A Letter From Paul Beech

Paul Beech announced his retirement from active participation in the Monoposto Championship in a December edition of Autosport. After making this announcement Paul was contacted by several club members and, to quote, 'Their thoughtfulness, kindness, help and consideration should not pass unrecognised'.

Paul's reluctant retirement was caused by serious trauma following an incident at the Mallory Park race last year. The trauma Paul suffered at Mallory compounded back problems initially caused by a climbing accident nearly thirty years earlier.

Paul writes:

A fundamental principle of the MRC is the comradeship and this has been evident from the day I joined. Without the help of: John Ostins, Dave McVerry and David Dudley (the Oliver Reed of the Monoposto Club [surely this requires further explanation? - Ed.] ) I would not have been able to start or sustain my first season; it really is, without doubt, "The Friendly Club".

A few years ago I came off at Anglesey and the car was damaged. Willing help was immediately provided by Geoff Jones, Lee Bennett and others, all of whom were already busy and had their own cars to attend to. I had a second place and a fastest lap next day and all rejoiced with genuine enthusiasm.

Again at Anglesey, last year, I raced on the Saturday but my back hurt so much that Sunday was lost. Geoff Pashley, whose friendship has been constant, was there to help, as were 'Uncle Albert' and Mary Dackombe. I cannot believe that, although Ray will always be in the paddock, we shall not speak to him in person - such a terrible, terrible loss. Ray loaded the car, packed all my kit away, hitched up the tourer and relocated my rig to a spot in the camping field where I could spectate the bike racing on Monday; Mary supplied a hot water bottle, regular check up visits and chilli.

At Mallory Park last year I was assisted by Peter Bragg who, despite his anger and disappointment at being unable to race that day (Peter was something like fourth reserve, the problem is that the maximum number of starters at Mallory is 24. Ed) enthusiastically devoted the whole of his time to my benefit. Unfortunately I was pushed off at the Esses and the result was a very expensive, multi car incident which finished the race for us. Several drivers sought me out to commiserate. Neil Gregory was particularly supportive and has maintained contact, for which I am most grateful. A completely avoidable accident cost several people many thousands of pounds and ended my involvement in the sport but then I suppose,"that’s racing".

Both race cars are now sold, along with all associated kit, and this is almost wholly because of Dermot Healy's input, which has meant more to me than he will probably ever realise.

I hope, perhaps, to hire a drive from Dermot but fear that my days of regular competition and managing on my own are over.

I will miss my racing terribly; the sport has given me more of a buzz than anything I have ever done and I feel really fed up about things. But, if this is how it is, then this is how it is. I shall try to come to some of the meetings and as always will attempt to be useful, if only by fetching, carrying, cheering on and 'taking the Mick'.

The purpose of all this wittering is to thank the club for the endless pleasure it has given me, the committee for engaging with issues of often almost impossible complexity and so many members for their help, camaraderie, humour and a spirit of generosity rarely seen in competition. These things are, of course, known to us all but are so often taken for granted and habitually remain unsaid.

Have a great season and I hope to see you at a circuit somewhere.

Kindest regards to all,

Paul Beech

Paul in his ex-championship winning Van Diemen Comtec 2 litre at Anglesey

In practice at Anglesey

Another practice picture.