Tributes have been paid to the marshall who died after being hit by a car that spun off the track at the Brands Hatch Circuit.
Robert Foote, 67, volunteered to be the race director at the circuit near Dartford, Kent, on Saturday afternoon.
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Robert Foote was a volunteer scruitneer at the eventPhoto credit: Facebook
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A breakdown of the car off the track during the race on SaturdayPhoto credit: UKNewsinPictures
The accident occurred after a car was thrown off the track during a British Automobile Racing Club (BARC) auto championship.
Former Epsom Mayor and current Epsom and Ewell Borough Council councilor was an avid auto enthusiast and also worked as a mechanic.
Mr Foote from Surrey has been listed as the “Commissioner” for the event in their official program for the weekend event.
During his tenure as mayor, he and his wife Rosemary founded the Epsom Buses Silver Service. Allegedly, Ms. Foote died of cancer in December at the age of 70.
Friend Steve Whiteway posted on Facebook: “It is with deep sadness that I am pleased to announce that our friend Rob Foote was killed at Brands Hatch while serving as a volunteer marshal on the famous circuit.
“The accident happened at 3pm yesterday after a car was thrown off the track during a British Automobile Racing Club (BARC) auto championship. Despite the best of the medical professionals, Rob died of his injuries.
“Rob’s talents and friendliness spread very widely and it was typical for him to spend his time so freely in motorsport.
“So soon after Rosemary’s sad loss of cancer, our thoughts and prayers go with his family and his large circle of friends at this difficult time.”
Other motorsport enthusiasts have posted touching tributes to the Marshall with a letter: “RIP Rob Foote, the orange Marshall unfortunately lost his life at Brands Luke yesterday.
“Thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by this terrible accident. Ex-Mayor of Epsom and City Council. “
A GoFundMe page for his family has been set up with a goal of £ 10,000 – but a whopping £ 13,554 has been raised for those willing to support the Orange Army.
“HEROES OF OUR SPORT”
McLaren F1 driver Lando Norris also paid tribute, writing, “Heartbreaking. Without marshals, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do. They are the heroes of our sport.
“My thoughts go with the family and friends of those involved.”
British Williams F1 driver George Russell added: “It’s so sad to hear that a volunteer marshal has died at Brands Hatch.
“These men and women give up their time so we can do what we love. We couldn’t do it without them.
“My thoughts today are with her family, friends and other marshals. Rest in peace.”
A Kent Police spokesman said police were called after a collision with a car and two people walking at Brands Hatch.
He said officials visited the scene and investigated with no suspicious circumstances reported.
In a statement, BARC wrote: “The British Automobile Racing Club is sad to announce the tragic death of a volunteer marshal as a result of an accident that occurred today during a racing meeting at the Brands Hatch circuit.
“The rest of the day was canceled. As with any major incident, BARC is now working with the national governing body Motorsport UK and the local police.
“On behalf of everyone affiliated with BARC, we are devastated at the loss of one of the amazing Marshal volunteer communities who are doing so much to make the sport possible.
“Our thoughts and best wishes go to the family and friends of everyone involved.”
BARC said it would work with the national governing body Motorsport UK and local police after the incident.
Motorsport UK added: “The race meeting was immediately suspended and Motorsport UK, together with the organizer, has started a full investigation into the circumstances of the incident
“The thoughts of everyone at Motorsport UK go with the Marshal’s family, the organizers of the event and other members of the motorsport community present.”
It comes after a man believed to be a nine-year-old father dies on the same circuit earlier this month.
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He was previously mayor of Epsom and continued to serve on the councilPhoto credit: Facebook
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A car hit the volunteer marshal at the Brands Hatch Circuit during the race
The post Tribute to Brands Hatch Marshall and former Mayor, 67, killed in a horror crash after the car was thrown off the track during the race first appeared on monter-une-startup.
