Paddy Hopkirk | |
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| Born | Patrick Barron Hopkirk 14 April 1933 Belfast, Northern Ireland |
| Died | 21 July 2022 (aged 89) |
| Occupation | Rally driver |
Patrick Barron Hopkirk MBE (14 April 1933 – 21 July 2022)[1] was a rally driver from Northern Ireland, he was considered to be one of the finest rally drivers that the United Kingdom ever produced. Following his retirement from competing he became well known for his charity work and for running his successful automotive accessories business and driving school.
Hopkirk was appointed MBE in the 2016 New Year Honours list.[2] In early 2016, Hopkirk became the IAM RoadSmart Mature Drivers Ambassador. He was known to be very active within the charity and in addition to his mature driver work, Paddy was particularly supportive of the charity's Young Driver Ambassador. Paddy's partnership with him lead to a number of successful initiatives to promote advanced driver training to younger people, he used his profile and network to get organisations such as the BRDC to take part and help to raise the profile of further driver training as a way to save lives on the road.[3]
- ^ "Motorsport legend Paddy Hopkirk dies aged 89". BBC Sport.
- ^ "2016 Honours Lists : Member of the British Empire" (PDF). Gov.uk. Retrieved 4 November 2021.
- ^ "Rally ace Hopkirk passes advanced driving assessment – for the second time". Archived from the original on 29 March 2018. Retrieved 29 March 2018.