A sign of friendship

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I read with interest in Doug Nye’s column that Dr Tony Goodwin is about to publish his autobiography. I am sure it will make great reading about racing in the 1950s and ’60s.

I first met the good doctor at my first ever motor race at the opening of the new Donington circuit in 1977. I was there as a very nervous competitor, and when I presented myself and papers for signing on, to my horror I found that I did not have a signed medical – disaster! What could I do? I looked through the list of entrants, found a Dr Goodwin, and sought him out. Tony listened to what I had to say, smiled and produced a form from his bag. He then proceeded to tap a few parts of my body and signed the form, and this was sufficient to present to race officials. All this was carried out patiently and efficiently, even though he was getting ready to practice himself.

I often tell this story to illustrate the friendship that existed then, and still does, in historic racing. I always find it a pleasure to chat to Tony and his son Chris whenever we see each other at various meetings, and hope to continue to do so while we are both still at it!

Malcolm Ricketts, Ayot St Lawrence, Herts