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Assist Quick Vic...


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#1 Doug Nye

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Posted 19 April 2021 - 19:20

I hope this is in order to post here.  Just received from the Road Racing Drivers Club in the US.  If you are able to do so, please consider contributing as indicated.  Vic - who was already battling an aggressive cancer - had a fall recently, fractured a femur and has little available support.  He is battling the situation with his lifelong characteristic tenacity and courage.  Just a small contribution could really help make life easier right now for him and for his lady, Anita.

 

DCN

 

 

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April 19, 2021
 
RRDC MEMBERS:
 
RRDC members Marshall Pruett and Brian Redman are asking for our help.
 
Our longtime member Vic Elford is in need of support "from the legions of friends and fans who’ve marveled at his exceptional talent and grace for more than half a century.
 
"With the return of an aggressive form of prostate cancer, and the added complication of a broken leg suffered in a recent fall, the 85-year-old Englishman has been unable to travel and earn a living as a featured guest at automotive and vintage racing events."
 
His friends and fans are joining in to help Vic through this difficult time by way of this fundraising page. Please provide your support, if you're able, by going to
 
Here is the full story on Racer.com from Marshall Pruett:
 
 
Said Redman, “Vic's many successes and accomplishments are well known, but what stood out for me was his desire to race the new and unproved Porsche 917 at Le Mans in 1969. Why?“Because it was 20 mph faster on the four-mile Mulsanne straight than anything else! Vic and Richard Attwood were leading with only three hours to go when the gearbox casing cracked.  
 
“In 1970 with the new long-tail 917, Vic set a new qualifying record at an average of just over 150 mph and the fastest lap in the race at an average of 149.90. So, not just ‘Quick Vic,’ but ‘Brave Vic,’ whose bravery is demonstrated once more while combating the dreaded cancer.” 
 
RRDC member David Hobbs added: "Vic Elford, one of the top drivers of his generation, is very ill with cancer. Vic is an all-time great, winning the Monte Carlo Rally and Daytona 24 Hours in a space of two weeks. It would be great if you could help!”
 
Thank you!!
 
The RRDC board

 



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#2 john winfield

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Posted 19 April 2021 - 20:07

Sad to hear, but good idea Doug.  :up:  I hope Vic's situation improves. 



#3 Doug Nye

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Posted 19 April 2021 - 20:22

Accumulated tiny donations will at least help.  Vic was one of the most versatile of all frontline drivers...and he is one of ours...  

 

DCN



#4 Emery0323

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Posted 19 April 2021 - 20:32

Thank you for forwarding this Doug.  I am very sorry to hear this news, but there was some indication it might be coming.

 

Anita, his wife, has operated an online Ebay store for many years which sells racing-related books, models, memorabilia, dvd's etc.

I have bought a number of items from her over the years, and Vic always graciously signed them for me.

During this past holiday season, she sent out an email to the store's mailing list indicating that Vic might have to go into hospice care soon.

 

I have just made a donation.   Time passes - I can recall his victory at Sebring in 1971, which was a half-century ago as of last month.


Edited by Emery0323, 19 April 2021 - 20:46.


#5 Dave Ware

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Posted 19 April 2021 - 20:46

Thanks for posting this, Doug.  I was thinking of doing it myself and wondered if it would be appropriate.  I think it is very much so. 



#6 JacnGille

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Posted 20 April 2021 - 02:32

Sad news



#7 Doug Nye

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Posted 20 April 2021 - 18:15

Just to encourage others...the above appeal which Brian Redman and others in the US launched barely 24 hours ago to help cover Vic's medical expenses and other pressing needs has already surpassed 1/3rd of its $150,000 target.  As a tangible indication of the motor sporting community's respect and affection for him that is quite cheering.  Enough $5 to $10 donations quickly build together and are painless for most to make...

