16 replies to this topic

[kayemod]

I hate being the bearer of bad news, but a friend just told me that Phil Kerr has died aged 81, in his native New Zealand. I only met Phill a few times at McLaren in Colnbrook, but a really nice man, as it seemed to a young me, everyone was at McLaren in those days. Phil had a long career in motor racing, at Brabham and McLaren most successfully. Something else he should be remembered for is his book To Finish First, sub-titled 'My years inside Formula One, Can-Am and Indy 500'. It's a truly excellent piece of work, illustrated with many of Phil's own photos, he was a skilled photographer. I can't praise this book too highly, it really sums up how racing was in the era he wrote about. Farewell Phil, I hope they paint his coffin the appropriate shade of ORANGE.

 

 

A very fitting tribute.

Edited by kayemod, 22 August 2015 - 12:50.

[Patrick Fletcher]

That is so very sad.

[cpbell]

R.I.P.

[jj2728]

RIP

[Giraffe]

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Phil pictured here with Sid Taylor when we visited Hampton Downs NZ in January 2013. I spent quite a bit of time chatting with Phil and he was a charming and incredibly knowledgeable man. He wrote a special dedication for me on my copy of his book as posted by Rob earlier, and I am proud to have made his acquaintance. RIP Phil.

[Michael Ferner]

RIP

[MCS]

Phil pictured here with Sid Taylor when we visited Hampton Downs NZ in January 2013. I spent quite a bit of time chatting with Phil and he was a charming and incredibly knowledgeable man. He wrote a special dedication for me on my copy of his book as posted by Rob earlier, and I am proud to have made his acquaintance. RIP Phil.

 

Very sad news, but a nice post Tony.

 

I remember receiving various signed McLaren pictures  - following my written schoolboy requests - in the early seventies.  One of them was sent by Phil Kerr. 

 

God rest his soul.  You remember certain things.

[AJB]

RIP Phil.

 

A charming man who very kindly sent me a genuine swatch of McLaren Orange so that I could make a decent model.

[Richard Jenkins]

Link to the news on Speedcafe - http://www.speedcafe...phil-kerr-dies/, which contains a nice tribute from Ron Dennis.

[ed holly]

Very, very sad news .... RIP Phil.

 

This link takes you to an interview with Ross Greenwood and was done at Sir Jack's funeral. 

 

http://www.2gb.com/audioplayer/45341

[cooper997]

 

 

Going by what Michael Clark has posted on The Roaring Season, Phil's passing was unexpected and will have come as a shock to not only me, but many of his friends and enthusiasts alike, scattered around the globe as they read or hear he has passed away.

 

I only had the privilege to meet Phil on one occasion - that being the Gold Coast, Qld funeral service for Sir Jack Brabham, June last year. Both Phil and his lovely wife, Pat had flown over from their New Zealand home to be there with several fellow members of the MRD/Brabham Racing Organisation and family members. He was an absolute gentleman to meet and chat with. So it comes as a difficult thing to fathom that he has now gone too.

 

Pat, Phil and the Brabham cousins, Matthew and Sam - third generation racers.

 

 

Almost a complete F1 team in 1959… celebratory photo the day after Jack’s May 10 Monaco GP win. Phil is far right with Bruce at #22. Mechanic, Mike Grohmann stands with #26 and John , Jack and mechanic, Bill James stand with the winning #24. Masten Gregory isn’t present.

 

 

I dare say Bruce, Denny and Jack are now awaiting Phil to arrive with the necessary financial control and sponsorship!

 

To Pat and the Kerr family, plus the many friends from so many facets of the motor racing community Phil associated with, my condolences

 

Stephen Dalton

 

PS - Thanks to Ed for posting the 2GB radio link. I was aware Phil had done a radio interview when Sir Jack passed, but had never heard it. 

[Doug Nye]

Phil was a great person.  I first met him - I think - in 1964 or '65 at Jack Brabham's garage business in Woking - and got to know him better later with Bruce at McLaren. Most sincere condolences to his family and many, many friends around the globe...

 

DCN

[retriever]

Very sad news indeed. 

 

I support Kayemod on his observations regarding Phil Kerr's autobiography. A wonderful book recalling the classic era of motorsport from the MRP stable. Many thanks to John Blunsden for bringing it into print.

[JacnGille]

damn

[Amaroo Park]

Phil's book mentioned above was one of my first introductions to the man. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it very interesting. The high regard that Phil is held in is a tribute to his character RIP 

[Giraffe]

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Phil most kindly dedicated my copy of his book at the BRDC luncheon, Hamilton NZ in Jan, 2013. Phil's funeral is scheduled to take place on Monday next. RIP.

Edited by Giraffe, 26 August 2015 - 21:16.

[Nick Planas]

Sad news indeed. Condolences to his family and many many friends.