Tony Straker 1940-2001

Dave Williamson fondly remember his friend

I first came to know Tony over 45 years ago when a schoolboy interest in model aircraft led to joining the Springpark Model Aircraft Club, co-incidentally at the same time as Brian Hugh. That Club became very strong in the field of competition flying which, of necessity, led to a great deal of travel to far flung air bases to compete in National events and International team selection trials. Transport was thus important, and we graduated from push-bikes to motor bikes to affordable motor cars of the Austin A30 and Ford Popular variety.

Tony, apart from his interest and success in model flying competition, was already into car building, producing two Austin 7 based "specials" in one of which evening visits to the 750 Motor Club meetings in Streatham would culminate in several laps of the roundabout at the end of my road before we deemed it prudent to retire for a "cuppa". I suspect that Tony is still the lap record holder for the Links Way roundabout!

Later, at one of our weekly model aircraft meetings, Tony announced that he would not be joining us for the week-end flying session since he was taking the A30 on a rally. "What's a rally?" asked Dave and Brian - to find out, we ended up in the back seat of the car and proceeded to be amazed by the skills of the driver and navigator. That is, until navigational indecision as to whether to fork left or right caused Tony to take the middle course and gently roll the car onto its side in the middle of the road. Rapid evacuation followed the realisation that, since the battery had suffered from the roll, we were without lights and being chased down by the following competitors. After righting the car (that's when a four-man crew becomes useful) we continued; with the rear "ballast" being even more useful to bump start the A30 at every following control - this is why a four door model is a must for serious events! By rights, Hugh/Williamson should have given up rallying right then, but here we are in 2001 and still at it in various ways.

That experience went on to illustrate one of Tony's many strengths - never give up. He went on to become one of the best navigators of his era, much sought after for his skills, which in turn enabled him to compete at almost no cost in events such as the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally with Doug Harris in a Mini. The era was notable for the "Motoring News" series of road rallies in which Tony not only had much success, but considerable input. Realising that competitive events in Kent were becoming impossible, he took the Sevenoaks M.C. "Kent Rally" to Wales and, and, as Clerk of the Course, his legendary thoroughness made it a fine part of the Motoring News series.

His co-driving skills were seen at close quarters when he navigated for me, firstly in Escorts, and then after I returned from a three year assignment in Japan, in the Clan Crusader. His resourcefulness was illustrated when, on one event, we ran out of fuel about three miles from the half way halt. I went on foot to the previous control to try and get some assistance, only to return to find the Clan missing. Hitching a lift with a later competitor, I found that Tony had persuaded a passing vehicle to donate a small quantity of fuel which he duly siphoned from the tank into the only suitable receptacle he had which was one of his Wellington boots. He then transferred fuel into the Clan tank. Tony often wore "Wellies" for navigating since those were the days when routes often involved the need to open gates usually situated in thick mud (or worse!). Realising that we were approaching maximum lateness, he had re-started the Clan and "clocked-in" to the half way control so that we were able to start the second half of the rally on our due time.

Apart from co-driving, Tony was also a fast and skilful driver with a long association with the Austin-Healey Sprite. Despite the dual handicaps of less than perfect hearing or eyesight, Tony had great success as an autocross driver and more recently, as a single venue tarmac stage exponent in which his modified Sprite was virtually unbeatable in the 1300cc.class. A desirable combination of intellectual and manual skills enabled Tony to carry out most of his own work on his cars, and latterly, the cars of his sons Mark and Jeremy, whose skills have obviously been inherited and learned to good effect from their father.

I have rarely, if ever, met anyone who, with the success enjoyed as a result of talent and hard work, has not become disdainful of lesser mortals. Not Tony; he was always modest about his achievements, most of his numerous trophies were consigned to boxes in the loft, and his readiness to help fellow competitors is legendary.