 

https://www.gofundme...-physical-needs

 

DCN



#8 Nick Planas

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Posted 20 April 2021 - 19:04

Just donated, and spread the word to a few non-TNF members. When I think of the pleasure and entertainment he's given us fans over the years it is the least I could do. 



#9 Doug Nye

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Posted 20 April 2021 - 19:22

Thank you Nick.

 

DCN



#10 Dave Ware

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Posted 20 April 2021 - 21:25

Of the 432 donations, only 62 are over $100 U.S. Large amounts are great for those who can do them, and yes, the smaller donations add up as well.

#11 Dipster

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Posted 21 April 2021 - 06:09

Have any of his past employers chipped in? I suggest he helped them a great deal, perhaps they owe him a helping hand now.



#12 Doug Nye

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Posted 21 April 2021 - 06:19

I suspect this is the case but the anonymity of any donation is always to be respected, of course...  I fear this unsought move by his friends (and fans) presently inflicts acute discomfort upon a justifiably proud man - but a greater need calls.

 

DCN



#13 Derwent Motorsport

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Posted 21 April 2021 - 07:38

It is very sad that a great driver who was a professional driver in many disciplines has found himself in dire financial difficulties. How has that happened?



#14 ensign14

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Posted 21 April 2021 - 08:18

Florida healthcare costs, by the looks of things.



#15 Michael Ferner

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Posted 21 April 2021 - 08:22

Unfortunately, that's not an uncommon thing - racing is expensive, and many competitors are/were prone to spending the last dime on the 'unfair advantage', without too much thought about possible consequences in the far, far away future... :(



#16 john winfield

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Posted 21 April 2021 - 08:27

$86,000 raised so far; the target is $150,000.



#17 Martyn Hey

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Posted 21 April 2021 - 10:41

A true legend, I will make a contribution

 



#18 Lotus11Register

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Posted 21 April 2021 - 11:34

Vic Elford is indeed a fine man and someone you would quickly count among your friends, if only you could meet him.  About twenty-five years ago we were introduced but his name was lost in the conversation and I hadn't bothered to glance at his business card.   A question was asked and this mystery man next to me began describing what it was like to spin at night on the banking at Daytona Speedway.  That was when I looked at his card and recognized the name.  He was the real deal.  We were on a first-name basis for several years and he tolerated me and my silly comments about racing longer than most people with his talent would. 

 

Vic's book, Porsche High-Performance Driving Handbook contains a wealth of wisdom along with theory and technique.  You get a dose of that insight in the time spent with him in the video documentary from long ago, The Speed Merchants.  He's always been quiet, underrated in his own time and not often known outside of groups like this one.  But it is worth learning more about this man, a self-made racer who mastered the green hell of the Nurburgring, taking sometimes nasty racecars to win many races and the respect of those around him.  I wish him well. 



#19 john aston

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Posted 21 April 2021 - 14:27

Wouldn't a possible  solution be to fly him home so he can get free medical treatment on the NHS ?  Assuming he remains entitled to it .  



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#20 Dolph

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Posted 21 April 2021 - 14:37

I can't donate, my credit card doesn't work. I'm from Europe. We recently had a change that credit card payments need to be validated, but this somehow does not work. There is an Error. Anyone else from Europe having a problem? I really want to donate to help Vic.



#21 Emery0323

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Posted 21 April 2021 - 14:53

It is very sad that a great driver who was a professional driver in many disciplines has found himself in dire financial difficulties. How has that happened?

I read a quote from Vic's contemporary, Brian Redman,  that went something like "I figured I would get rich or die trying.  Neither of those things happened."

Even the star, big-name drivers of the 1960's-1970's were not paid large sums by modern-day standards.  
The expansion of  television coverage and the associated corporate sponsorship was what drove up driver salaries, and that didn't really start until the 1970's, after Vic had retired.

