Funeral plans for stock car racer Stuart Smith

The funeral of stock car racer Stuart Smith will take place next week.

Mr Smith, described as “the first true super star of stock car racing” passed away on Thursday 23 December 2010.

The funeral service will take place on Friday 14 January at St. Chad’s Parish Church, Sparrow Hill at 11.30am, all those wishing to pay their respects are welcome.

This will be followed by a private service at Rochdale Crematorium.

The family have requested that friends and family are accommodated in the Church. In the event of the Church being full speakers will be provided outside the Church.

With regard to flowers, it is family flowers only.

Donation’s in Stuart’s memory are to the BSCDA Trust Fund and can be made on the day or sent to: Kilpatrick’s Funeral Service, Union Road, Dearnley, Littleborough, OL12 9QA.

Mr Smith’s achievements include six World titles, 13 National Points Championships, 3 British Championships and 3 European Championships.

A tribute posted on the BriSCA Stock Car Racing website, reads: “Stuart was possibly BriSCA Stock Car Racing’s most iconic legend with a racing career spanning three decades.

“He commenced racing in 1965 strangely enough at Long Eaton and finally retired in 1988 at Manchester's Belle Vue with his Testimonial meeting although in recent years he made a guest appearance at Peter Falding’s testimonial.

“His record will be difficult to emulate - 497 Feature Final wins plus 3 dead heats, six World titles, 13 National Points Championships, 3 British Championships and 3 European Championships.

“Stuart has been present around the raceways since his retirement supporting the developing careers of his two sons Andrew and Stuart who have gone on to begin emulating his success. He was also one of the main feature characters central to the recent BBC 1 GEARS & TEARS series.

“Well loved, respected and a superb stock car racing raconteur he touched the entire BriSCA community at some point in time and his departure will leave a massive void.

“However, Stuart would always wish to have the final word, he lived for today and enjoyed a fulfilled life in everything he has done. His last request would not be for sadness, but as to who was getting a round in at the bar to toast him.”