Neil Benfield

[Bigbeemer]

Following reproduced from the ACSMC Speed Digest, originally posted by Barry Guess (VC Sutton and Cheam MC)

"I feel it is appropriate that we mark the sad passing of Neil
Benfield who lost his battle with throat cancer on 20th December.

I have known Neil for more years than I care to remember, not only
the sprinting world but also as a Race Steward at Brands Hatch and as
a consumate clubman official.

For his club Neil was a leading-light in the running of sprints and
in this area alone he will be hugely missed. Neil was central to
opening venues to sprinting including places such as Hethel and
Bentwaters and even in the last few months we held numerous
conversations about a number of other new locations, something I hope
to continue in his honour.

Neil acted as an impartial and non-association Chairman of the
Sprinting 'Think-Tank', a yearrly gathering of the Regional Sprint
Championship Co-ordinators and Secretaries in order to find common
ground in both rules and dates.

Finally, Neil was a guardian of the sport within the MSA and I am
sure that the likes of John Symes (Safety Executive) will miss
Neil's practical and experienced views on a number of issues.

I myself will miss the ability to bounce ideas around with Neil,
often some bloody stupid ideas but more often than not the kernel of
what he would say was 'a bit of a good idea'. He was always hugely-
supportive of any event, whether it be a basic sprint at Rushmoor or
a Touring Car RaCe at Brands, he treated them equally.

He was always traditional blazer and tie and we loved him for it.

God bless Neil... there goes another good one!"

I fully endorse Barry's comments. I think Neil clerked the first ever sprint I did back in 1992 and gave fantastic service at many, many more events in which I've had the pleasure of competing.

Andrew Barrett

[Steve Wilkinson]

It is indeed a sad loss. I only knew Neil for a few short seasons however he was always the same happy go lucky character. I was shocked to learn of the initial diagnosis and even more shocked when I got the sad news of his passing.

He will be missed by all those in the British Sprint Championship and his 'can do' attitude will I am sure be missed by all those who came into contact with him through our sport.

[b1ackcr0w]

RIP Neil.

I'll leave this thread here for a while so that all the Sprint people get to see it, after which it'll be moved to the Forum for tributes.

Condolences of course go to Neil's family and friends.