6 replies to this topic

[Alan Cox]

I am sorry to have to report that Paul Boothroyd, Leeds-based photographer and long-time Northern Correspondent for Autosport has died after a short battle with cancer. Paul will be remembered as a permanent fixture around northern circuits, mainly Oulton Park, Aintree, Croft and Rufforth as well as hillclimbs at Harewood, for many years, providing reports and photographs principally for Autosport, but also working for Motoring News. He also had the misfortune to be struck by Chris Goodwin's errant Formula First car while standing at Esso Bend, alongside Phil Rainford, while covering a race at Oulton Park and suffering serious leg injuries but, happily, was able to return to resume his place behind the lens following a period of hospitalisation and rehabilitation.

 

He will have been well-known to many drivers, particularly those who were northern-based, for whom he provided photographs. It was a pleasure to be in his company, whether trackside or in the press box, where  he was always accompanied by his wife, Yvonne, who kept his lap charts and to whom I extend my sympathy, and also to their son, Christopher.

Edited by Alan Cox, 30 July 2015 - 09:19.

[pressman]

Very Sad ,  lovely  fellow , great company.

[Simon Arron]

I can but echo the sentiments above. Paul was a good bloke, someone I got to know well circa 1980/81 (about five minutes ago in my head, despite what the calendar might claim). He was covering Oulton Park & Aintree events for Autosport while I was doing likewise for MN. Paul, his late mum, Yvonne and their B-series Opel Manta were as much a part of the local racing landscape as the Lodge Corner gate. We shared many a conversation in the paddock - and they often continued in The Windmill, by junction 19 of the M6, where several members of the Oulton press corps would reassemble en route to various points of the compass.

 

I hadn't seen him for a few years but am very sorry to learn of his passing.

[Alan Cox]

Paul with two of his regular Oulton Park chums, Phil Rainford (Left) and Don Williamson (Right), taken in 1986

Edited by Alan Cox, 30 July 2015 - 08:05.

[MCS]

Sorry to have seen this.  I first encountered Paul in the mid-seventies at the northern circuits, as Alan referred to earlier. He seemed to be a permanent fixture.

 

I always remember being on the inside of Lodge Corner at Oulton Park at the final Indylantic round in 1976 when, upon turning round briefly as the cars had passed, there was Paul crouched down by one of the tree stumps, camera in hand taking macro lens pictures of some strange looking yellow fungi that was growing in the Autumn sunshine!  He took several shots and went even further up in my estimation.

 

(Edited to spell "fungi" correctly - I should have typed toadstool or mushroom...)

Edited by MCS, 30 July 2015 - 12:43.

[cyrilmac]

Can only echo all the above sentiments.Always good company even after his Formula First episode !

Rest in peace Paul.

[backfire]

I was only thinking about Paul the other day as I'd not seen him for years, how very sad. The word stalwart could have been invented for Paul, out in all weathers, not only snapping but writing as well, trusty Opel Manta in the press car parks all over the country. Good bye mate - I will always remember the cheery welcomes as we gathered behind the Armco on yet another Sunday. Top Bloke.