Motorsport UK is deeply saddened by the passing of Sir John Rogers, a former Executive Chairman of the RAC Motor Sports Association, as the governing body was then known. He was 93 years old.

Air Chief Marshal Sir John Rogers enjoyed a long and distinguished career in the military – a former aircraft apprentice and Cold War fighter pilot who rose to serve on the Air Force Board of the Defence Council.

During his RAF career he maintained his long-standing interest in motorsport, and in the late 1980s took part in many events at Silverstone, Brands Hatch, Cadwell, and Donington Park. By this time, he had acquired LM6, a 1931 Aston Martin Team car, and regularly featured in races in the same event as his two sons who took it in turns to drive their second Aston Martin Le Mans.

Sir John’s motoring hobby eventually turned into a second career and in 1986 he became a director of David Wickens’ British Car Auctions, which encouraged him to renew collecting. His daughter’s wedding became a spur to buy a 1923 Rolls Royce. His job took him all over the world to different motoring events, and he regularly competed in classic car trials.

In 1989 Sir John became the executive chairman of the RAC Motor Sports Association, a position he held for 10 years before being made a Life Vice-President. In 1995 he became a member of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) World Motor Sport Council, a role which took him to many international Formula 1 events as an official and UK representative.

Our thoughts are with Sir John’s family and friends.