Autospeed were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Garry Hooper, one of the all-time star names in BriSCA F2 Stock Car racing.

Garry swiftly rose to the star grade in BriSCA F2 Stock Cars in the 1970s.  The sport was mostly confined to the westcountry in that period, and Garry raced regularly at St Day, St Austell, Newton Abbot, Taunton, Weymouth and Bristol.  Towards the end of the decade, the sport expanded at pace, swiftly becoming a national formula and no driver embraced the move more than Garry who raced anywhere and everywhere week in, week out.  In 1981, Garry won the National Points Championship, and he successfully defended the silver stripes in each of the next two seasons, boosted by an insatiable appetite to travel the nation in search of race action.

As the 1980s progressed, Garry's form improved too.  From being a consistent scorer, Garry's victories became far more regular, and he peaked in September 1986 when he won the World Championship at Hartlepool (see below).  Emerging from the 686 car after taking the chequered flag, he then grabbed the flag from the starter and proceeded to run a lap of honour to the applause of the crowd.  It was a typically showman like display by a driver so widely respected by those who raced against him.  During his reign under the gold roof, Garry added a selection of major title successes, notably the Scottish Championship at Newtongrange and the British Championship at Taunton.

Garry's single-minded approach to life helped him enjoy success in business too, with a variety of business interests in the Exmouth area.

Garry left a lasting mark on Stock Car racing, doing things his own way.  He will always be so fondly remembered.

The thoughts of Autospeed and the wider racing community are with his family and friends.