While I don't want to delve into speculation about people's finances, I think it's a fair estimate that most of the  financial assets that surviving drivers of that era possess came from post-racing careers like driving school instructor, event organizer, etc.  David Hobbs probably made a lot more money as a TV color commentator than as a driver.


Edited by Emery0323, 21 April 2021 - 15:53.


#22 Emery0323

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Posted 21 April 2021 - 14:57

I can't donate, my credit card doesn't work. I'm from Europe. We recently had a change that credit card payments need to be validated, but this somehow does not work. There is an Error. Anyone else from Europe having a problem? I really want to donate to help Vic.

I am in the US, but my credit card was blocked the first time I tried to donate.  The GoFundme website is probably flagged by some credit-card issuers as a source of fraudulent charges. I was able to unblock the charge and it went through on the second attempt.  Call your bank or card issuer and tell them the charge is legitimate.



#23 Dolph

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Posted 21 April 2021 - 15:09

I am in the US, but my credit card was blocked the first time I tried to donate.  The GoFundme website is probably flagged by some credit-card issuers as a source of fraudulent charges. I was able to unblock the charge and it went through on the second attempt.  Call your bank or card issuer and tell them the charge is legitimate.

 

 

I just got a call from my issuer 15 minutes ago. They flagged it, but said its because I had made several transactions (I tried many times to make the same one). I tried again now and it still didn't go through. I don't know what else is there to do.


Edited by Dolph, 21 April 2021 - 15:09.


#24 pacificquay

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Posted 21 April 2021 - 15:57

Crying shame that America doesn't care about healthcare provision.

 

Hopefully Victor gets the support he needs.



#25 Doug Nye

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Posted 21 April 2021 - 16:05

In the UK we talk of the health service.

 

In the US my friends talk of the health industry.

 

That difference - unfortunately - is significant.

 

DCN



#26 Vitesse2

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Posted 21 April 2021 - 16:59

I just got a call from my issuer 15 minutes ago. They flagged it, but said its because I had made several transactions (I tried many times to make the same one). I tried again now and it still didn't go through. I don't know what else is there to do.

Are you using an ad blocker? I noticed that they say they have reCaptcha active on the site; it sometimes contains trackers which are blocked by ad blockers and cause transactions to fail. Worked okay for me on a UK Visa card.



#27 opplock

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Posted 21 April 2021 - 18:25

Are you using an ad blocker? 

 

I use Ublock Origin but had no trouble with UK Visa card.

 

I never saw Vic Elford race but am happy to make a small contribution. 



#28 Doug Nye

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Posted 21 April 2021 - 19:19

My UK card worked fine on that website, apart from the fact that the site then listed my name exactly as on the card, which I neither intended nor foresaw...

 

Hey - donations have just surpassed the $110,000 mark, closing on the appeal target of $150,000 after barely 48 hours.  Thank you so much, donors.

 

DCN



#29 10kDA

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Posted 22 April 2021 - 00:30

Happy to contribute. Vic was a personal hero back in the day. Donations now are up to $138k+.



#30 Jack-the-Lad

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Posted 22 April 2021 - 13:39

I just saw this today and immediately contributed. Vic and Anita have always been very gracious to us when we have seen them at various venues, as well as when we were distant neighbors in south Florida. My wife always enjoys hearing them speaking French to each other. Here’s wishing him a full and speedy recovery.

Edit: I will post a message on FerrariChat.com today.

Edited by Jack-the-Lad, 22 April 2021 - 13:50.


#31 Doug Nye

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Posted 22 April 2021 - 13:49

Not sure where the figure cited in Post 29 came from.

 

This afternoon the GoFundMe page quotes $122,253 reached - so the appeal's $150,000 target appears within reach, already.

 

Wonderful.

 

DCN



#32 10kDA

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Posted 22 April 2021 - 19:49

Not sure where the figure cited in Post 29 came from.

 

This afternoon the GoFundMe page quotes $122,253 reached - so the appeal's $150,000 target appears within reach, already.

 

Wonderful.

