PETE FORTUNE 1958 – 2015

Pete Fortune will be sorely missed in the Caterham paddock. Photo; www.snappyracers.com

It was with great sadness that we heard yesterday of the sudden loss of Pete Fortune at Donington on Saturday. Pete, who would have been competing in Caterham Supersport this year, a fourth year of Caterham racing, passed away following a suspected cardiac arrest whilst stood in the garages.

Pete Fortune joined the Caterham Academy in 2012 and instantly made his mark by taking his unmistakable Jackson Pollock-esque car to victory at the first event, the Aintree Sprint, ‘despite’ being one of the oldest drivers (then 53). Indeed, Pete’s age would become a running joke amongst the Caterham fraternity, with his age intentionally appearing in brackets after almost every mention of his name in programmes and race reports.

Pete finished the Academy year in second place, beaten by Stephen Nuttall, the first of what would be a terrific three-year on-track rivalry that produced some amazing races; perhaps none more so than the Oulton Park encounters in Roadsport. Roadsport also saw an emotional first win at Zandvoort for the proud Welshman. A further six wins would come in Roadsport and Tracksport. Rarely off the podium in all three years of competition, Pete was one of our favourites for this year’s Supersport crown and he will be sorely missed by his many friends in the Caterham paddock.

The BRSCC would like to offer our sincere condolences to Pete’s wife Jo, daughter Harriett and son James.