The ACU regrets to announce that Hilton Woodrow passed away on April 19th at the age of 93. He is remembered as a formidable and highly successful Left Hand Sidecar racer in the 1950’s, winning the South-Eastern Centre Championship 3 times with just a change of tyres. He also managed 5th in the 1955 National Championship on a Left Hand outfit but racing clockwise. Hilton would also race at Brands Hatch and the occasional Sprints.
Injuries hastened his retirement and led to the building of a revolutionary Sprint machine powered by a Vincent Picator Supercharge Aviation engine, which he used for just one full season, before marrying and retiring.
However, he became involved with the ACU, first at the RAC in London, later at Rugby at numerous levels, including the Track Racing committee helping to update the regulations, also proof-reading the Handbook several times. He held offices at the South Eastern Centre, Owls Motor club, GTSA and various combines (that he felt good for the sport). Hilton was Clerk of the Course at numerous Grass Track events and an ACU Steward, as well as frequently examining proposed venues to confirm suitability for running events.
The introduction of a new roping rule he vigorously opposed, as it led to the loss of several venues, due to size issues, eventually causing him to retire from active racing involvement, but he continued to pursue his club activities until about 2 years ago.
Hilton is survived by 1 son, 2 grandchildren of 2 stepchildren and their families.