Hon Gerald Lascelles 1924-1998

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The former President of the British Racing Drivers Club, Gerald Lascelles has died aged 73. Under his presidency from 1964 until 1991, the BRDC steered Silverstone circuit from being just one of several British racing venues to its position as our leading track and home of the British Grand Prix.

The son of Princess Mary, Lascelles was a cousin of the Queen. Educated at Eton, he joined the Rifle Brigade in 1944, where his Company Commander was Tony Rolt, later to win Le Mans. This sparked an interest in motorsport and, in 1952 he had his first race at Silverstone. But it was his administrative ability which saw him elected a BRDC member in 1961, and when Earl Howe died in 1964, Lascelles replaced him as President. During the Eighties he devoted himself to expanding Silverstone’s racing school.

Current BRDC President Lord Hesketh said, “He supported the Club so formidably for so long and was president for the whole period of its transition. His passing will be greatly felt by very many members of the Club who became his friends.” Latterly he and his second wife moved to France where they restored a chateau. He died there at the beginning of March. GC