Russell Brookes

**Griff** · 31-10-2019, 19:31

Russell Brookes passed away today, aged 74

While we all tend to look back on the past more fondly, there was something truly magical about the 70s and 80s for British rallying where iconic cars and legendary drivers duked it out on some epic stages. Today it's with great sadness that the motorsport world is remembering one of the greats from that time, as Russell Brookes has passed away at the age of 74.
While having rallied Lotus Sunbeams, 911s, Delta Integrales and Minis in his time, Brookes is arguably best known for his exploits in an 'Andrew's Heat for Hire' Manta 400.

I was part of the service team that looked after him in the Group A Mini on the 1994 RAC, and last saw him looking very frail on the Mintex this April.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn8huo09xb8

**LPH_UK** · 31-10-2019, 23:37

The Andrew's liveried cars are a vivid part of my memories of rallying from when I was a growing up.

RIP Russell.

**Stratos Fear** · 01-11-2019, 15:42

Yeah - he was the man back in the day. I remember it well (as some old Frenchman once said !! One Maurice Chevalier as I recall)

**Bernard** · 01-11-2019, 15:43

Russell also drove the Stratos on the Cork rally in the early 1980's

**Normb666** · 01-11-2019, 20:50

So just let me get this straight, Pete - you remember remembering it well??? But do you remember whatever it was that you were remembering, or was it the remembering that was the important thing and the thing you were remembering wasn't that big a deal??

It's no wonder we've got the peeps in the club that we have....all rejected from other, more regular and discerning, motoring organizations...

**Longtimefan** · 02-11-2019, 00:00

Originally Posted by Normb666

So just let me get this straight,..all rejected from other, more regular and discerning, motoring organizations...

Speak for yourself Norm, Carol, myself and Russell are all members of the same club, we are all from the same era. Russell was a respected member of Ecurie Cod Fillet and will be sadly missed by us all.

**john** · 02-11-2019, 10:02

So true. Sadly to be missed by all who loved the sport as it was.
I imagine Russel will be getting the best of send offs, if that what his family wish, he was respected by all.