Photo: Jack Elleker
Ian “Diz” Smith, a long-time co-ordinator and official for Formula Ford racing in England, has passed away.
The British Racing & Sports Car Club, which Smith worked for in his role organising Britain’s National FF1600 championship, put out a statement remembering the popular paddock member who was also known for co-founding the original Formula E series that later evolved into the Classic FFord championship.
The BRSCC’s statement read as below:
“The BRSCC is saddened to learn of the passing of long-standing BRSCC official and dedicated formulae co-ordinator for the Northern & Super Classic FFord championship Ian Smith, also affectionately known to his friends and colleagues as “Diz”.
“Ian was a stalwart of the FFord community and was seen as one of the leading organisers and innovators in the category. His efforts saw him make big contributions as one of the co-founders of Formula E, a budget-friendly FFord championship for pre-1974 chassis that was created in 1979.
“Ian was also key in the creation of competitions such as the Champion of Brands and Champion of Oulton, and in recent years was a much-appreciated co-ordinator for the BRSCC’s FFord National and Super Classic Pre-’99 championships.
“Alongside this, Ian also worked as competition secretary for the Aintree Circuit Club and had associations with his local BRSCC North Western Centre. His efforts, all carried out on a voluntary basis have helped thousands of drivers progress from grassroots single-seater racing into the higher echelons of the sport.
“Ian also received the club’s prestigious Bert Lamkin Memorial Salver for the 2012 season for his hard work and dedication overseeing FFord, and in 2022 he was nominated to receive a Long Service recognition certificate from Motorsport UK as part of their roll of honours.
“He will be very sorely missed by everyone that knew him within motorsport, and especially the FFord community that he cared for and loved dearly. The BRSCC and all its members send their sincerest thoughts and condolences to Ian’s wife Dianne, his family, friends, and colleagues at this difficult time.”