Syd Fox recently lost his battle against cancer at the age of 83.
Best known for his antics in Ford-powered machinery during the 1970s, Fox may have never reached his goal of Formula One, but he was one of Britain’s most respected racers in national ranking championships such as Formula Ford 1600 and Formula Ford 2000 for more than a decade.
The Londoner made his track debut in Formula Junior at the wheel of an Elva before driving a Lola Mk1 and Geminis in the superb single-seater category. He also raced Elvas, Lotus and Lola sports-prototypes with much success. Fox was also versatile and could also be seen racing sedans, including a 1968 Triumph at Snetterton and a Ford Mustang in the 500-kilometer event. In 1980 and ’81 he scored further success at the track in the Willhire 24 Hours, driving an Opel Commodore.
Well known as an instructor at his beloved Brands Hatch, Fox was supreme in FF1600 Macons and Hawkes competing in the first Formula Ford Festival, and finishing as runner-up in the second to Don MacLeod in 1973. In 1974, Fox was a FF1600 champion, but for many his finest hour was when, at the age of 47, he won a hard-fought Formula Ford 2000 title in a Palliser known to everyone as “The Old Nail.” Fox was a member of the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC), elected as a Full Member in 1978. Vintage Racecar extends its heartfelt condolences to Fox’s family and many friends in the sport.
