750 Motor Club is sad to announce the passing of Jeff Ward, and we wish our deepest sympathies and condolences to his family and friends.
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Jeff was a well-loved and long-standing member of the 750MC. He first joined the Club in 1957, having owned various Austin Sevens and soon got involved. He started with the North Herts Centre and then after moving to Chislehurst joining the Tunbridge Wells Centre Committee in 1960. Jeff helped form the successful London Special Builders Group meeting in Battersea and became a Club Director for many years, majoring on publicising 750MC’s varied activities. He raced his self-built 750 Formula car in the early 1960s, coming sixth in the 1962 championship and took on the role of 750 Formula Representative to the Board, helping to formulate the definitive 750F regulations.
In 1966 Jeff moved up to 1172 Formula, purchasing the ex-Rod Easterling Rejo, coming third overall in 1967. He also organised the annual 750MC motor racing film nights at various venues around London, and was the co-author, with John Pitchers, of Design For Competition; the publication updated from the original Special Builders Guide. At race meetings he noticed the woeful state of trailers being used, and seeing a gap in the market he successfully manufactured purpose-made pre-wired trailer lighting boards, selling these to fellow competitors and organisations like AA and RAC recovery. This helped pay for his motor sport and his other hobby of dinghy sailing.
Mike Peck