlier this month.
Mr Woodward, of Wellingborough, died when his Lotus Elise collided with a stationary lorry on the A43 near Blisworth on February 3.

The 38-year-old, described by his family as having a "passion" for motorsport, reportedly loved driving his car, which was described as his "pride and joy".

At his funeral this week, fellow members of SELOC Lotus enthusiasts' club will follow the funeral car on its journey from Wellingborough to Northampton.

Mr Woodward's brother Paul said the family had been approached by club members who wanted to do something in tribute to his brother, who was a "huge Lotus fan".

Up to 100 cars will parade from Wellingborough to Northampton Cathedral, where a funeral service will take place on Saturday, and from there on to the crematorium in Milton Malsor.

Paul said: "Lotus and the Lotus club were Simon's passions. He was very well-known at the club and went to lots of Lotus events so the idea of giving him a good send off appealed to us.

"His passions were motorsport and music. He was always smiling and was the first to help someone out if they needed it."

Mr Woodward, known as Woody to his friends, worked at McLaren for six years. Initially he was a mechanic involved in putting the cars together and taking part in pit stops during races.

He worked on the car provided to double world champion Fernando Alonso during the Spaniard's only season with McLaren in 2007 before moving on to work with the organisation's demo team.

A tribute Facebook page set up by his brother has already attracted more than 400 people.

Rather than give flowers at the funeral, anyone who wants to can donate to the Richard Burns Foundation at www.justgiving.com/Simon-Woody-Woodward.



Edited by missdiane on Tuesday 16th February 17:06