 

DCN

That was the number on GoFundMe's screen when I made my contribution. The discrepancy is theirs, not mine.



#33 Doug Nye

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Posted 22 April 2021 - 19:59

No matter.  It looks as if that figure might shortly be correct... fingers crossed.   :)  

 

DCN



#34 Doug Nye

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Posted 26 April 2021 - 20:57

Happily, the medical costs appeal on Vic's behalf has just surpassed its $150,000 target.  I find this a heart-warming example of the wider motor sport community caring for its own.

 

DCN



#35 Emery0323

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Posted 26 April 2021 - 21:37

Excellent news!  It appears that Dano Davis, of the Winn-Dixie supermarket chain and a prominent Florida philanthropist, made a big donation to put the total over the top.

It's gratifying to stand alongside such other donors as Mario Andretti, the (Dan) Gurney Family, Kevin Jeannette, Bruce Canepa, Hurley Haywood, David Hobbs, Brian Redman, Desire Wilson, Bob Varsha, Romain Dumas, et al.,  in helping Vic in his time of need.  Many of the donations, including a lot of the larger ones, were made anonymously.


Edited by Emery0323, 01 May 2021 - 02:33.


#36 Myhinpaa

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Posted 26 April 2021 - 23:23

Great news! Top donors listed

 

I've been wondering who donated $15 000 anonymously, a sentimentalist would like to think it was Porsche...

Anyone who've had the privilege of meeting Vic Elford will never forget it, and we all will wish him the very best.



#37 68targa

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Posted 27 April 2021 - 09:05

Absolutely wonderful news. It shows the warmth that enthusiasts worldwide have for Vic.



#38 Nick Wa

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Posted 28 April 2021 - 06:32

Nearly sixty years ago I knew Vic when he had a fist full of money ,,,,, in fact 2 fists full! :lol: :lol:

Going towards London on the A 20 just past the entrance / exit of Brands, say 50 yards there is a small slot left. This narrow lane way almost immediately falls steeply off the ridge into the valley below ending in the car park of a club. (On Google Earth its still there but no longer a club)

One evening my mates from Seven Oaks & District M.C. and I enter the club. David Seigle Morris is playing the six penny bandit as fast as the machine will go, pulling the handle whilst grabbing the next tanner from Vic's cupped hands. Suddenly before we've even got our drinks the machine empties itself in a shower of 6d. Now any normal person would call that the end of the game but not DSM, he immediately transfers to the shilling machine. First pull and he hits the Jackpot! :clap: :clap: :clap:

#39 Doug Nye

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Posted 28 April 2021 - 11:04

:cool:



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#40 Tom Glowacki

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Posted 28 May 2021 - 00:06

The contributions have reached $180,286



#41 Dave Ware

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Posted 28 May 2021 - 16:49

And now at Vic's request the GoFundMe account is closed.  A fine gesture on the part of the motorsports community.  I'm glad I was able to be a small part of that.

 

I enjoyed looking at the names of the people who donated.  Racing people from all over.  Brett Lunger, Brock Yates, Romain Dumas and many more.  Don't think I can look at it again; looks like you need to log on to view the details and I donated anonymously. 

 

Get well, Vic. 



#42 Collombin

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Posted 28 May 2021 - 17:13

Brock Yates??

Edit - Never mind, it seems there is a Brock Jr.

Edited by Collombin, 28 May 2021 - 17:54.


#43 Dave Ware

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Posted 28 May 2021 - 20:33

Brock Yates??

Edit - Never mind, it seems there is a Brock Jr.

Gosh, I forgot about his departure.  My memory...



#44 bradbury west

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Posted 10 June 2021 - 07:58

I see on FB that Vic Elford is 86 today.

I am sure that we all wish him a very happy birthday
Roger Lund



#45 Tim Murray

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Posted 10 June 2021 - 08:44

Happy Birthday Mr Elford!!