A £50,000 fund has been launched to create a permanent memorial to Welsh Formula 1 driver Tom Pryce in his hometown of Denbigh.
Launched on what would have been Pryce’s 70th birthday last Tuesday, the money will be used to erect a statue as a lasting memorial to the rising star who died in a tragic accident in the 1977 South African Grand Prix.
The launch ties in with the build up to the Historic Sports Car Club’s race meeting at Anglesey on 13 and 14th July, which will celebrate the life of the local hero. To mark the event, an original Tom Pryce painting by renowned motor sport artist Andrew Kitson will be presented to the aggregate winner of the XL Aurora Trophy races at the event.
A website, a Facebook page and a Go Fund Me page have been set up and donations can now be made via www.gofundme.com/tom-pryce-appeal. The fund organisers want to inspire future generations to follow their dreams as well as creating a permanent memorial and the strap line to the appeal is #whatsyourdream .
Talented sculptor Nick Elphick is working on the project and is keen to make an ‘interactive piece of public art’ which people can use to take selfies. There is already a Tom Pryce mural celebrating his achievements in nearby Ruthin and a stretch of track at the Anglesey Circuit is named the Tom Pryce Straight in his honour.
Tom, or Maldwyn as he was known to his friends, was raised in the small village of Nantglyn just outside Denbigh and he was a pupil of the former Frongoch School in the town. He made a meteoric rise to fame as a racing driver and remains the only Welshman to have won a Formula 1 race.
Wales Rally GB, Britain’s round of the FIA World Rally Championship, says Toyota has renewed its partnership as the ‘Official Car Partner’ for this October’s event.
A range of models will be provided for use by officials, marshals and event personnel, including some cars fitted with engines made in the Toyota Deeside factory.
