McLaren pay tribute to Wheatcroft

Monday 2nd November 2009

Donington Park owner Tom Wheatcroft, who died on Saturday, has been described as a legend of motor sport by McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh.

The F1 team boss led the tributes to the 87-year-old Leicestershire businessman who died at his home in Arnesby near Leicester following a long illness.

Donington Park had been scheduled to stage next year's British Formula One Grand Prix before the circuit's operators failed to come up with necessary funding.

Whitmarsh, in Abu Dhabi for the final race of the Formula One season, said: "The term legend is maybe used a little too liberally in the world of sport, but without doubt it is justified in the case of Tom Wheatcroft.

"A tank driver as a young man during World War Two, he was a larger-than-life character and an always-engaging conversationalist, but he was also an able and successful businessman who contributed a lot more than many people perhaps appreciate to the story of motorsport in Britain.

"He will, of course, be very much missed.

"So, on behalf of all at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, I would like to convey to his large family and his many friends our sincere condolences at this very sad time."

Your Comments

petefrombristol

"It's a big shame the poor old chap had to breathe his last when there's such an uncertain future ahead for his life's work. Robson, you're an absolute national treasure. I just wish the nation concerned were a small, remote island somewhere. Preferably without Internet. PETE"

cavendish

"The contrast between Tom Wheatcroft's exemplary conduct throughout his life (particularly in the aftermath of Roger Williamson's death)& the metronomic drip of poison from Robson could politely be described as marked..."

triumphken

"robson you should be ashamed of yourself but of course anyone sick enough to post a comment like that about the passing of a much loved and respected man would not know the meaning of shame or honour in any case.

RIP Mr Wheatcroft."