The passing of our president

Paul Standing

VMCC Sprint Section President

1st Dec 2022

It is with deep sadness that I have to report the recent death of our section president Paul Standing.

He lost his short fight with Cancer but put up one hell of a fight and his humour was there up to the end.

Paul officiated at Sprint, Grass and speedway meetings for over 40 years.

As well as being the president of the VMCC Sprint Section he was time keeper, Clerk of the Course, promoter and Steward among many of the other hats he wore for a range clubs and organisations.

To some Paul could be a Marmite character because his nature was to be to very to the point, but to those who really knew him he was exceptionally knowledgeable and always had the riders interests fully at heart. He competed in most forms of motorcycle sport but loved three wheelers both on grass, tarmac and shale. He was always supremely generous with letting others ride his bikes as encouragement to get people more involved in the sport. A real sportsman and he really knew how to swear!

If he saw a wrong he had no fear in getting involved to put it right and he always backed up his beliefs by standing by his convictions and following through on his promises. At the same time he tried to remain neutral and fair minded which served him well. He was mentored by the late Len Cole and the late Phil Manzano, among others, which gave him a solid understanding of how it all works. In turn he went on to mentor many others and always encouraged junior riders in all disciplines as he felt that they were the future of our sport.

His other passion was 50's and 60's Rock and Roll music. Another world in which he immersed himself fully either through promoting bands and dance nights, backing album releases or just enjoying the music. Paul did not want a funeral and arranged his own cremation, which epitomises his nature of getting things done in the background whilst hiding his light under a bushel.

I knew Paul for over three decades and I know of many who knew him for much longer. I for one will miss him very much as will his vast number of racing friends & family. I know his family plan to continue his legacy as this was also something very important to him.

The Sprint Section of the VMCC has lost one of its most significant and influential friends.

Rest in Peace

Andrew Forward

Paul Standing watching Andy Forward leave the line at Brighton

Paul Standing pictured at Brighton Speed Trials in 2009