Obituaries

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John Blunsden

Popular motor racing publisher and motoring journalist John Blunsden has died at the age of 86, after a long illness. Owner of Motor Racing Publications, John produced some 250 books while also serving as Grand Prix correspondent for The Times from 1970-90. ​

Bill Alsup

Indycar driver Bill Alsup, 78, died in August while operating a crane near Silverton, Colorado. Alsup won the SCCA’s Super Vee championship and USAC’s Mini-Indy series in 1978 before moving up to Indycars. 

Bryan Clauson

The 27-year-old  racer died in August following a multi-car accident at the Belleville Nationals in Kansas. Clauson was a four-time USAC champion – twice in sprint cars and twice in midgets.

Fred Opert 

Veteran entrant Fred Opert has passed away at the age of 77. Opert supported the careers of many young drivers, most notably Keke Rosberg.

Bill Smith 

Bill Smith, who has died aged 88, was a director of McLaren Cars from the 1960s. He was also the founder of McLaren Engines in Detroit and chairman of McLaren North America.