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James Hunt, from Preston

A well-known Preston garage proprietor and racing driver - with a rather famous name - has died in hospital after a long illness.

James Hunt, who ran the Haslam Park Garage in Ashton in the 1970s and 80s, died at the weekend aged 75.

He started in Formula Three and Sports Racing Cars in the 60s, and drove regularly at the circuit in Longridge before it became a caravan park.

His famous namesake, the late dashing James Hunt who died in 1993, was the Formula One World Champion in 1976. His uncle was the late Father Bonnyface who preached at St Mary's Catholic Church, Leyland, in the 1970s.

The F1 James Hunt and Preston's James Hunt drove McLaren cars in club events but that is where the similarities ended.

James said at the time: "Yes, I'm from Preston, yes, I've got his name, but the other James is a bit of a lad you know, and the bad news is I haven't got his money or his girls."

James went on to drive a McLaren Formula Two and a Crossle Sports Racing Car in many local Historic Sports Car Club meetings at Aintree and Oulton Park, and abroad at Nurburgring, Hockenheim and Spa among may others.

He became seriously ill with cancer in the 80s but managed to pull through after months of intensive treatment and continued racing for a while.

Prestopn's James Hunt on the racing track in the yellow car

James' friend, ITN news presenter Phil Roman, remembers when he was persuaded to drive a few laps around Oulton Park.

He said: "He strapped me into a Formula 2000 single-seater and I shot off down the straight thinking I was doing really well. Then another car overtook me on the left at 150mph and it felt like I'd stopped.

"I pulled sheepishly into the pits, James gave me some tips to avoid further shame, and before long I was keeping up with the pack."

More recently, James was hospitalised after developing kidney problems and diabetes. He died peacefully at the weekend.

He is survived by his three sons Darren, Jonathan and Gary.

Darren said: "My dad lived for racing. Over the years, he helped and encouraged many local lads to get started in the sport. He'll be greatly missed."

James will be cremated at Preston Crematorium on Monday at 2pm and his sons will scatter the ashes at Oulton Park Circuit.

12:12pm Wednesday 7th May 2008

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