Motoring vet Phil dies aged 82

One of the most charismatic characters in Midland motorsport has died, aged 82.

Phil Shaw began competing in his teens as an international cyclist before going on to drive and navigate in car rallies.

In the 1960s he navigated in Mk2 Jaguars, Standard 10s and TR3s, taking class wins in the Tulip, RAC and Monte Carlo rallies.

Mr Shaw, of School Lane, Wheaton Aston, had yet more success as a driver in the 1970s in BTRDA Autocross, Autotests and Production Car Trials, usually with one of a variety of Minis.

At the same time he became a sought-after navigator on Motoring News road rallies, often sitting alongside Bromsgrove-based auto-cross driver Phil Darbyshire.

He was also a stalwart organiser of events for his two favourite car clubs, Wolverhampton & South Staffs and Owen M.C.

Even in his 70s, Mr Shaw was competing in trials and sprints in his Mini Cooper S, as well as taking up skiing and gliding.

At the age of 78 he co-drove for 19-year-old Tom Pollitt from Lichfield on the AGBO Rally, with Tom being the third generation of his family the pensioner had sat alongside.

Mr Shaw first co-drove for Tom's grandfather, Dr Peter Pollitt, in the 1960s and partnered Tom's father Nick in the 1970s.

He competed in his first motorsport event, the Express & Star Rally, in 1957. Nick Pollitt, aged 58, a friend of Mr Shaw's for more than 30 years, said: "He was regularly out cycling 20 miles a day with his old friend, ex-Mini racer John Rhodes, and last month announced he was a bit bored so he was entering the BTRDA Car Trial series for 2008.

"Sadly it was not to be but Phil was a true enthusiast and inspiration."

Mr Shaw died on Christmas Day after a very short illness. His funeral will be at Bushbury Crematorium, Wolverhampton, next Thursday at 11.30am.