Paddy Hopkirk was finest driver of his generation - Chambers

The head of Motorsport UK has paid tribute to rally legend Paddy Hopkirk, who passed away on Thursday at Stoke Mandeville Hospital aged 89.
Paddy Hopkirk was finest driver of his generation - Chambers

Hugh Chambers described Hopkirk – who rose to fame following a famous victory at the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964 driving a modified Morris Mini Cooper S – as one of the greatest competitors of his era.

The performance made headline news on the front page of the most respected titles – both in the UK and around the world. It also compelled the British government of the time to send a telegram in which prime minister Alec Douglas-Home expressed his congratulations.

A signed photo was also sent specially by chart-topping band the Beatles and, very quickly, Hopkirk became known as 'the fifth Beatle'.

His Monte success was the start of a long and illustrious career behind the wheel that included victories at the Circuit of Ireland Rally, the Alpine Rally in 1966 and again in ’67 – the same year he mastered the notoriously difficult Acropolis Rally in Greece.

In 1977 he made the podium on the London-Sydney, won the RAC Golden 50 in 1982 and in 1990 led the field home at the Pirelli Classic Marathon – achievements that marked him out as one of the first of four people to be inducted into the Rally Hall of Fame in 2010.

Away from the stages, the father-of-three who was born in Belfast scored a hat-trick of finishes at the Le Mans 24 Hours in France and enjoyed success at the Spa 24 Hours in Belgium.

Reflecting on the contributions Hopkirk made, Chambers said: “One of the finest drivers of his generation, Paddy made the Mini Cooper S a global icon with success on the grandest of stages.

“He worked tirelessly for the benefit of motorsport with unwavering passion and commitment. His legacy will live on, providing contributions across a broad spectrum of our sport and that will act as an inspiration to many who follow in his footsteps.

“As a close family friend, we will miss his infectious humour and tireless energy,” he added.

Former World Rally driver and countryman Kris Meeke added: “Paddy was a fascinating character. Despite his success, you immediately felt comfortable being in his company. He was great craic and always had a story to tell. I will forever remember him and how he helped me in those early days.”

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