NOTICE OF DEATH - BERNARD COTTRELL (1953 - 2021)

We regret to have to inform Members that Bernard Cottrell, a BRDC Associate Member since 2013, died last Saturday morning.  As many Members will know, Bernard was for many years a senior figure in the British Racing and Sports Car Club with whose kind permission we publish from its website a tribute written by Colin Mann, to Bernard.  

It is with much sadness that the BRSCC and all involved in this weekend’s meeting learnt the news that former Club and South Eastern Centre Chairman Bernard Cottrell passed away yesterday.

Bernard’s involvement in motorsport dates back to the 1970s as a Course Marshal, and in the 1980s, as Chief Paddock Marshal for the then Brands Hatch Centre.

His knowledge of the sport made him a natural choice to become a Clerk of the Course, rising to become an International ‘A’ licensed official, the highest level in motorsport in the UK, and he was the senior official for series and meetings such as Superleague Formula, FIA GTs, Lamborghini Trophy and the British Grand Prix.

At a National level, he was the permanent Clerk of the Course for championships such as Formula Ford, British GTs and, poignantly, Caterhams, while in more recent times, he was Race Director for the 750 Motor Club and a Motor Sport UK Steward.

A much-respected figure in UK motorsport, Bernard served on the governing body’s Council, Race Committee and as Chair of the Volunteer Officials Committee. Proudly, he was invited to become one of the few non-racing members of the British Racing Drivers’ Club.

It was in 1986 that he was co-opted onto the Southeastern Centre Committee, eventually becoming Chairman, a post he held until 2019, and was the Centre’s representative on the Club’s main Board, serving as National Chairman between 2002 and 2017.

Much of Bernard’s working life was spent in the City, but in more recent times, he worked for Haymarket Exhibitions as Operations Manager on a range of trade shows, most importantly Autosport International.

Our thoughts are with Bernard’s family, friends and loved ones at this sad time.  

Bernard's funeral will be a small family service only at 9.30am on Monday 30 August followed by a reception and celebration of his life at the Kentagon at Brands Hatch Circuit.  All are welcome to attend.to reception.