Barrie "Whizzo" Williams
Discussion
Very few realise what a successful driver Barrie was in rallying, before he was seriously into racing.
He was the first driver to win an international rally in a Cooper 'S' - the 1964 Welsh International in his 1071 Cooper 'S' 120MNP. In fact, had it not been for a short period 'off of the road' courtesy of the magistrates, he would quite probably have got a full BMC 'works' drive instead of the late Tony Fall.
But not only was Barrie a great driver, he was a very warm and kind person. He encouraged and advised less experienced drivers and was a true gentleman. His wit and humour will be missed just as much as his awesome driving skills. He also put a lot back into the sport as President of the Motor Racing Marshals Club.
RIP Barrie.
He was the first driver to win an international rally in a Cooper 'S' - the 1964 Welsh International in his 1071 Cooper 'S' 120MNP. In fact, had it not been for a short period 'off of the road' courtesy of the magistrates, he would quite probably have got a full BMC 'works' drive instead of the late Tony Fall.
But not only was Barrie a great driver, he was a very warm and kind person. He encouraged and advised less experienced drivers and was a true gentleman. His wit and humour will be missed just as much as his awesome driving skills. He also put a lot back into the sport as President of the Motor Racing Marshals Club.
RIP Barrie.
This is very sad news.
I got to know Gerry quite well towards the end of his life as he raced for an ametuer team I was part of. Barrie always came over and had a good chat with us, the Lanfrianchis and Gerry. He always had a smile and was a true gent. End of an era, there will be a big party upstairs when these old boys get together again RIP.
I got to know Gerry quite well towards the end of his life as he raced for an ametuer team I was part of. Barrie always came over and had a good chat with us, the Lanfrianchis and Gerry. He always had a smile and was a true gent. End of an era, there will be a big party upstairs when these old boys get together again RIP.
Barrie was a wonderful character. I was privileged to have him take me through my ARDS at Silverstone about ten years ago - I was a big fan and couldn’t believe it when he introduced himself as my instructor. Even as a middle aged man I was incredibly nervous about the whole thing but Barrie’s great sense of humour saw me through. RIP a truely great gentleman.
Met Barrie a couple of times as I commentated at the speed festival in his native Bromyard - took his very elderly Mum and his dog out for demonstration laps!
Trundled into my box and took over without asking once - which I would normally deem rude - but he was such a nice man with it, you couldn't complain.
Had a good story about being flat out at the Nurburgring in some proepr sports car (cant remember which) - absolutely flat out, fog, rain and night and keeping his toe in and just dealing with it - and then suddenly thinking to himself - 'what the hell am I doing here?!'
The world has not only lost a good driver, but a fine human being.
Trundled into my box and took over without asking once - which I would normally deem rude - but he was such a nice man with it, you couldn't complain.
Had a good story about being flat out at the Nurburgring in some proepr sports car (cant remember which) - absolutely flat out, fog, rain and night and keeping his toe in and just dealing with it - and then suddenly thinking to himself - 'what the hell am I doing here?!'
The world has not only lost a good driver, but a fine human being.
I remember marshalling at Snetterton on the first corner, behind the rather large gravel trap there. I can't remember the event, but big saloons of some sort. At the start Williams car shot straight on into the gravel and stuck. As the pack disappeared up the road and all fell silent we could hear the sound of laughter coming from somewhere. Eventually realised that it was Whizzo sitting in his car laughing his socks off.
Last Saturday there was a 'Celebration of Barrie's Life' in the BRDC Suite at Silverstone.
It was a memorable and moving afternoon with much laughter, just as Barrie would have wanted.
We all laughed at his various antics and adventures, on and off track.
A very unique personality, now sadly missed.
It was a memorable and moving afternoon with much laughter, just as Barrie would have wanted.
We all laughed at his various antics and adventures, on and off track.
A very unique personality, now sadly missed.
Gassing Station | UK Club Motorsport | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff