Barry Buchanan

Club Sprint Race number 2 (1999) was a lot more subdued after Barry Buchanan, father of racing junior Kevin Buchanan - and an all round nice guy, had a mssive heart attack and died during track set-up. Despite the efforts of the track-side Paramedics and the fast response by the Ambulance and Fire crews, Barry did not survive. He will be missed by everyone at Westwood Karting, as he was very much one of the "good guys", quick with a smile and to cheer on whoever was having a good day, or encourage on someone who was not having as good a time. Always quick to volunteer his help, Barry was often working hard behind the scenes to keep the racing going. Barry was a huge supporter of the idea that Club racing should be for fun. Always busy behind the scenes and not looking for much attention for himself, he was a model Club member. Barry was 42 years old.
Here is a picture taken by Dorothy Choquer at the first race this year (1999).

The Choquer Clan were celebrating Blake's first place finish. Walking past, behind them was Barry, pushing Kevin's kart back to the pits. Barry was looking back at the Choquer photo op and was clearly happy for them. That's the kind of guy that Barry was. Happy for a good showing in any good race, despite the fact that Kevin had finished behind Blake. As long as everyone raced well and had fun, he was going to be happy. His big smile will be missed.