Ian Bennett

[Hugh Barnes]

That is terrible news to hear. Although I didn't know Ian, the news really shocked me when I read it. Very sad...

[Ruairidh Dunford]

In the spirit of remembering people as you hope they would wish to be remembered; I knew Ian because he came up to or Guildtown Rally a number of times.

He really did enjoy himself - free bar.

The last time he came up, the special had very recently been supercharged.  I have no idea about these things and nodded appropriately as he screamed the t*ts off it in front of me.  As he was an early arrival on the Friday I asked him if he would give me a lift to collect our Pearl, which was near Dundee, at a friend's house.

I expected the ride to be fast, but I was absolutely not prepared for what happened...

We left Perth and headed onto the A90 - at which point Ian absolutely floored it.  Very quickly indeed we were touching 7000rpm in each gear and I was struggling to breath, literally.

I could feel parts of my beard tickling my ears - it was absolutely terrifying and I eventually convinced Ian to slow down to the point where I could expel air from my lungs.

We collected the the Pearl and he followed me - it must have been quite a dull drive back for him.

Here he is a Shelsley Walsh a few years ago...





I am sorry not to be able see him again, best wishes to his family.

[Steve kay]

This is awful news. Buying a car from Ian showed what an utterly honest and scrupulously hard working ehgineer he was.

[Howard Wright]

Like Hugh, I only knew Ian from his forum contributions but somehow this tragedy just before Christmas has affected me quite a bit.  I do hope that all these messages on our forum can be read by his family?

Howard

[Colinclared]

Very sad news about a friend and Bert Hadley competitor.  We all missed competing together this year and will very much miss the chat and friendly rivalry with Ian.  Here is a pic from the 2019 awards- just before lockdown (Ian pictured in the trainers and hoodie on the attached file) picking up an award during better times.

[Zetomagneto]

I didn’t know Ian, but very sorry to hear this awful news.Condolences to his family.

[Nick Salmon]

Likewise; I did not know him but it is a tragedy. My condolences.

[Tony Betts]

im perhaps reading this thread a little late.

but as everyone says this is sad sad news.

i remember ian having the supercharger fitted. and how stoopidly fast it was.

it was a pleasure to see both ian and the car running the roads at guildtown. (well more seeing him leave the field, and the car at the halfway lunch).

i hope he slows to take in the pearly gates, but he probably wont.

very very sad.

tony

[Erich]

So sorry to hear. I didn't know him, yet gone too soon. RIP Ian.

Erich in Mukilteo

[Mick Hobday]

Sad news indeed.
I travelled this stretch of road daily for a brief spell many years ago. Curious to locate the accident spot I found the following appeal on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/pg/southyorkshi...osts/South Yorkshire Police

17 hrs ·
APPEAL: Dash-cam footage sought following fatal collision on A57

Officers investigating a fatal road traffic collision in South Anston, Rotherham, are appealing for witnesses and dash-cam footage to assist with their enquiries.

At around 8:15am this morning, Friday 18 December, emergency services were called to a collision involving a white Fiat Scudo panel van on the A57, just prior to the Lindrick Dale.

It is believed the driver collided with a tree. He was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. His family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

Officers believe the collision could have happened earlier in the morning at around 6:30am and are appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time, who may have witnessed the collision or has dash-cam footage of the van.

If you can help, please call 101 quoting incident number 155 of 18 December 2020. Dash-cam footage can be submitted via emailing enquiries@southyorks.pnn.police.uk. Please put the incident number in the subject title.