Louis T. Stanley

[Andrew Kitson]

It is reported that Louis T. Stanley died at his home in Cambridge last Thursday, aged 92.

Louis was of course boss of the BRM team for a time and married Jean, sister of BRM team owner Alfred Owen. When Alfred retired through illness, Louis took the helm.

Although not universally popular, he was a respected author and wrote many motor racing books and other titles on sports such as golf, tennis and rugby union and of places such as Newmarket, Cambridge, Cornwall and London.

He was also a driving force for better safety in the 1960s & 70s working alongside Jackie Stewart and the GPDA. He, like Jackie lost many friends including some of his drivers such as Jo Siffert and Pedro Rodrigues.
He instigated the mobile 'hospital' which was first seen at GPs and Le Mans in the late 60s.

I first met Mr.Stanley when I was a young lad. Our family home was in the same village ( Trumpington) just south of Cambridge. The mobile 'hospital' lorry was parked behind the filling station in the village between the races.

In 1970 as a 10 year old, a school project was 'The motor car' and the old Brooke Bond picture cards provided reference and inspiration. I spent many an hour drawing these cars, copying from those cards. Once the project was completed, my father suggested that I should show it to Louis to introduce myself. My father was at the time involved in the sport as a mechanic on the club racing scene but did not know him. I wrote a covering letter and posted my exercise book though the Stanley's letter box. At the time I could think of no-one more qualified ( or accessible) to approve my work!

Louis Stanley sent me a lovely letter by return, invited me and my parents for tea and gave me signed photos of all of the BRM drivers at the time. Gethin, Ganley, Beltoise, Marko, Galli and Eaton. We were also invited to a BRM open day at Bourne but alas my father would not allow me to attend as it was a school day!

Mr.Stanley certainly left a big impression on me when I was younger but he will be remembered for the tireless work on the safety of our sport , especially after the tragic accident that befell Jo Siffert at Brands Hatch in 1971.

RIP Mr.Stanley and thankyou for the inspiration.

[PaulSands]

I was dissapointed at the level of tribute in Autosport and Motrosport News this week
I think if it wasnt for his work we could all have lost a few more of our heroes over the years
RIP

[PaulSands]

As slim as it is it's interesting to read in Autosports obituary that Niki Lauda could well have ended up as a Pizzonia rather than a three time WDC if it hadn't been Louis Stanley's willingness to forgo the sponsorship payments promised by Lauda when they failed to materialise.
Can imagine that happening today cant you