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In Memory of Richard Irish
By Carl Goodwin
One of the great sports car drivers of the fifties is gone now. Dick Irish passed away March 19, 2015 of congestive heart failure at the age of 85.
Several highlights illuminated his driving career. In 1951, he traded his aluminum-bodied Jaguar XK-120 for a Norton-engined Kieft Formula III and a Ford pick-up truck to haul it. With the Kieft he established several track records at the Janesville, Wisconsin Airport and the Brynfan Tyddyn road races, where one turn was named “Irish Corner.”
Dick Irish getting ready to go with his F3 Kieft at Watkins Glen, 1952. At left is his brother Bud who was doing pit crew time. Irish remembers the car and the girl. ‘The gal in the plaid shorts and white blouse is movie star Claudia Hall. Bob Said had screwed up and had TWO dates for the event so asked me to take care of Claudia.’ The Kieft, however, failed to start the race. Photo courtesy Richard Irish.
In 1952, he and co-driver Bob Fergus took a third place overall in the Sebring 12-Hour race, leading four Ferraris and three Jaguars with a 1500cc Siata Gran Sport. They also placed second on Index of Performance and first in Class F. Some say Irish could have driven Formula One.
In 1954, he campaigned a 4.5 liter Ferrari coupe belonging to Marty Christiansen. With this car he beat Walt Hansgen in a C-Type Jaguar in the rain at Watkins Glen. He was a member of the elite Road Racing Driver’s Club and a life member of the Sports Car Club of America.
Irish knew many people in the sport including colorful importer Tony Pompeo, Cunningham Team driver Sherwood Johnston, car-builder Hal Ullrich, and Enzo Ferrari. Irish became one of the few allowed by Enzo to watch the building of his 275 GTB at the factory. Dick was a long time reader and supporter of VeloceToday and his many comments and suggestions were always much appreciated.
Dick wore the uniform of his country and, as an Army veteran who served in Korea, he was a patriotic American who constantly sent emails and letters to newspapers, senators, representatives and friends on issues that would benefit our great country. Those who knew him will miss him. God bless Dick Irish.
He is survived by his wife Barbara, in their home near Oklahoma City.
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Goodafternoon .I am also old fashioned and have asked Peter Vack a number of times about this situation.He is obviously a kind and generous man since I get to see these cars at his expense.