Earlier this year, 750 Motor Club were deeply saddened by the sudden passing of longstanding member and volunteer director Gary Taylor. Gary was not just a very popular and eager competitor in the paddock – with boundless enthusiasm for his racing exploits in 116 Trophy and Sprint races over the last five years – but also on ‘the other side of the desk’; bringing his invaluable wealth of knowledge and skills in digital marketing and IT to the 750 Motor Club’s Board of Directors for the last four years.
Gary’s good nature, humour and passion will be a huge loss around the 750MC paddock and office, and all our thoughts continue to be with his loved ones and young family. The following words shared by his close friend and co-driver Ross Riley describe how Gary came to become involved, and convey just some of the many reasons he’ll be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.
“Our journey into racing together began with an impulsive afternoon and a quick phone call. A friend had been singing the praises of the 116 Trophy, urging me to get involved. After getting my race licence at Mallory Park, I found out the team providing the tuition had a car for sale. Before heading over to see it, I rang my best mate: “Gary, fancy coming to look at a racing car with me?”
Naturally, we didn’t just look, we bought it…
From that moment on, sharing the wheel of that BMW became one of the greatest adventures of our lives. Away from the daily demands of running businesses, the paddock became an escape. The camaraderie with the team, the testing days, and the banter between sessions with a brilliant group of people made every weekend something special.
Gary would be the first to admit he wasn’t naturally blessed with effortless racing finesse. What he lacked in lap times, though, he made up for with pure, relentless enthusiasm. One memory that sums him up took place during a tuition day at Snetterton. Gary was determined to carry maximum speed, but somewhat overlooked the need to brake for a corner and sailed straight over the top of it, giving our instructor what can only be described as a mild panic attack. Then there was Oulton Park, where an argument with the barrier ended with him taking a ride in an ambulance. In truth, Gary probably spent more time in medical vehicles than on podium steps, but he took every moment in stride and loved every single second of it.
Beyond the track, the 750 Motor Club meant a great deal to both of us. Gary had immense respect for the Club’s grassroots ethos and its ability to welcome drivers across every level of motorsport. He was passionate about giving back, stepping up as a director to lend his sharp analytical mind, digital background, and business experience to help guide 750MC forwards. He gave his time freely and generously, just as he did on other boards close to his heart, including his work with liver transplant causes.
Gary wasn’t just a competitor, teammate, or director – he was my best friend. The paddock will feel noticeably quieter without his humour, his sharp insight, and his complete fearlessness behind the wheel. He leaves a lasting legacy at 750MC, and an even bigger void for those of us lucky enough to have shared the journey with him.”
Ross Riley
