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Part of his ‘duties’ included being a runner between race officials and the pits and the paddock, the significance of that being, that over a period of a few years he got to rub shoulders with all the great names in the sport as he relayed verbal and written messages back and forth (two way electronic communications were non-existent of course). For those that know the names, he mixed with the best in the bizz, including Fangio, Colin Chapman, Mike Hawthorn, Peter Collins, John Cooper, Jackie Ickx, Jochen Rindt, Jim Clark, Phil Hill, Brabham, Moss, Andretti and, on and on it goes, all too numerous to mention. Not only could he recall the drivers after all these years, but the cars, make model and their specific history, significant events and dates – this never ceased to amaze and entertain me !
Robin often came across as taking life on the somewhat serious side, but he was certainly not void of frivolity and mischief. I recall his story about one episode when working flags at Brands Hatch. One of the more famous race drivers of the time, and I confess to forgetting exactly which one, got a bit of a wakeup call courtesy of Mr, Fairservice. During the race, Robin came to realise that this particular driver was using him (Robin) as a brake marker. What happened next will illustrate to any race driver why it is always wise to choose a stationary, fixed and reliable object as a brake marker. Lap after lap, inch by inch, Robin slowly worked he way up the track, moving away from the corner. Each lap, the driver got grew bolder, or so he must have thought, pushing his brake point farther and farther beyond Robin, but in reality of course, he was actually braking at the same spot on the track every time. Yes, I think you might have already guessed at what’s coming next – finally, in one fowl swoop, Robin moved all the way back to his original position, and from what I gathered, even a tiny bit closer to that corner. Well, what a surprise for the driver ! He didn’t end up having an off, but his misadventure certain cost him some time, not only on that lap, but some following laps until he finally gained back his rhythm and pace. Robin chuckled to himself over that one, but said nary a word to anyone at the time.
As many of you may recall, Robin and I were Co-Editors of the SCCBC Pit Pass for many years until its demise. It was such a pleasure to work with him on that periodical – his wealth of racing knowledge shone through on many occasions, and hopefully, between us we provided some worthwhile information and entertainment for our readers. Those folks involved in Timing & Scoring back in the day will remember Robin’s many hours of dedication over the years, keeping all of us honest and organised. Robin was also a member of M.E.T.A., working most of the Vancouver Molson Indy’s plus he wrote for the VRCBC newsletter Vantage, sharing the wonderful information gathered by his endless research, all of this amassing to make up his very noteworthy contribution to motor sports.
Like the many that knew him, I will miss Robin - as I say, Robin’s mind was crisp and clear to the end, but let there be no doubt, few would disagree that he could talk the hind leg off a donkey. A phone call with Robin was often a marathon, and getting him off the phone required a concerted effort, but he did all this in such an endearing way, that even the donkey would have enjoyed it !
God speed Robin.....
Pit Pass Pete.
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