Club News

750 Motor Club is saddened to announce that longstanding member, club stalwart and Vice President Ken Cooke passed away peacefully last night, with his family around him at the age of 90.

 

Ken and his wife Eileen joined the 750MC in 1952, and the Club has remained a major part of their lives for the last 70 years. During the 1970s, Ken worked hard to get Austin Seven racing off the ground; originally his idea was for ex-750 Formula cars, but the concept eventually hit the track in 1977 as a series for more standard-type cars.

 

To help boost numbers, Ken even raced his beloved 1930 Austin Seven Chummy 'Dingo'; something that is still commemorated today with the ‘Dingo Challenge Trophy’. Ken was so proud of the work that Lyndon Thruston, Charlie Plain-Jones and the late John Gasking had put in to make Austin Seven racing what it is today, within the Historic 750 Formula.

 

Whether out and about driving Dingo to events or away cycling, Ken certainly lived life to the full right to the very end, and would often be seen spectating at 750MC events; rarely missing the annual Birkett Relay race.  

 

Snetterton holds a special memory for Ken; at the Club’s 1980 meeting, Ken's fully committed driving was noted by then commentator, Brian Harvey, with the award of the Driver of the Day trophy. This, in the slowest race car at the meeting - a car that was more suited to driving over the Alps than storming through Riches corner.

 

He would have loved to be here at Snetterton today in the bustling paddock, to enjoy the Austin Seven Centenary Race and celebrations alongside a busy modern day 750 Motor Club event. The Club’s thoughts are with Eileen, Colin and the rest of Ken’s family and friends at this sad time.