Farewell to a racing legend (From Messenger Newspapers)

Farewell to a racing legend from Altrincham

12:00pm Thursday 14th March 2013 in News

A RACING legend from Altrincham was given a nostalgic send-off – with a specially-built replica of his winning car making an appearance at his funeral.

Jack Holt, from Sinderland Road, died at the age of 74 on March 3 and his daughter Susan and banger-racing buddies Philip Brooks and Michael Warhurst, rallied together to make the fitting tribute to the father-of-three.

At Susan’s request, Philip and Michael, both mechanics, built a ‘banger’ in keeping with the old style with John’s racing number ‘80’ on the side and delivered it to Dunham Massey Crematorium for the funeral on Friday.

Susan, 44, said: “The boys did me so proud. I know if dad could have planned his own funeral he would have wanted it this way.”

Jack is survived by his wife Ann, daughter’s Karen, Sally and Susan, his nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Jack, who used to own a greengrocery on Sinderland Road, raced under the name of ‘Jaffa 80’ and was crowned British champion at White City Stadium, in Old Trafford, in the mid-1970s.

Susan added: “He was a character and enjoyed life so it couldn’t of been any more perfect to have the true passion from his younger days at his send-off.”

Jack was known in the community for racing bangers and was a father-figure to other race enthusaists, such as Dave Wilson, who helped carry his coffin.

Susan added: “He must have touched so many people’s hearts. I have had so many people coming up to me to say they remember my dad racing them around back in the old days.”

Philip and Michael are now restoring the car to racing standard and will race the banger at Stoke Speedway Stadium, on April 20, watched by Jack's family and friends.