10 replies to this topic

[Vitesse2]

Fred Saunders, former FV driver who also raced one of the three Crossle 15Fs in F5000 has died in a freak accident at the age of 84.

 

http://www.telegraph...petrol-covered/

 

http://www.devonlive...tail/story.html

[john winfield]

That's really sad, especially with Fred having survived plenty of hairy machinery in his time. Strangely, this afternoon, I had been reading through the Peter Hawtin thread in which many of the lesser known F5000 drivers are discussed, Fred included.
 
Condolences to his partner, family and friends.

[EDWARD FITZGERALD]

I remember him at Mondello, a low budget effort but enjoying it, RIP Fred

[2F-001]

Very much a supporter of the early F5000 series - with his Rover-engined Crossle - and usually described as a deep-sea diver (I always imagined that was in the North Sea Oil Industry). And with regard the the news story - what a dreadful way to go; and a terrible shock for his wife.

[kayemod]

Fred's wife, "He previously told me 'I have had a really good life and done pretty much everything'."

 

How terrible to make it to 84, and then die like that. I wouldn't have believed that an accident like that was even possible, I bet none of us could repeat it no matter how we tried.

 

Makes us see "dangerous" diesel vehicles in a new light.

[Paul Parker]

I watched him in various F5000 races in period, what a terrible, tragic end, fate at its most malevolent, my sincerest condolences to family and friends.

[Alan Cox]

What desperately sad news. I had the pleasure of chatting to Fred a few years ago when he turned up for an Oulton Gold Cup meeting. I found him quite charming and he was happy to talk about his f5000 racing and his team, Mermaid Racing.
RIP Fred

[Bob Riebe]

Very, very sad.

I remember reading about him forty some years ago when AutoWeek and Comp. Press covered them all.

[DouglasM]

RIP Fred, I remember him in F5000.

[RTH]

Does seem extraordinary, but a reminder just how inflammable petrol is and  to take the greatest care .

[ErleMin]

Terrible news about such a hero.