5 replies to this topic

[Bernd]

Has anyone got a copy of this tribute that Bruce wrote after Timmy's death?
I believe it appeared in Modern Motor.

[Milan Fistonic]

I'm not sure if this is what you are after. This comes from his book 'From the Cockpit.'

The news that he had died instantly was a terrible shock to all of us, but who is to say that he had not seen more, done more and learned more in his twenty-six years than many people do in a lifetime? To do something well is so worthwhile that to die trying to do it better cannot be foolhardy. It would be a waste of life to do nothing with one's ability, for I feel life is measured in achievement, not in years alone.

[Bernd]

No I don't believe that is it Milan. I have seen mention of it in a few places most recently in McKays Scuderia Veloce and I get the impression it was a full article tribute.

[Ray Bell]

If so, Bernd, that is the core of it, anything else was superfluous. Tremendously weighty words in their day, I seem to recall that they were also quoted in tributes to McLaren when he died.

[Roger Clark]

We sat on top of the pits in the sun at Longford waiting for the first practice session to start: Timmy Mayer, his wife Garrill, the mechanics - our team.

We had a view of the picturesque coutryside and immediately below was was the paddock area. colourful with polished sports and racing cars and trade tents in the background.

We were all happy. This was the last event of our tour. For two months we had worked, raced and relaxed together and, perhaps more than anyone else, Timmy was enjoying himself. He told me he really liked Australia.

Intelligent and charming, he had made dozens of friends. As often occurs, to look at him you wouldn't take him for a racing driver. You had to know him, to realise his desire to compete, to do things better than the next man, be it swimming, water-skiing or racing.

So when, during the second practice session, he crashed at high speed and we knew immediately that it was bad, in our hearts we felt that he had been enjoying himself, and "having a go".

The news that he died instantly was a terrible shock to all of us. But who is to say that he had not seen more, done more and learned more in his 26 years than many people do in a lifetime?

It is tragic, particularly for those left. Plans half made must now be forgotten, and the hopes must be rekindled. Without men like Tim, plans and hopes mean nothing.

To do something well is so worthwhile that to die trying to do it better cannot be foolhardy. I can't say these things well, but I know this is what I feel to be true. It would be a waste of life to do nothing with ones ability, life is measured in terms of achievement, not in years alone.

To those who have shown Garrill, his wife, Teddy, his brother, indeedall of our team, so much kindness and consideration, I want to say "thankyou". Telegrams that arrived from all over the world bore testimony to Timmy's wide circle of friends and the loss they felt.

Timmy was a true friend and a fine team-mate.

[Bernd]

Thank you Roger that is one of the best driver penned tributes I have read.